Idiographic v nomothetic

• + (Nomothetic)

  Led to the development of drug treatments for SZ.
• Effectiveness of typical antipsychotics

  Effective for 70% of people.
• However, point for antipsychotics

  Not all people were helped so we may need to also take an idiographic approach (CBT).
• + (Idiographic)

  CBT is more idiographic as the therapist listens to the individual's unique viewpoint.
• Effectiveness of CBT +-

  Does to not provide a cure for SZ but can help to manage their symptoms.
• -Narrow and restricted research (idiographic)

  Focuses on individuals in psych research.
• + Use of in-depth qualitative methods (idiographic)

  Provides a detailed account of the individual.
• -Use of qualitative methods (Idiographic)

  More subjective and least scientific.

  Research bias.
• + Research tends to be more scientific

  Uses controlled methods which allows psychologists to establish norms of 'typical' behaviour. Giving psychology greater scientific credibility.
• -Too focused on general laws

  The nomothetic approach tells us that there s a 1% prevalence for SZ but does not reveal any detail on patient feelings.