Nomothetic VS idiographic

Question 1

Define nomothetic approach

Answer 1

The approach seeks to establish general laws [rules] about behaviour that can be applied across any given population. Therefore, the approach is concerned with quantitative data and makes use of scientific methods such as experiments. eg The Behaviourists conducted experiments with animals in order to establish the principles of learning.

Question 2

Evaluate the nomothetic approach -

Answer 2

J The nomothetic approach is scientific as it uses experimental methods to make predictions about behaviour.
Ø In psychology we aim to predict behaviour in order to understand human behaviour and to treat abnormal behaviour. E.g. if you have established a ‘law’ which shows that low levels of serotonin lead to depression, then you can create a treatment to combat the low levels of serotonin.
Therefore, the nomothetic approach is useful in developing biological treatments for disorders such as depression or OCD. It also makes use of scientific experimental methods.

HoweverL The nomothetic approach only provides a superficial understanding of human behaviour. You cannot apply ‘rules’ to humans who are fundamentally unique beings.
E.g. two people may be diagnosed with the same psychological disorder but display different symptoms

Question 3

Define idiographic approach -

Answer 3

The assumption that humans are unique and should be studied in an individual way. It argues that generalising from person to person is difficult because of their uniqueness. Therefore, the approach is concerned with qualitative data and only makes use of non-experimental methods such as case studies. Eg Freud’s case study of Little Hans.

Question 4

Evaluate the idiographic approach -

Answer 4

L The Idiographic approach is unable to (a) make generalisations to the wider population and to (b) make predictions about human behaviour.
This has limitations for the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders as it would be too time-consuming to produce personalised therapies for each individual.

Question 5

Evaluate the idiographic and nomothetic approaches as a combined approach -

Answer 5

Holt (1967) argued that the idiographic vs. nomothetic distinction is false because many psychological approaches make use of both. For example, cognitive psychologists typically use nomothetic approaches to study cognitive processes (e.g. memory experiments based in a lab), but they also rely on case studies (e.g. HM) to find evidence for a theory (idiographic). Therefore, the two approaches should not be treated as mutually exclusive but as being complimentary to one another.