Idiographic Vs Nomothetic

Question 1

Biological

Answer 1

Nomothetic:

The biological approach suggests that humans share similar physiology and that we can make universal laws regarding behaviour. Laboratory experiments are used to generate quantitative data to make generalisations.

Question 2

Behaviourism

Answer 2

Nomothetic:

The behaviourist approach creates general laws of behaviour (cause & effect, stimulus- response relationships) and uses laboratory experiments to generate quantitative data to make generalisations.

Question 3

Slt

Answer 3

Nomothetic:

SLT aims to establish general laws of behaviour (e.g. through observation, imitation of role models and reinforcement). SLT uses laboratory experiments to generate quantitative data to make generalisations.

Question 4

Cognitive

Answer 4

Nomothetic:

The cognitive approach typically uses nomothetic approaches to establish general laws of cognitive processing. However, case studies are sometimes used (e.g. patient KF, HM, etc.) utilising idiographic approaches.

Question 5

Psychodynamic

Answer 5

Nomothetic & Idiographic:

The psychodynamic approach uses nomothetic approaches to create general laws about innate drives however, it also takes into account the unique experience of early childhood experiences (idiographic).

Question 6

Humanist

Answer 6

Idiographic:

The humanistic approach is the only approach to focus on subjective human experience and makes no attempt to generalise.