ao3 nomothetic

Question 1

highly scientific methods

Answer 1

• use of research methods = produce reliable data through standardised conditions and a high level of control of extraneous and confounding variables
• parts of the target behaviour can be reliably measured through the use of operationalised behavioural categories, thus increasing the internal validity of the findings.
• findings will not be influenced by researcher bias, the findings have greater scientific creditability due to their method of collection.

Question 2

Enables unifying laws and general principles to be reliably established

Answer 2

• focus on objectively collecting reliable data has led to certain ‘norms’ or standards of behaviour is established, such as the average IQ score is 100.
• Such norms act as a good baseline comparison for intellectual abilities and mental disorders.

Question 3

Nomothetic and idiographic approaches may be complementary to each other, rather than contradictory.

Answer 3

Milton and Davis (1996) = that research should start with a nomothetic approach and once general laws have been produced the focus
should switch to an idiographic approach to develop our understanding and theories.Therefore, either approach can be used depending on the aims and nature of the research.

Question 4

may undervalue the impact of individual experiences

Answer 4

• criticised the nomothetic approach as ‘losing the whole person’ in psychology due to such an emphasis on establishing universal norms and unifying laws of behaviour.
  For example, research into the frequency of depression or bipolar disorder tells us little about the experiences of sufferers and so little about what treatments may be most beneficial.
• the nomothetic approach has done little to improve people’s lives in
  comparison to the idiographic approach.