Idiographic And Nomothetic Approaches Flashcards
What is meant by idiographic approach?
Understanding behaviour through studying individual cases.
What is meant by nomothetic approach?
Understanding behaviour through developing general laws that apply to all people.
idiographic vs nomothetic
Nomothetic approach:
“The nomothetic approach is based on the collection and examination of large amounts of quantitative data which are subjected to statistical analysis from which quantified probabilities can be derived.”
Idiographic approach:
“Idiographic research makes use of such techniques as in-depth interviews and case studies to focus on particular individuals or small groups, and seeks insight into the unique personal experience of its subjects through the generation of data that is largely qualitative rather than quantitative.”
objectivity and subjectivity
objectivity- nomothetic, laws + behaviours only possible if methods of assessment are delivered in standardised and objective way. Ensures true replication, across samples, removes contaminating influences of bias
subjective- individuals unique experiences = important
evaluation of idiographic vs nomothetic
+ve complete account
-ve critisicm of idiographic approach
-ve loss of understanding of individual
+ve complete account
P: strength of idiographic is it contributes to nomothetic approach
E: Idiographic methods delve deeply into individuals’ uniqueness, offering rich insights into their lives. They employ qualitative approaches like case studies and interviews to capture the complexity of individual experiences.
R: HM case study, valuable insights into memory and cognition by examining the unique case of a patient with severe amnesia. contributed to understanding of normal functioning and can challenge existing general laws or theories
Criticism: Critics argue that idiographic approaches, which focus on individual cases, struggle to make broad generalizations. Conclusions drawn from one case may not apply to wider populations. Methods like case studies, associated with idiographic research, are criticized for subjective interpretation and bias.
Why criticism is an issue: Critics of idiographic approaches stress the need for nomothetic methods to build effective theories of human behaviour. Nomothetic methods establish general laws through large-scale studies, complementing idiographic approaches. Without them, idiographic research may lack the foundation for robust generalizations about human behaviour.
-ve criticism of the idiographic approach
Point: Many psychologists criticize the idiographic approach.
Explanation: Prioritizes detailed data collection and understanding individual cases over seeking generalizable laws. Critics view it as unscientific due to its lack of focus on broad generalizations for prediction and control.
Research: Studies examining the effectiveness and validity of idiographic approaches compared to nomothetic approaches in psychology.
Criticism: Critics say idiographic research lacks scientific value because it prioritizes detailed data over simplicity needed for prediction and control.
Why criticism is an issue: Criticism of idiographic methods may limit acceptance and funding, hindering progress in psychology. It also questions the validity and utility of such research, potentially reducing its impact.
-ve loss of understanding of the individual
P- The nomothetic approach emphasizes laws, predictions, and control.
E- In psychology, the nomothetic approach focuses on establishing general laws, making predictions, and exerting control over phenomena, aiming to identify broad principles applicable to individuals or groups.
R- Nomothetic research utilizes statistical analyses, experimental designs, and identifies trends or patterns within populations.
C- Critics argue that the nomothetic approach neglects the individual’s holistic experience. By prioritizing general principles and statistical probabilities, it may overlook the unique perspectives, experiences, and nuances of individuals.
Y- Understanding individuals’ subjective experiences is crucial in fields like psychology for developing effective treatment options. Statistical probabilities alone cannot capture the full picture of someone’s experience with a disorder like schizophrenia, hindering the development of tailored interventions and meaningful support.
