Assignment:

In the first two weeks of semester you completed the Individual Assessment Scales.

These scales included a number of questionnaires measuring your personality and other important individual differences. In the lecture and in the accompanying tutorial in week 5, we will discuss the Big 5 (also discussed in Lectures 2 & 3) and the HEXACO models of personality. In week 7 and the accompanying tutorial we will present the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) model of personality.

In the Individual Assessment Scales, the HEXACO model was measured with the Mini-IPIP6, while RST was measured using the Jackson 5. When you completed the Individual Assessment Scales, you will have received your scores on these (and other scales).

For the Individual Differences Assignment, you need to critically discuss your scores on just one of the HEXACO traits and just one of the RST traits. For example, you may choose to work on Extraversion from the HEXACO and BIS from the Jackson 5.

There are two parts to your assignment:

Part 1: Analysis

In your analysis, you firstly consider your score in relation to the average score for that trait (i.e., relative to the usual mean scores). As we have discussed in class, there is no such thing as a "good" or "bad" score on these measures. However, differences between people are meaningful: what do your scores say about you? In your answer, you should look at the information presented about the HEXACO and RST models in the lectures, tutorials and text-book (although the text provides limited information on Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory - this is discussed at length in the lecture), as well as in your own research using Griffith University's library resources.

Part 2: Implications

In Part 2, you will explain the implications for your academic performance of the HEXACO and RST scores you chose in Part 1. When discussing the implications, you should consider what your scores suggest is likely to happen for your grades, your study habits, and your way of thinking about and exploring new ideas. Your discussion of implications should conclude with a set of recommendations. In the recommendations, you might want to address questions such as:

- What habits should you maintain?
- What habits should you change?
- What are you already doing well?
- What new skills should you learn?
- What assistance should you seek?

Criteria & Marking:

The Individual Differences Assignment will be assessed against the following criteria:

- Use of Evidence (including personal observations and evidence from the Individual Assessment Scales)
- Use of Literature Sources, Concepts, Ideas etc.
- Logical Argument & Structure
- Valid Conclusions (especially practical applications)
- Presentation

Word Limit: 1500 words (see the Red Book)