Individual Differences Approach

Question 1

Assumptions?

Answer 1

Individuals differ in their behaviour and personal qualities so not everyone can be considered the “average person”.

Question 2

Strengths?

Answer 2

• suggest causes of rare mental disorders
• suggests why individuals behave in ways they cannot explain themselves
• emphasises qualitative date= validity

Question 3

Weaknesses?

Answer 3

• unrepresentative samples
• interpretation so may not be objective + open to bias= lowers validity
• based on concepts difficult to test= lowers reliability

Question 4

Similarity and difference between R and T&C

Answer 4

Similarity=
Both deal with psychiatric problems

Difference=
R a pp observation study
T&C a case study

Question 5

Similarity and difference between R and G?

Answer 5

S= conducted irl environments
D= R deals with psychiatric problems
G deals with what could be a ^

Question 6

Similarity and difference between G and T&C.

Answer 6

S= both quantitative+qualitative data
D= T&C a case study
G a natural exp and observation

Question 7

Case studies?

Answer 7

1. Thigpen & Cleckley
2. Griffiths
3. Rosenhan