nomothetic and idiographic A03 Flashcards
complete account
P) One strength of the idiographic approach is that it contributes to the nomothetic approach.
E) The idiographic approach uses in-depth qualitative methods of investigation and this provides a global description of one individual. This may complement the nomothetic approach by shedding further light on general laws or indeed by challenging such laws.
E) For example, a single case may generate hypotheses for further study (see the case of HM, right) - the pebble that starts an avalanche.
Cases like HM may reveal important insights about normal functioning which may contribute to our overall understanding.
L) This suggests that even though the focus is on fewer individuals, the idiographic approach may still help form scientific laws of behaviour
counterpoint - complete account
supporters of the idiographic approach should
still acknowledge the narrow and restricted nature of their work. Meaningful generalisations cannot be made without further examples, as this means there is no adequate baseline with which to compare behaviour. In addition, methods associated with the idiographic approach, such as case studies, tend to be the least scientific in that conclusions often rely on the subjective interpretation of the researcher and, as such, are open to bias.
This suggests that it is difficult to build effective general theories of human
behaviour in the complete absence of nomothetic research.
scientific credibility
P) one strength of both approaches is that they fit in the aims of science.
E) the processes involved in nomothetic research are similar to those used in the natural sciences, for example establishing objectivity through standardisation, control and statistical testing
E) However, researchers using the idiographic approach also seek to objectify their methods. For example, triangulation is used whereby findings from a range of studies using different qualitative methods are compared as a way of increasing their validity. Also, modern qualitative researchers are careful to reflect upon their own biases and preconceptions as part of the research process
L) This suggests that both the nomothetic and idiographic approaches raise
psychology’s status as a science.
losing the person
P) One limitation of the nomothetic approach is loss of understanding of the individual.
E). The fact that the nomothetic approach is preoccupied with general laws, prediction and control means it has been accused of losing the whole person’ within psychology.
E) For example, knowing that there is a 1% lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia tells us little about what life is like for someone who has been diagnosed with the disorder. understanding the subjective experience of schizophrenia might well prove users when it comes to devising appropriate treatment options,
L) This means, in search for generalities, the nomothetic approach may sometimes fail to relate to experience
