Idiographic & Nomothetic

Question 1

Idiographic Approach

Answer 1

1) Focus is understanding the individual - but generalisations may be based on findings.

2) Number of pps is small, often 1 individual/group.

3) Qualitative research (e.g. questionnaires, case studies, interviews and observations) - focus is on quality rather than quantity.

Question 2

Idiographic Examples

Answer 2

1) Rogers’ ‘theory’ on role of unconditional positive regard in self-development was based on in-depth study of his clients.
2) Freud’s explanations of phobia was based on detailed case study of Little Hans over many years.

Question 3

Strengths of Idiographic

Answer 3

COMPLETE EXPLANATION

1) By focusing on the individual, a more complete explanation is likely compared to the nomothetic approach.

Question 4

Limitations of Idiographic

Answer 4

Qualitative data can be more subjective. For this reason, it can be seen as less scientific than nomothetic research.
(e.g. Case studies - difficult to generalise findings to a whole population.)

TIME CONSUMING
2) Large amounts of data collected - data collection is less efficient.

SUBJECTIVE
3) Doesn’t believe objectivity is possible in psychological research –> Believes it is ppl’s individual experience of their unique context that is important.

Question 5

Nomothetic Approach

Answer 5

1) Focuses on whole populations - Universal laws of behaviour are developed and applied in individual situations, e.g. therapy.

2) Quantitative research (e.g. lab studies and correlational research.) - Seek to quantify human behaviour.

Question 6

Nomothetic Examples

Answer 6

1) Skinner studied animals to develop general the laws of learning.

2) Sperry’s split-brain research involved repeated testing was partially the basis for understanding hemisphere lateralisation.

Question 7

Strengths of Nomothetic

Answer 7

SCIENTIFIC

1) Quantitative research made results scientific.
2) The studies can be highly controlled, avoid extraneous variables and bias.

OBJECTIVE DATA

1) Approach seeks standardised methods of assessing ppl –> this ensure true replication occurs across samples of behaviour & reduces bias.

Question 8

Limitation of Nomothetic

Answer 8

LOW ECOLOGICAL VALIDITY

1) Studies that use scientific research, such as laboratory studies, also tend to have low ecological validity - difficult to be applied to real life.

MISS DETAILS

2) By examining the whole population, some details are going to be missed or ignored.

INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE IS LOST

3) Focuses on general laws & may ‘lose the whole person’ within psychology.
E.g. Knowing about a 1% lifetime risk of SZ says little about having the disorder - which can be useful for therapeutic ideas.
–> Means in its search for generalities, nomo approach may sometimes fail to relate to ‘experience’.

Question 9

Strength of Debate

Answer 9

IDIO & NOMO APPROACHES WORK TOGETHER

1) Idio uses in-depth qualitative methods which compliments nomo approach by providing detail.
E.g. In-depth case studies such as HM may reveal insights about normal functioning which contribute to out overall understanding.
–> Suggests even though focus is on fewer individuals, idio approach may help form ‘scientific’ laws of behaviour.

Question 10

Strength of Debate

Answer 10

BOTH APPROACHES FIT WITH AIMS OF SCIENCE

1) Nomo research seeks objectivity through standardisation, control & statistical testing.
2) Idio also seeks objectivity through triangulation (comparing a range of studies), & reflexivity (researchers examine own biases).
–> Suggests both approaches raise psych’s status as a science.

Question 11

5 Approaches

Answer 11

Biological:
1) Nomothetic - Assumes human physiology is basically the same across a whole population.

Cognitive:
1) Nomothetic - Assumes that mental processes are largely the same across the population

Behaviourist:
1) Nomothetic - Look for cause and effect laws which can be applied across a population.

Psychodynamic:
1) Idiographic & nomothetic tendencies.
2) Idiographic because Freud studied behaviour in individuals (such as Little Hans) in case studies - Then used to develop broader, nomothetic laws.
3) Freud’s theory of psychosexual development was based on these studies, but Freud believed they could apply to everyone.

Humanistic:
1) Idiographic - Focuses on the individual as they strive towards self-actualisation –> Most studies involve qualitative research.