✓ Idiographic vs. Nomothetic (AO1)

Question 1

What is an Idiographic approach?

Answer 1

an approach that focuses more on the individual case as a means of understanding behaviour; studying ppl as unique ppl w subjective experiences

• detailed study of one individual or one group to provide in-depth understanding

Question 2

Methods used in Idiographic approach?

Answer 2

• small no. of ppts
• subjective experiences analysed
• focus is on understanding the individual, but generalisations may be made
• qualitative research
• interviews = unstructured

Question 3

Some examples of Idiographic approach?

Answer 3

• Clive Wearing
• Little Albert
• Humanistic approach
• Psychodynamic approach
• HM
• KF
• Little Hans

Question 4

What is a Nomothetic approach?

Answer 4

an approach that attempts to study human behaviour through the development of general principles & universal laws
= providing a benchmark for comparisons

• studying larger groups with the aim of discovering norms or laws of behaviour

Question 5

Methods used in Nomothetic approach?

Answer 5

• quantitative research
• general principles of behaviour are developed which are then applied in individual situations
• samples of people (or animals) gathered
• data analysed by statistical tests
• standardised methods
• objective
• easily replicated

Question 6

Some examples of Nomothetic approach?

Answer 6

• Schaffer & Emerson (60 working class mothers)
• biological approach
• meta-analysis e.g. Khonken
• Lorenz’s geese
• Skinner’s rats
• Asch
• Jacobs