Individual Differences Psychology

Individual Differences: Psychology Definition

We all recognize the differences we observe between ourselves and others. We might notice different nuances of personality in our friends or family members. We also notice different behaviors and ways of thinking in other ethnic groups or cultures. Some differences are a product of our gender. Have you ever wondered how the field of psychology defines individual differences?

Individual differences are especially important to the field of differential psychology.

From an evolutionary perspective, individual differences are important. Evolutionary psychologists are interested in the differences that have arisen in our psychology and behavior that have helped our species adapt and survive. These differences have given us a helpful advantage by aiding our longevity.

Social psychologists see our differences as products of the different groups we belong to. We are socialized by our family, friends, culture, and social groups. This means that these groups influence the way we think and behave.

Measurement of Individual Differences in Psychology

Psychologists use a variety of methods to measure, assess, and study individual differences. Certain measurement methods might be more advantageous depending on the trait or behavior that is being studied. Three important ways of measuring individual differences are through observations, controlled lab experiments, and surveys or questionnaires.

Observations

Observations can be advantageous because they examine someone’s spontaneous behavior in a situation or environment.

Fig. 1 - Scientist working in a lab

Controlled Lab Experiments

Experiments can take many forms in the science of psychology.

As the name suggests, these types of experiments are done in a lab. This allows researchers to have maximum control of the variables they hope to measure and assess. These types of experiments are used by most psychological researchers.

Surveys and questionnaires

Surveys and questionnaires are some of the most widely used forms of measurement. Perhaps you’ve even filled one out before. Maybe at school to give feedback about your courses, or even on the street or at the mall. It’s common for people to hand out surveys when it gets close to election time or the beginning of a new school term.

Surveys are easy to administer. You simply have to mail or hand them out. However, they rely on the willingness of participants to fill them out or return them.

Because surveys are usually conducted anonymously, subjects may be more likely to give honest responses and opinions.

Individual Differences in Educational Psychology

Educational psychology is one field that can benefit greatly by understanding individual differences.

Highlighting individual differences in educational psychology can apply to intelligence, learning style, and motivation.

Intelligence

Early researchers theorized that intelligence was a single, generalizable quality called the g-factor. They thought people were either intelligent or they were not. Thankfully, intelligence research has progressed, and we now have a more dynamic and comprehensive understanding of what intelligence is, which also accounts for the individual differences in intelligence that we observe.

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be more or less intelligent? How do we explain the individual differences in intelligence? It turns out that there are a few factors, like genetics and environmental factors, that make us all different in terms of intelligence.

Genetics

Countless studies have shown that there is an undeniable heritability to intelligence.

Environmental Factors

There is also evidence that environmental effects can be just as strong an influence - if not more! - on individual differences in intelligence.

Environmental factors can include culture, setting (urban, suburban, rural, conflict area), economic and domestic status, education, prejudice, home environment, and parent’s education -- all of these influence individual differences in intelligence.

Fig. 2 - Classroom with teacher and students

Learning Style

Gardner’s theory played a part in the way our understanding of learning has evolved over time. Because we all have individual differences in intelligence, we understand things better or worse depending on how these things are presented to us.

There has been a revolution in teaching style over the last few decades, to harness the strengths of each student’s particular learning style. Schools and teachers are encouraging a curriculum that encompasses a variety of approaches, so that all learners will be included, stimulated, and enriched.

Motivation

Motivation plays an important role in education. If you are not motivated to learn, chances are you won't. What drives you to succeed or even to pursue specific things over others?

There are several different types of motivation, and we are all different in what specifically drives and motivates us. You might study hard in order to fit in with an intellectual friend group. Or perhaps to make your parents proud. Personal motivation comes from individual internal desires. You might notice that the things that motivate your friends are not the same as those that inspire you.

Individual Differences vs Universal Principles in Psychology

Individual differences vs universal principles in psychology is an ongoing issue similar to the nature vs nurture debate. Do psychologists focus on what makes us different or what makes us the same?

Neuroscientists may focus on what makes us the same, such as specific hormones that prime us for sexual behavior. On the other hand, humanistic psychologists may take a special interest in individual differences, believing that all behavior is a reflection of a person's unique qualities.

Individual Differences in Psychology: Strengths and Weaknesses

So what are the strengths and weaknesses of considering individual differences in psychology rather than universal principles? Let's take a look: