idiographic and nomothetic approaches

Question 1

define idiographic approach

Answer 1

approach to research that focuses more on the individual as a means to understanding behaviour better

Question 2

define nomothetic approach

Answer 2

approach that aims to study human behaviour through the development of general principles and laws by studying large and varied groups

Question 3

what type of research is idiographic typically

Answer 3

qualitative

Question 4

what methods are most suitable to gain data for the idiographic approach

Answer 4

unstructured interview
(participants are interviewed in depth and focus may be on a particular facet of human behaviour. Themes are identified. conclusions may help people going through similar things or help MH professionals to determine best practice)

Question 5

what approaches in psychology utilise the idiographic approach to research and give examples of where

Answer 5

humanistic approach
Carl Rogers - sought to explain the process of self development including the role of unconditional positive regard. This was derived from conversations with clients in therapy.

psychodynamic approach
Sigmund Freud - case study of Little Hans was used to explain how a phobia might develop

Question 6

what is the main aim of the nomothetic approach to research

Answer 6

to generalise to make laws - general principles of behaviour

and to quantify human behaviour

Question 7

what type of data is usually obtained when using the nomothetic approach to research

Answer 7

quantitative

Question 8

what methods are most suitable to gain data when using the nomothetic approach to research

Answer 8

structured questionnaire with closed questions (e.g: BSRI)

structured observation with behavioural categories

Question 9

what examples of approaches in psychology use the nomothetic approach to research and give an example of their use

Answer 9

Behaviourist approach
Skinner studied animals to develop general laws of learning

Biological approach
Many mental disorders are caused by a lack of serotonin therefore OCD can be treated using antidepressants that work on serotonin

Question 10

is the nomothetic approach objective or subjective

Answer 10

it is objective as it uses the scientific method : hypotheses are generated and then people or animals are tested in some way

laws of behaviour are only possible if method is standardised and objective
this ensures replication is possible and there is no bias

Question 11

is the idiographic approach objective or subjective

Answer 11

it is subjective as it focuses on the individuals experience in their unique context