B2984 - Personality, Individual Differences and Cognitive Styles

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the students will know the theoretical models regarding personality and cognitive styles, and their historical development. Moreover, they will be provided with an overview of the main survey and measurement methods used in personality and cognitive styles.

Course contents

The program explores some topics related to the psychology of personality and cognitive styles. In particular, after a historical introduction to the definitions of personality and cognitive styles, and an overview of the measurements and tests available, the themes of personality and cognitive styles will be addressed concerning the processes of decision-making and embodiment, both in adulthood and in late adulthood.

Readings/Bibliography

• Slides and presentations
• Scientific papers
• Suggested readings:

- Manna, G. (2013). Introduzione alle tecniche di valutazione della personalità. Milano: Franco Angeli.

- Sternberg, R. J. (1998). Stili di pensiero. Differenze individuali nell’apprendimento e nella soluzione di problemi. Trento: Erickson.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, role-play, training and discussion

Assessment methods

The exam verifies the understanding of the course principles. To do that, a few course-congruent topics will be provided to the students during the course. Students are requested to choose one of them to develop their critical report on the topic. Report development can involve groups of students made of 3 students maximum. An oral presentation of the report will be offered to the class during the last lesson(s). During the presentation, the students are requested to integrate what was reported in class with inputs emerging from personally found research material or with what is reported in the texts and/or scientific articles recommended/indicated in class.

The evaluation of the work takes place in thirtieths. The exam is considered passed with a score of 18/30(L).
Marks are assigned considering the following indications:
1. Presentation limited to repeating the chosen topic as it was presented during the course; Absence of personal analysis and reasoning; Overall correct linguistic expressions → 18-19;
2. Presentation limited to repeating the chosen topic as it was presented during the course; Presence of personal analysis and reasoning; Overall correct linguistic expressions → 20-22;
3. Presentation of the chosen topic while connecting it to other topics presented during the course; Ability to make independent choices of critical analysis; Mastery of specific terminology → 23-25;
4. Presentation of the chosen topic while connecting it to other topics presented during the course; Ability to make independent choices of critical analysis and connection with external inputs; Full mastery of the specific terminology → 26-28.
5. Presentation of the chosen topic while connecting it to other topics presented during the course; Ability to make independent choices of critical analysis and connection with external inputs with a solid ability to argue and self-reflect; Full mastery of the specific terminology → 29-30L.
Moreover, the report evaluation will consider presentation clearance, the ability to connect the critics with external issues or topics, and the depth of the critics.

The use of compensatory or dispensatory subsidies is foreseen, as agreed with the teacher, for students with a diagnosis of DSA or another disability officially recognised and declared at the Service for students with disabilities and with DSA of the University of Bologna.
To take the exam, registration is required using the function on the Alma Esami website in observance of the established deadlines. In case of difficulty or problems, the student can contact the Didactic Secretariat.

Teaching tools

Power-point presentations, videos, paper-and-pencil practice materials.

This teaching program may undergo variations, please stay updated by visiting this page from time to time.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Ottoboni