Abstract
The study of individual differences is concerned with understanding the variations from person to person, such as through personality and cognition and how these differences are related to human behaviour. Fundamental to the study of individual differences has been the measurement of variation utilising a range of assessment and evaluation techniques. This chapter focuses on how an understanding of individual differences may contribute to building the professional capacities of individuals and groups. It utilises three educational research data sets to explore how individual differences in professional identity, teacher self-efficacy and personality preferences relate to the learning, teaching and research capacities and capabilities of individuals and groups in a range of educational contexts, and the value and limitations of an individual differences approach to researching capacity-building.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
Suggestions for further reading
Apperly, K. A. (2012). What is ‘theory of mind’? Concepts, cognitive processes and individual differences. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 65(5), 825–839. doi: 10.1080/17470218.2012.676055
Asheim, B. J., & Parrilli, M. D. (2012). Introduction: Learning and interaction — drivers for innovation in current competitive markets. In B. T. Asheim & M. D. Parrilli (Eds.), Interactive learning for innovation: A key driver within clusters and innovation systems (pp. 1–32). Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.
Bloodgood, J. M., & Chilton, M. A. (2012). Performance implications of matching adaption and innovation cognitive style with explicit and tacit knowledge resources. Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 10, 106–117. doi: 10.1057/kmrp.2012.3
Clark, D. A. (2012). Adaptation and development — issues, evidence and policy relevance. In D. A. Clark (Ed.), Adaptation, poverty and development: The dynamics of subjective well-being (Rethinking international development) (pp. 1–34). Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.
De George-Walker, L., Matthews. K. J., & Danaher, P. A. (2012). Capacities, connections, capital and capabilities: Considering bioecological and electrical engineering perspectives. In P. A. Danaher, L. De George-Walker, R. Henderson, K. J. Matthews, W. Midgley, K. Noble, M. A. Tyler, & C. H. Arden (Eds.), Constructing capacities: Building capabilities through learning and engagement (pp. 31–50). Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2014 Margaret Baguley, Patrick Alan Danaher, Andy Davies, Linda De George-Walker, Janice K. Jones, Karl J. Matthews, Warren Midgley and Catherine H. Arden
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Baguley, M. et al. (2014). Individual Differences. In: Educational Learning and Development: Building and Enhancing Capacity. Palgrave Pivot, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137392848_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137392848_9
Publisher Name: Palgrave Pivot, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-48343-3
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-39284-8
eBook Packages: Palgrave Education CollectionEducation (R0)