Idiogrpahic Vs Nomothetic Flashcards

1
Q

Def idiographic

A

Focuses on uniqueness of individuals, everyone is different and no one should be compared

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2
Q

Examples of idiographic methods

A

In-depth interviews, case studies, qualitative and holistic data

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3
Q

Def nomothetic

A

Aims to make general laws about behaviours, allowing comparison to be made

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4
Q

Examples of idiographic

A
  • Maslow heirachy if need

- Freud’s psychodynamic approach

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5
Q

How is Maslow heirachy of needs idiographic

A

Humanistic approach focuses on individuals conscious experience of self, anti-scientific

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6
Q

3 examples of nomothetic

A
  • classifying people into groups using DSM
  • normal distribution curve
  • biological approach
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7
Q

How is classifying people using DSM nomothetic

A

Uses general laws about mental health disorders to classify people according to their symptoms shown

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8
Q

How is normal distribution curve nomothetic

A

Establishing dimensions, individuals plotted along curve to see how they compare with general population eg IQ

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9
Q

What is meant by the compromise

A

Idiographic and nomothetic can be used together because they compliment each other by giving fuller explanations and understanding of the behaviour

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10
Q

Two examples of a compromise

A
  • psychodynamic approach

- attachment

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11
Q

Hose is psychodynamic approach a compromise

A
  • idiographic case studies used to make nomothetic laws about certain behaviours
  • eg the unconscious has an important part in influencing behaviour
  • the psychosexual states of development are general laws but a person may have individual experiences and develop differently
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12
Q

How is attachment a compromise

A
  • case studies such a koluchova twins have added detailed insight
  • this insight is used to better understand how bowlbys theory of attachment my affect development
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13
Q

Strength of idiographic approach

A

Type of data collected

  • qualitative methods eg in depth interviews
  • gives rich and subjective information
  • detailed insight allowing researchers to explore with greater depth
  • useful for identifying new research
  • greater validity contributing to psychological understanding
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14
Q

Strength if nomothetic

A

Type of data collected

  • quantitative methods - larger samples easier to statistically analyse
  • researchers better able to formulate trends and patterns to explain common behaviour in large groups
  • good for comparisons with science, objective
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15
Q

Weakness of nomothetic

A

Level of detail

  • not much detail in rich depth because large population has little individual experienced
  • researchers can’t explore surrounding issues in great depth
  • using qualitative methods eg surveys could means social desirability affects results therefore can’t be used effectively
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16
Q

Strength of compliment

A

Combination leads to a much greater understanding

  • eg psychologists use general laws about how we use memories in decision making and processing tasks
  • eg multi store model is nomothetic but applied to everyone
  • combination of both has led to better understanding and can help develop ideas for future development