idiographic and nomothetic approaches Flashcards
AO1: idiographic approach
An approach to research that focuses on an individual case as a way of understanding behaviour
Most idiographic research would be qualitative, and would use self report methods such as unstructured interviews.
It is most associated with the humanistic approach e.g. Rogers idea about unconditional positive regard was derived from an in-depth conversation with clients in therapy. As well as the psychodynamic approach e.g. Freud carefully observed individuals like little Hans who was used to explain how a phobia might develop)
AO1: nomothetic
an approach that aims to study human behaviour through the development of general principles & universal laws. (looks at multiple people)
Is quantitative research and uses methods such as structure questionnaire.
Most associated with behaviourist approach e.g. Skinner studied animals to develop the general laws of learning. As well as the biological approach e.g. Sperry’s split brain research, although small, involved repeated testing and had a part in understanding hemispheric lateralisation.
AO3: strength- idiographic and nomothetic approaches work together.
However, idiographic approach on its own is restricted
P: idiographic and nomothetic approaches work together.
E: The idiographic approach uses in depth qualitative methods which complements the nomothetic approach by providing detail. In-depth case studies such as HM (damaged memory) may reveal insights about normal functioning which contribute to our overall understanding.
E: This could not be tested experimentally (nomothetical on large groups of people) as it would be unethical to destroy parts of someone’s brain to see how memory was affected.
L: This suggests that even though the focus is on fewer individuals, the idiographic approach may help form ‘scientific’ laws of behaviour.
HOWEVER, the idiographic approach on its own is restricted as there is no baseline for comparison. This suggests that it is difficult to build effective general theories of human behaviour in the complete absence of nomothetic research.
AO3: strength- both approaches fit with the aims of science
HOWEVER, idiographic approach can’t establish cause and effect
P: both approaches fit with the aims of science
E: The nomothetic approach is generally scientific because of the use of experimental (quantitative) methods, controlled measurement and the ability to predict behaviour. Idiographic research also seeks objectivity through triangulation (comparing a range of studies), and reflexivity (researchers examine their own biases).
L: This suggests that both the nomothetic and idiographic approaches raise psychology’s status as a science.
HOWEVER, the idiographic approach can be criticised for being inherently unscientific – in utilising qualitative methods they fail to properly establish cause and effect – acting as a weakness both in its failure to validate the view of psychology as a respectable science, and in its inability to reach a wider demographic of people outside the specific individuals studied.
AO3: limitation- nomothetic approach loses the ‘whole person’
P: it loses the whole person as it focuses on general laws.
E: For example, knowing about a 1% lifetime risk of schizophrenia says little about having the disorder – which might be useful for therapeutic ideas.
E: This means, in its search for generalities, the nomothetic approach may sometimes fail to relate to ‘experience’.
L: Therefore, doing a case study or conducting an unstructured interview with someone with schizophrenia will provide details nomothetic cannot uncover.
AO3: limitation of idiographic approach
P: the idiographic approach can result in a narrow and restricted view on behaviour.
E/E: Approaches such as the psychodynamic approach were developed after studying less than 20 case studies. Concepts such as the Oedipus complex were developed after only 1 case study (Little Hans).
L: This suggests that the approach does not generate enough scientific data from which we can draw objective conclusions.
