idiographic and nomothetic approaches

Question 1

strength of the idiographic approach

Answer 1

1. complete account
   - contributes to the nomothetic approach
   - idiographic approach uses in debt qualitaitive methods of investigation proving a global description of one individual
   - sheds light on general laws
   - a single case may generate hypotheses for further study
   - cases like HM may reveal important insight about normal functioning which may contribute to our overall understanding
   HOWEVER should still acknowledge the narrow and redistricted nature of the idiographic approach as meaningful generalisations cannot be made so there is no adequate baseline to compare data
   methods such as case studies are not scientific and open to bias

Question 2

strength of both approaches

Answer 2

1. scientific credibility
   - both approaches fit with the aims of science
   - the processes involved in nomothetic research are similar to those used in natural science
   - establishing objectivity through standardisation control and statistical testing
   - idiographic approach also uses triangulation when findings form a range of studies using different qualitative methods are compared as a way of increasing their validity
   - modern qualitative researcher are careful to reflect upon their own biases and preconceptions as part of the research process
   - suggests that both the nomothetic and idiographic approaches raise psychology status as a science

Question 3

limitation of the nomothetic approach

Answer 3

1. losing the person
   - preoccupied with general laws predictions and control means it has been accused of loosing the whole person within psychology
   - knowing there is a 1% risk of developing schizophrenia tells us little about what life is like for someone who has been diagnosed with it
   - understanding the subjective experience may be useful when devising appropriate treatment options

Question 4

objective vs subjective

Answer 4

• objectivity lies at the heart of the nomothetic approach
• laws of behaviour are only possible if methods of assessments delivered in a standardised and objective way
• ensures true replication occurs across samples of behaviour and removes the contaminating influences of bias
• researchers within the idiographic approach believed that objectivity in psychological research is not possible
• people’s individual experiences of their unique context is important.

Question 5

nomothetic approach to psychological investigation

Answer 5

• main aim is generalisations in order to crest laws
• general principles of behaviour which could be applied in individual situations such as drug therapy

Question 6

Quantitative research

Answer 6

• nomothetic research most closely fits traditional models of the scientific method
• hypotheses are formulated samples of people are asses and the numerical data produced is analysed for its statistical significance
• nomothetic approach seeks to quantify human behaviour

Question 7

examples of the nomothetic approach in psychology

Answer 7

• behaviourist and biological approach
• Skinner studied animals to develop the general laws of learning
• biological psychology may use a small sample (Sperry’s split brain research) but uses the basic understanding of hemispheric lateralisation

Question 8

the idiographic approach to psychological investigation

Answer 8

• small participant size
• might include information from family or friends
• initial focus on detail

Question 9

Qualitative research

Answer 9

• most idiographic research is qualitative
• research on depression would be based on a first hand account from a small number of people
• participants interviewed in depth and the focus on a particular facet of human behaviour eg how participants coped with their experience
• data is analysed and themes are identified
• conclusions may help others going through the same thing or help mental health professionals determine best practices

Question 10

examples of idiographic approach in psychology

Answer 10

• humanistic and psychodynamic approach
• Rogers sought to explain the process of self development including the role of unconditional positive regard
• derived form in dept conversations with clients in therapy
• Frueds observation of individuals was the basis of his explanation of human nature and the case of little Hans was used to explain how a phobia might develop