I&D6. Idiographic and Nomothetic Flashcards
1
Q
Idiographic
A
- individual focus, emphasises uniqueness, richness of individual experience
- qualitative data
- e.g. Patient HM, Clive Wearing
2
Q
Idiographic Example (Psychodynamic)
A
- Psychodynamic
- Case Studies, In-Depth Reviews; collect Qualitative Data from Little Hans
- formed basis of Oedipus and Electra Complexes
3
Q
Nomothetic
A
- general laws of behaviour, group studies
- statistical, quantitative data
- scientific method improves validity of generalisability of principles of behaviour, as extraneous variables are controlled
4
Q
Nomothetic Example (Behaviourist)
A
- stimulus-response links (cause+effect)
- lab experiments used to draw reliable conclusions
5
Q
Idiographic Example (Cognitive)
A
- objective measurement methods (EEG and PET scans)
- can infer about general mental processes
6
Q
+ Eval: IDI: qualitative data allows for a more complete and in-depth account
A
- may support existing theories, or even challenge general laws
- e.g. HM and Clive Wearing demonstrated Localisation of Function (LTM)
- which led to further research
7
Q
- Eval: IDI: Difficult to Generalise
A
- Case Studies struggle to be generalised beyond the individual
- Generalisations cannot be made without further examples to compare with
- therefore doesn’t improve scientific credibility of psychology
8
Q
+ Eval: NOM: Scientific Rigour
A
- methods use standardised conditions
- extraneous and confounding variables highly controlled
- operationalised behaviour categories
- no researcher bias
9
Q
- Eval: NOMO: devalue individual experience
A
- ‘losing the whole person’ due to trying to establish general laws
- research into general frequency (quantitative/statistical data) of depression had done little to inform us of experiences of sufferers themselves
10
Q
+ Eval: Approaches may be complimentary
A
- focus should begin with nomothetic approach, to establish general laws
- focus should then shift to idiographic approach to develop understanding
