Idiographic and nomothetic approaches

• What are the two approaches in the debate regarding individual study?

  Idiographic and nomothetic
• What does the idiographic approach focus on?

  The uniqueness of an individual case
• What does the term 'idiographic' derive from?

  Greek term ‘idios’ meaning private
• How does the idiographic approach view general laws of behavior?

  It considers them irrelevant to individual cases
• Which psychological approach suggests every individual is unique?

  Humanistic psychology
• What type of methods are best suited to idiographic approaches?

  Qualitative methods
• What does the term 'nomothetic' derive from?

  Greek term ‘nomos’ meaning law
• What does the nomothetic approach aim to do?

  Generalize from a wider group studied
• How does the nomothetic approach study behavior?

  By studying a sample to form general laws
• Which psychological approach uses brain scans for generalizations?

  Biological approach
• What type of methods are best suited to nomothetic approaches?

  Quantitative methods
• Why is the nomothetic approach considered more scientific?

  It uses objective and empirical methods
• What is a benefit of larger sample sizes in nomothetic research?

  Findings can be generalized to the population
• What is a characteristic of nomothetic methods?

  They are more replicable
• What is the main focus of qualitative methods in idiographic approaches?

  To explore individual experiences deeply
• What is a strength of the nomothetic approach?

  It has led to drug therapies for SZ.
• What biological factor is associated with the cause of schizophrenia (SZ)?

  High dopamine activity
• What does the nomothetic explanation suggest about SZ?

  It applies to all people with SZ.
• Why is drug treatment appropriate for SZ according to the nomothetic approach?

  It addresses biochemical imbalance.
• What percentage of people with SZ are successfully treated by typical antipsychotic drugs?

  70%
• What does the effectiveness of typical antipsychotic drugs suggest about nomothetic methods?


  They have led to successful treatments.
• What limitation does the effectiveness of treatments for SZ highlight about the nomothetic approach?

  It does not account for individual experiences.
• How is CBT characterized in relation to the idiographic approach?

  It listens to the individual’s unique viewpoint.
• What is the effectiveness of CBT for people with SZ?

  It helps manage symptoms but not cure.
• What does the conclusion suggest about the approaches needed to understand behavior in SZ?

  Both nomothetic and idiographic approaches are needed.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the idiographic approach?

  Strengths:

  • Focuses on individual experiences
  • Provides detailed qualitative data

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Limited generalizability
  • Less scientific than nomothetic methods
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the nomothetic approach?

  Strengths:

  • More scientific and controlled methods
  • Establishes norms of typical behavior

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Too focused on general laws
  • Ignores individual human experiences
• What does the idiographic approach focus on in psychological research?

  Individuals
• What is a limitation of the idiographic approach regarding generalizations?

  Meaningful generalizations cannot be made.
• How does the nomothetic approach contribute to scientific credibility in psychology?

  It uses controlled methods and standardized procedures.
• What is the average IQ score established by nomothetic research?

  100
• How do qualitative methods complement the nomothetic approach?

  They provide evidence to support or challenge laws.
• What is a criticism of qualitative methods like case studies in research?

  They are subjective and prone to bias.
• What does the nomothetic approach tell us about the prevalence of schizophrenia?

  It states a 1% prevalence rate.
• What does the nomothetic approach fail to reveal about patients with schizophrenia?

  Details on patient feelings and experiences.