Individual Differences: A Review
DEFENCE AND CIVIL INST OF ENVIRONMENTALMEDICINE DOWNSVIEW (ONTARIO)
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Differential psychology refers to the objective and quantitative investigation of individual differences in behaviour. While the notion that individual differences exist can be dated back to Plato in 400 B.C., the systematic study of individual differences and psychometrics did not begin until the early 1900s. The following paper will a trace the history of individual differences research, b explore the methods of measuring individual differences, c identify the causes of individual differences, d provide evidence attesting to the long term stability of individual differences, e provide evidence that individual differences in intelligence and personality traits can be used to predict success in both civilian and military jobs, and f provide evidence that individual differences in intelligence and personality traits can be used to predict leadership and creativity. Finally, this paper will highlight some of the criticisms of the current individual differences research and suggest future directions for researchers in this field.