Idiographic And Nomothetic Flashcards

1
Q

Define idiographic.

A

People are studied as unique entities which have their own subjective experiences and motivations.

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2
Q

Define nomothetic.

A

Focuses on similarities between people and attempts to establish a general law.

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3
Q

Give one example of a topic area which demonstrates the nomothetic approach.

A

Using SSRIs to treat OCD.
Establishes a general treatment and assumes each sufferers cause is all similar.

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4
Q

Give one example of an idiographic approach.

A

Maslows hierarchy of needs.
Everyone moves up hierarchy differently.

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5
Q

Explain one weakness of the nomothetic approach.

A

Focuses only on general laws.
Only tends to use quantitative data, so lacks details of qualitative data e.g. knowing that there is a 1% risk of getting schizophrenia says little about what may cause it to develop.
Theories are too simple as they fail to take into account individual differences.

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6
Q

Explain one weakness of an idiographic approach.

A

Cannot generalise findings to all people.
Usually uses case studies - longitudinal research into an individual or small group.
Do not provide enough evidence to be able to apply to others especially people of other genders, age and culture.

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7
Q

Describe one strength of the nomothetic approach.

A

Highly scientific.
Tend to use highly controlled, standardised, lab experiments to produce quantitative data.
This helps to maintain objectivity in research.

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8
Q

How are idiographic theories usually created?

A

Case studies.
Producing qualitative data.

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9
Q

How are nomothetic laws usually studied?

A

Questionnaires to study large groups of people
Produce quantitative data.

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