Idiographic and nomothetic approaches

What does the idiographic approach suggest

That psych should be the study of individuals to obtain detailed info and understand human behaviour better

What does the nomothetic approach suggest

That psych should be the study of large and varied groups to make generalisations and establish norms

What is the idiographic approach to psychological investigation like

The number of participants is small, often a single case (single individual or group or institution). The focus is on detail, understanding the individual. Most of the research is qualitative - data is then analysed and themes are identified. Conclusions may help other people going through similar experiences, or more widely help mental health professionals determine best practice

What approaches are idiographic

Humanistic and psychodynamic

Carl Rogers tried to explain the process of self-development through in-depth convos with clients in therapy

Freud’s careful observations of individuals were the basis of his explanations of human nature (e.g Little Hans used to explain how phobias might develop)

What is the nomothetic approach to psychological investigation like

Uses quantitative research - hypotheses are formed, samples of people or animals are assessed, numerical data is produced and analysed for statistical significance. The nomothetic approach seeks to quantify human behaviour

What approaches are nomothetic

The behaviourist and biological approach

Skinner studied animals to develop the general laws of learning

Sperry’s split-brain research which involved repeated testing was in part the basis for understanding hemispheric lateralisation

What is the key diff between the idiographic and nomothetic approach in terms of objective vs subjectiveness

The nomothetic approach is highly objective - laws of behaviour are only possible if methods of assessment are delivered in a standardised and objective way, ensuring replication occurs across samples of behaviour and removes the contaminating influence of bias

In contrast, w the idiographic approach, researchers tend not to believe objectivity in psych research is possible - it is people’s individual experience of their unique context that is important

What is a strength of the idiographic approach

The idiographic approach uses detailed qualitative methods to study individuals, providing insights that can complement the nomothetic approach. For example, single cases like HM can generate hypotheses or challenge general laws, offering valuable insights into normal functioning. This shows that, despite focusing on fewer individuals, the idiographic approach can still contribute to forming scientific laws of behavior

What is a counterpoint to the previous evaluation point

Supporters of the idiographic approach must recognise its limitations. Meaningful generalisations are hard to make without more examples, as there’s no baseline for comparison. Additionally, methods like case studies are less scientific, often relying on subjective interpretations that can be biased. This suggests that building effective general theories of human behaviour is difficult without nomothetic research

What is a strength of both approaches

Both the nomothetic and idiographic approaches align with the aims of science. Nomothetic research uses scientific methods like standardisation, control, and statistical testing to ensure objectivity. Similarly, idiographic research enhances validity through techniques like triangulation, comparing findings from multiple qualitative methods. Modern qualitative researchers also reflect on their biases and preconceptions as part of the research process(reflexivity). This shows that both approaches help raise psychology's status as a science

What is a limitation of the nomothetic approach

A limitation of the nomothetic approach is that it can overlook individual experiences. Focusing on general laws, like the 1% lifetime risk of schizophrenia, doesn’t explain what it’s like to live with the disorder. Understanding personal experiences could be valuable for developing effective treatments. This suggests the nomothetic approach may miss important aspects of human experience in its focus on generalities