idiographic & nomothetic

• define the idiographic approach

  focuses on uniqueness of the individual
• assumptions of the idiographic approach

  • individuals should be studied as separate entities
  • understand behaviour through detailed and holistic analysis
  • explore depth and richness of human experiences
• research methods used in the idiographic approach

  • qualitative data
  • non-experimental techniques e.g. case studies, content analysis, unstructured interviews
• examples of idiographic approach

  • humanistic psychology
  • psychodynamic approach
  • memory studies
• define the nomothetic approach

  produce universal laws of human behaviour that applies to everyone
• assumptions of the nomothetic approach

  • research should be objective, standardised and replicable
  • behaviour can be understood through laws and principles by examining large samples
• research methods used in the nomothetic approach

  • quantitative data
  • experimental techniques e.g. structured observations and controlled experiments
• examples of nomothetic approach

  • biological approach
  • behaviourism
  • cognitive psychology
• strength of idiographic approach - rich and in-depth

  deep and holistic insight

  • freud's psychoanalytic case studies showed unconscious conflicts shape phobias
  • allows for a full picture of experiences, thoughts and motivations
  • contributes valuable and detailed data
• weakness of idiographic approach - lacks scientific rigour

  hard to generalise

  • case studies rely on subjective interpretation which can lead to researcher bias
  • small unrepresentative samples means difficult to apply findings
  • less reliable and less credible
• strength of idiographic approach- usefulness

  role in theory development and refinement

  • case studies like HM and KF refined multi-store model of memory and develop working memory model
  • lead to more accurate and complex models
  • essential for improving validity of theories
• strength of nomothetic approach - scientific, objective and reliable

  use of standardised methods

  • biological research uses brain scans, genetic analysis and controlled lab experiments
  • allow for replication and control over variables
  • allows for evidence-based treatments
• weakness of nomothetic approach - ignores uniqueness

  overlooks individual differences

  • standardised tests doesn't account for culture or emotions
  • lead to reductionist understandings
  • limited application to real-world individuals
• strength of nomothetic - prediction

  predict and control behaviour

  • classical and operant conditioning developed behaviour modification therapies
  • develop treatments, interventions and policies
  • practical and wide-reaching applications