8.5 Idiographic and Nomothetic Approaches

    Cards (63)

    • What is the primary focus of the idiographic approach in psychology?
      Individual unique experiences
    • The idiographic approach uses qualitative research methods like case studies and interviews.
    • What is one strength of the idiographic approach in psychology?
      Rich, detailed understanding
    • The idiographic approach is criticized for its lack of generalizability.
    • What is one strength of the nomothetic approach in psychology?
      Identifying patterns in populations
    • The nomothetic approach emphasizes establishing general laws and principles that apply to a larger population.
    • The nomothetic approach may overlook individual differences in behavior.
    • What is an example of idiographic research in psychology?
      Case study of PTSD patient
    • What is an example of nomothetic research in psychology?
      Effect of therapy on anxiety
    • The idiographic approach emphasizes an in-depth understanding of individual behavior and mental processes.
    • Why is studying a patient's experience with PTSD using a case study considered idiographic research?
      Focus on unique factors
    • The nomothetic approach uses quantitative research methods to identify patterns and trends.
    • What is an example of nomothetic research in the context of anxiety treatment?
      Average effect of new therapy
    • The idiographic approach focuses on individual experiences, while the nomothetic approach focuses on general laws and principles.
    • The idiographic approach allows for tailored treatments based on individual uniqueness.
    • How can detailed case studies in the idiographic approach contribute to psychology?
      Develop new theories
    • What is the focus of the nomothetic approach in research?
      General laws and principles
    • The nomothetic approach uses quantitative research methods like experiments and surveys
    • A study investigating the effect of a new therapy on anxiety levels in a large sample is an example of nomothetic research.
    • What type of research methods are used in the idiographic approach?
      Qualitative
    • The idiographic approach focuses on understanding individual experiences
    • The idiographic approach aims to identify patterns in populations.
      False
    • What is one strength of the idiographic approach?
      Rich, detailed understanding
    • The idiographic approach acknowledges that each person is unique
    • Detailed case studies in the idiographic approach can lead to the development of new theories.
    • What is a key weakness of the idiographic approach?
      Limited generalizability
    • The subjectivity of qualitative methods in the idiographic approach can introduce bias
    • The nomothetic approach uses quantitative research methods to establish general laws.
    • What is one strength of the nomothetic approach?
      Generalizability
    • By focusing on general laws, the nomothetic approach may overlook unique experiences
    • Match the research approach with its key characteristics:
      Idiographic ↔️ Qualitative methods
      Nomothetic ↔️ Quantitative methods
    • The idiographic approach focuses on identifying general patterns in populations.
      False
    • Order the key strengths of the nomothetic approach:
      1️⃣ Generalizability
      2️⃣ Objectivity
      3️⃣ Development of general theories
    • Order the key weaknesses of the idiographic approach:
      1️⃣ Limited generalizability
      2️⃣ Subjectivity
    • What is one weakness of the nomothetic approach?
      Simplified reality
    • The nomothetic approach often lacks consideration for social and cultural context.
    • What is one limitation of the nomothetic approach?
      Loss of individual detail
    • The nomothetic approach may distort behavior by simplifying it into measurable variables
    • The idiographic approach provides broadly applicable conclusions.
      False
    • What type of research methods does the nomothetic approach use?
      Quantitative
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