Idiographic and nomothetic approaches Flashcards

1
Q

What is an idiographic approach?

A

An approach to research which focuses on the individual case and emphasises on uniqueness in order to understand human behaviour

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2
Q

What is a nomothetic approach?

A

An approach to research which seeks to formulate general laws of human behaviour based on the study of groups.

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3
Q

Which type of data does an idiographic approach focus on?

A

Qualitative data

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4
Q

Which type of data does a nomothetic approach focus on?

A

Quantitative data

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5
Q

Which approaches take a nomothetic approach?

A

Behaviourism, cognitive, biological

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6
Q

Which approaches take an idiographic approach?

A

Psychodynamic and humanism

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7
Q

What is the strength of the ideographic approach?

A

Helps evaluate and develop new theories:
The idiographic approach uses case studies to collect qualitative data, which can prove useful in evaluating psychological theories.
E.g. Case study of KF exposed a limitation of the Multi-store Model of Memory – showed that our STM comprises of at least two components (auditory and visual memory) and not one.
A single case study can generate further research into a phenomenon (e.g. memory), which contributes to the development of new theories that further our understanding of human behaviour.
COUNTER-ARGUMENT- Case study method is time-consuming and can lead to the development of universal theories, which are based on unrepresentative and limited data.
E.g. Freud’s case study of Little Hans consists of detailed descriptions of the events in Little Hans’ life.

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8
Q

What is the limitation of the ideographic approach?

A

Unscientific nature:
The emphasis on in-depth data collection and the difficulties in arriving at justifiable generalisations contradicts the central purpose of any mature science. This inability to produce general laws limits its usefulness as a source of practical knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.
COUNTER-ARGUMENT- It has been argued that the idiographic approach also seeks to objectify their methods. E.g. Use of triangulation findings from a range of studies using different qualitative methods are compared as a way of increasing validity. Also modern qualitative researchers are careful to reflect upon own biases as part of research process.

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9
Q

What is the strength of the nomothetic approach?

A

Scientific credibility giving practical applications:
The nomothetic approach makes use of experimental methods and controlled measurements. It is useful for predicting and controlling behaviour.
E.g. Drug therapies are developed on the basis of nomothetic research. SSRIs are used to treat OCD and increase the availability and uptake of serotonin and reducing the anxiety associated with OCD.
COUNTER-ARGUMENT: Drug treatments are not successful for all patients. Some psychologists argue that alternate treatments (e.g. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), which are based on an idiographic approach, are more suitable for treating individuals  they seek to understand and explain the disorder from a patient’s point of view.

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10
Q

What is the limitation of the nomothetic approach?

A

Superficial understanding of behaviour:
The nomothetic approach fixates on quantitative data and statistical analysis- can lead to losing sight of ‘whole person’ and providing a superficial understanding of human behaviour.
E.g. Milgram’s research found that 65% of participants obeyed an authority figure and inflicted a 450-volt electric shock because they were ordered to do so. However, the results fail to explain why each person obeyed, and there may have been very different circumstances that led to the obedience found in each participant.

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11
Q

What is evidence for the combined approach?

A

A Combined Approach?
Holt (1967) argues that the ideographic/nomothetic distinction is a false distinction. Many approaches in psychology take advantage of both approaches- the two approaches can be viewed as complementary rather than contradictory.
E.g. Cognitive psychologists take a nomothetic approach and create general laws (e.g. the Working Memory Model), they also take advantage of the idiographic approach when using case studies to provide evidence for a particular theory (e.g. Patient KF, 1970). In reality, many research studies make use of both approaches and psychologists should employ both methods.

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