The Individual differences area (Areas)

Question 1

Defining principles of the area

Answer 1

Looks at why people fall out of the ‘normal’ range
Focuses on why people differ and the reasons for these differences
Develop an understanding of disorders
Also concerned with how to measure differences between people

Question 2

Concepts within the area

Answer 2

Measuring differences
Understanding mental disorders
Intellectual ability

Question 3

Which studies are in the area and why

Answer 3

Freud’s study falls within the individual differences area because it is investigating a way in which people differ- namely, by experiencing phobias.

Gould’s study falls within the individual differences area because it is reviewing an attempt by Yerkes to develop a way of measuring how individuals differ (in terms of their native intellectual ability)

Question 4

Strengths of the approach

Answer 4

Case study methods used can allow lots of detailed, qualitative data to be gathered

Allows us to understand the causes of disorders and develop treatments

Question 5

Weaknesses of the approach

Answer 5

Research investigating abnormal behaviours can be socially sensitive

Often focuses on those with disorders and so results are not generalisable