Issues And Debates: Idiographic And Nomothetic Approach Flashcards
What is the idiographic approach?
a method of investigating behaviour which focuses on individuals and emphasises their uniqueness. Subjective and rich human experience is used, without the aim to develop general laws or principles. Focus on the quality of information, rather than the quantity.
What data odes the idiographic approach use?
Qualitative data
What’s an example of the idiographic approach?
the studies of HM and KF, where the approach was used in the form of case studie, and informed further research into the different types of long term memory.
What’s another example of the idiographic approach?
the psychodynamic approach, Freud used case studies and in-depth interviews to collect qualitative data from Little Hans. Consists of 150 pages of quotes recorded by his father. However Freud also suggested all children go through the psychosexual stages, which is more nomothetic approach.
What’s the strengths of the idiographic approach?
1) its focus on the individual (Gordon Allport argues that only by knowing the person as a person, we can predict what the person will do in any given situation) 2) complete understanding of the individual 3) findings can serve as a source of ideas or hypotheses for later studies 4) individual feels valued and unique.
What are some of the weaknesses of the idiographic approach?
1) can’t produce general predictions (yet Allport argues you could if detailed observations on few individuals)
2) narrow and restricted perspective (doesn’t improve scientific credibility)
3) lacks scientific rigour as rely heavily on subjective interpretation.
What’s the nomothetic approach?
seeks to formulate general laws and theories of behaviour, based on the study of groups and use of statistical, quantitive techniques. Summarises the differences between people through generalisations to accurately predict and control behaviour. Uses scientific methods
Who thinks the nomothetic approach has produced 3 general laws?
Redford and Kirby
How is the biological approach an example of the nomothetic approach?
portrays the basis of how the brain and body works by using brain scans to make inferences of localisation of brain functions (e.g. PET scans by Tulving, helped establish that semantic memories were recalled from left prefrontal cortex, whilst episodic memories from the right)
How is the cognitive approach an example of the nomothetic approach?
Uses objective methods of measuring brain activity and understanding typical memory processes, such as EEGs, gives inferences about the workings of mental processes
What’s another example of the nomothetic approach?
Behaviourists explain all behaviour in terms of simple stimulus. response links which have been learnt through experience. Lab experiments with strict controls allow for a ‘cause and effect’ (e.g. classical and operant conditioning)
What’s a theory linked to the nomothetic approach?
Hans Eysenck’s type trait theory- assumes there is a small number of traits that account for the basic structure of all personalities.
What are the strengths of the nomothetic approach?
1) Highly scientific methods (allow for replication and generalisation)
2) Combines biological and social aspects
3) Methods are objective and measurable.
What are some weaknesses of the nomothetic approach?
1) predictions may be made about groups that may not apply to individuals
2) losing sight of the ‘whole’ person
3) Gives a superficial understanding (people may act the same but for different reasons)
4) controlled lab experiments creates a lack of generalisation to everyday life.
What does Millon and Davis (1996) suggest about the approaches being complementary?
research should start with a nomothetic approach and once general laws have been established, reseach can then lead to a more idiographic approach to develop the understanding of theories.
