nomothetic vs idiographic debate Flashcards
how would a nomothetic approach be carried out
large sample of targeted population
sample selection = representative of target population (random sampling)
use a testable hypothesis
(quantitative methods) numerical/ statistical data collected - conclusions for wider populations
what is the nomothetic approach
aim to produce general laws of human behaviour which provide a benchmark against which people can be compared, classified, measured.
future behaviour can be predicted and controlled
what 3 general laws has the nomothetic approach produced + example for each
classifying people into groups (DSM classifies people according to their mental health)
establishing principles of behaviour that can be applied to people in general (what’s the capacity of STM)
establishing dimensions along which people can be compared, classified and measured ( psychologist traits measured over years - F scale, locus of control)
what is the idiographic approach
attempts to explain the nature of individuals - people should be studied as UNIQUE ENTITIES, each with their own subjective experiences, motivations and values which all contribute to individual development
how can an idiographic approach be studied
case study
non numerical data (qualitative methods)
verbal explanations (thoughts, feelings and emotions)
participant and unstructured observations
unstructured interviews and THEMATIC ANALYSIS, open questions
positive EV idiographic approach
allows for in depth account of an individual’s traits and behaviour
Little Hans (FREUD) believed he was going through Oedipus complex (developed an intense and sexual love for his mother at 3-6 yrs) - identified his fear towards his father with a horse and his large penis (scared it could bite his as a representation of his father castrating his for feelings towards mother)
= can determine why behaviour occurs due to level of depth - insight gained from smaller sample.
= helpful in understanding origins of behaviour
negative EV for idiographic but positive for nomothetic
less scientific than nomothetic approaches
- Milgram study (experiment) used standardised procedures in attempt to control external variables - easily replicable
= increase in internal validity of research - easier to establish cause and effect
= greater scientific credibility than idiographic approaches
positive EV of nomothetic
more practical applications than idiographic approach
- establishing general laws of behaviour allows psychologists to make predictions about future behaviour and even create interventions to address behaviours
- antidepressants - neurotransmitters in the brain increase the amount of serotonin released - which alleviate symptoms and help patients cope with their depression
= useful in identification and intervention of behaviours
settling the idiographic vs nomothetic approach debate
rather than saying each approach are mutually exclusive, its the view of many psychologists that behaviours can be considered from both perspectives.
- MILLON + DAVIS, research should start with a nomothetic approach, once general laws have been applied, focus switch to idiographic approach to develop understanding and theories
- case of KF helped modify theories and models of memory - lead to the creation of the WMM
= whilst trying to establish general patterns and theories of behaviour, should also consider individual case studies (rich, detailed data) to develop theories.
how would an idiographic approach be carried out on friendly behaviour of children
investigation of friendly behaviour of an individual child
- interview (unstructured) to carry out a case study of one child, focusing on their friendly behaviour
- results should not be used to generalise findings (nom laws) about friendly behaviour
