idiographic and nomothetic approaches Flashcards
idiographic approach
Focuses on individuals and seeks to understand unique aspects of human experience
Emphasizes detailed, in-depth studies of single cases or small groups.
nomothetic approach
seeks to establish general laws or principles that can explain behaviour across large groups of people
often uses quantitative methods such as experiments or surveys.
What methods are typically used in the idiographic approach
Qualitative methods
Case studies
Unstructured interviews
Diaries
What methods are typically used in the nomothetic approach
Quantitative methods
Experiments
Surveys
Statistical analysis
goal of the idiographic approach
Understanding the unique experiences and meanings of an individual
Focuses on personal insights rather than generalisations
goal of the nomothetic approach
Establishing general laws or theories that apply to everyone
Aims to draw broad conclusions applicable to large populations
an example of the idiographic approach
Freud’s case studies, such as Little Hans
Focused on individual experiences and unresolved conflicts
an example of the nomothetic approach
Milgram’s obedience study
Identified universal principles of obedience through statistical analysis
in attachment theory, how would the idiographic approach be applied
Focus on individual differences in attachment patterns
Explores unique family dynamics affecting a child’s attachment style
In attachment theory, how would the nomothetic approach be applied
Bowlby’s theory of attachment proposes universal attachment behaviours
Aims to establish patterns applicable to all infants
an idiographic approach example in the study of phobias
A case study exploring a specific individual’s phobia
Focuses on unique emotional triggers and personal history
a nomothetic explanation of phobias
Behaviourist explanation via classical conditioning and operant conditioning
Proposes that phobias can be learned through environmental associations
How does the idiographic approach view gender identity
Explores individual experiences and personal understanding of gender
Considers family, culture, and self-concept
How does the nomothetic approach view gender development
Identifies universal biological laws, such as the role of chromosomes and hormones
Aims to explain gender development applicable to all humans
