Idiographic and nomothetic approaches

Idiographic and Nomothetic debate

- The idiographic approach suggests that psychology should be the study of individuals because, by obtaining lots of detailed information about that individual (or group), we can understand human behaviour better. The nomothetic approach suggests that psychology should be the study of large and varied groups to make generalisations about what is typical in different aspects of human behaviour (establishing norms)

- This has implications for the types of research methods used. There is also a sense in which these two approaches overlap and both may have their place within a scientific study of the person

The idiographic approach to psychological investigation

- The number of participants in this is small, often a single case (single individual or group or institution). Some research might include information from family, friends or others, but the focus is on detail, such as what we could learn about this individual case. This does not mean that generalisations are not made - but the initial focus is about understanding the individual

The idiographic approach to psychological investigation- Qualitative research

- Most of this is this. For instance, research on depression would be based on first-hand accounts from a small number of people. Participants would be interviewed and the focus may be on a particular aspect of human behaviour, such as how they coped with their experience. Such data is then analysed and emergent themes are identified. Conclusions may help other people going through similar experiences, or more widely, may help mental health professionals determine best practice

The idiographic approach to psychological investigation- Examples in psychology

- This is most associated with the humanistic and psychodynamic approaches. For example Carl Rogers sought the explain the process of self-development including the role of unconditional positive regard. This was derived from in-depth conversations with clients in therapy. Freud's careful observations of individuals were the basis of his explanations of human nature, e.g. the case of Little Hans was used to explain how a phobia might develop

The nomothetic approach to psychological investigation

- The main aim of this is generalisation in order to create 'laws', i.e. create general principles of behaviour (theories) which then, for example, could be applied in individual situations such as drug therapy

The nomothetic approach to psychological investigation- Quantitative approach

- This most closely fits traditional models of the 'scientific method' in psychology. Hypotheses are formulated, samples of people (or sometimes animals) are assessed in some way (perhaps via a structured questionnaire or using psychological tests) and the numerical data produced is analysed for its statistical significance. It seeks to quantify human behaviour

The nomothetic approach to psychological investigation- Examples in psychology

- The behaviourist and biological approaches involve this even though they sometimes use small samples. For example, Skinner studied animals to develop the general laws of learning. His research looked at one aspect of behaviour in a few animals but the main aim was to establish general laws. Similarly, biological psychology may use a small sample, such as Sperry's split-brain research which involved repeated testing and was the basis for understanding hemispheric lateralisation

Evaluation of the idiographic approach- Strengths

- It contributes to the nomothetic approach. This 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 by challenging such laws. E.g. a single case may generate hypotheses for further study (such as the case of HM). Cases like HM may reveal insights about normal functioning which may contribute to our overall understanding

- This suggests that even though the focus is on fewer individuals, this approach may still help form 'scientific' laws of behaviour

Evaluation of the idiographic and nomothetic approach- Strengths

- They fit with the aims of science. 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. 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

- This suggests that both approaches raise psychology's status as a science

Evaluation of nomothetic approach- Weaknesses

- There can be a loss of understanding of the individual. The fact that this approach is preoccupied with general laws, prediction and control means it has been accused of 'losing the whole person' within psychology. E.g. 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 prove useful when it comes to devising appropriate treatment options, for example

- This means, in its search for generalities, this approach may sometimes fail to relate to 'experience'

Evaluation of the idiographic approach- Weaknesses

- Supporters of this 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 this approach, such as case studies, tend to be the least scientific in that conclusions often rely on the subjective interpretations 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