idiographic vs nomothetic Flashcards
1
Q
what does idiographic mean?
A
an approach focused on the individual and emphasises the unique personal experience
2
Q
what does nomothetic mean?
A
an approach concerned with establishing general laws - based on studies of large groups of people
3
Q
what are some idiographic methods?
A
- case studies
- unstructured interviews
- thematic analysis
4
Q
what are some nomothetic methods?
A
- experiments
- correlational research
- psychological testing
5
Q
what approaches are idiographic?
A
- humanistic
6
Q
what approaches are nomothetic?
A
- Biological
- Behavioural
- Social Learning Theory
7
Q
strengths of Idiographic approach
A
- KF case study exposed a limitation of the MSM by showing our STM is made of 2 components - demonstrates how a single case study can generate further research and new theories
- It uses in-depth methods of investigation - investigations provide a complete account of the individual allowing development of existing laws (e.g. HM on memory function)
8
Q
strength of Nomothetic approach approach
A
- is viewed as scientific so it is useful for predicting and controlling behaviour - E.g Biological psychologists are nomothetic when explaining OCD (caused by dopamine imbalance) and allows for creation of drug therapies
9
Q
what is the false distinction for this arguement?
A
many approaches use both idographic and nomothetic techniques
- using nomothetic methods to establish general laws
- using idiogrpahic methods to argue for / against a particular theory
