5. Idiographic and Nomothetic Approaches Flashcards
1
Q
define the nomothetic approach
A
where the study of personality compares individuals through traits common to everyone
2
Q
what are the strengths of the nomothetic approach
A
- takes an objective approach to formulate causal laws
- means causal laws have real life application to make predictions on peoples behaviours
3
Q
what are the limitations of the nomothetic approach
A
- predictions made about groups may lead to stereotypes which may not apply to individuals
- loses sight of the whole person
4
Q
define the idiographic approach
A
looks at personality based on how behaviours differ from each other
5
Q
what is the strength of the idiographic approach
A
- focuses on the individual which means that you can predict what a person will do in any situation
6
Q
name a limitation of the idiographic approach
A
- time consuming and costly as it studies individuals in depth
