Idiographic-Nomothetic Debate Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the idiographic-nomothetic debate in psychology?
The idiographic-nomothetic debate is centred on two opposing approaches. The idiographic approach suggests that psychology should be the study of individuals because, by obtaining lots of detailed information about that individual (or group), we can understand human behaviour better. The nomothetic approach suggests that psychology should be the study of large and varied groups to make generalisations about what is typical in different aspects of human behaviour i.e. establishing norms.
What implications does the idiographic-nomothetic debate have for research methods in psychology?
This debate has implications for the types of research method psychologists use - whether we study individuals in depth, or study larger groups and discuss averages. That said, there is also a sense in which these two approaches overlap and both may have their place within a scientific study of the person.
What is the idiographic approach to psychological investigation?
The idiographic approach to psychological investigation: The number of participants in idiographic research is small, often a single case (single individual or group or institution). Some research might include information from family, friends or others, but the focus is on detail - what can we learn about this individual case? This does not mean that generalisations are not made - but the initial focus is about understanding the individual.
What type of research is typical of the idiographic approach?
Most idiographic research is qualitative. For instance, research on depression would be based on first-hand accounts from a small number of people (case study). Participants would be interviewed in depth and the focus may be on a particular facet of human behaviour, such as how the participants coped with their experience using a fairly unstructured interview. Such data is then analysed and emergent themes are identified. Conclusions may help other people going through similar experiences, or more widely, may help mental health professionals determine best practice.
What are some examples of idiographic research in psychology?
The idiographic approach is most associated with the humanistic and psychodynamic approaches. For example Carl Rogers sought to explain the process of self-development including the role of unconditional positive regard. This was derived from in-depth conversations with clients in therapy. Sigmund Freud’s careful observations of individuals were the basis of his explanations of human nature, for example the case of Little Hans was used to explain how a phobia might develop.
What is the aim of the nomothetic approach to psychological investigation?
The main aim of the nomothetic approach is generalisation in order to create laws i.e. create general principles of behaviour (theories) which then, for example, could be applied in individual situations such as drug therapy.
What type of research is typical of the nomothetic approach?
Nomothetic research most closely fits traditional models of the ‘scientific method’ in psychology. Hypotheses are formulated, samples of people (or sometimes animals) are assessed in some way (perhaps via a structured questionnaire or using psychological tests) and the numerical data produced is analysed for its statistical significance. Nomothetic approaches seek to quantify (count) human behaviour.
What are some examples of nomothetic research in psychology?
The behaviourist and biological approaches are nomothetic even though they sometimes use quite small samples. For example B.F. Skinner studied animals to develop the general laws of learning. His research looked at one aspect of behaviour in a few animals but the main aim was to establish general laws. Similarly biological psychology may use a small sample, such as Roger Sperry’s split-brain research which involved repeated testing and was, in part, the basis for understanding hemispheric lateralisation.
What is a key difference between idiographic and nomothetic approaches regarding objectivity?
A key difference between idiographic and nomothetic approaches is how each relates to subjectivity and objectivity. The idea of objectivity lies at the heart of the nomothetic approach. Laws of behaviour are only possible if methods of assessment are delivered in a standardised and objective way. This ensures true replication occurs across samples of behaviour and removes the contaminating influence of bias.
How do idiographic researchers view objectivity?
In contrast, researchers working within the idiographic approach tend not to believe that objectivity in psychological research is possible. It is people’s individual experience of the unique context that is important, rather than some underlying reality out there that is waiting to be discovered.
What is one strength of the idiographic approach in complementing nomothetic research?
Point: One strength of the idiographic approach is that it contributes to the nomothetic. Evidence: The idiographic approach uses in-depth qualitative methods of investigation and this provides a global description of one individual. Explain: This may complement the nomothetic approach by shedding further light on general laws or indeed by challenging such laws. For example, a single case may generate hypotheses for further study - the pebble that starts an avalanche. Cases like HM may reveal important insights about normal functioning which may contribute to our overall understanding. Link: This suggests that even though the focus is on fewer individuals, the idiographic approach may still help form ’scientific laws of behaviour.
What is one limitation of the idiographic approach in terms of scientific validity?
Point: That said, supporters of the idiographic approach should still acknowledge the narrow and restricted nature of their work. Evidence: Meaningful generalisations cannot be made without further examples, as this means there is no adequate baseline with which to compare behaviour. Explain: In addition, methods associated with the idiographic approach, such as case studies, tend to be the least scientific in that conclusions often rely on the subjective interpretation of the researcher and, as such, are open to bias. Link: This suggests that it is difficult to build effective general theories of human behaviour in the complete absence of nomothetic research.
How do both idiographic and nomothetic approaches contribute to the scientific credibility of psychology?
Point: One strength of both approaches is that they fit with the aims of science. Evidence: The processes involved in nomothetic research are similar to those used in the natural sciences, for example establishing objectivity through standardisation, control and statistical testing. Explain: However, researchers using the idiographic approach also seek to objectify their methods. For example, triangulation is used whereby findings from a range of studies using different qualitative methods are compared as a way of increasing their validity. Also, modern qualitative researchers are careful to reflect upon their own biases and preconceptions as part of the research process. Link: This suggests that both the nomothetic and idiographic approaches raise psychology’s status as a science.
What is one limitation of the nomothetic approach in terms of individual understanding?
Point: One limitation of the nomothetic approach is loss of understanding of the individual. Evidence: The fact that the nomothetic approach is preoccupied with general laws, prediction and control means it has been accused of losing the “whole person” within psychology. Explain: For example, knowing that there is a 1% lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia tells us little about what life is like for someone who has been diagnosed with the disorder. Understanding the subjective experience of schizophrenia might well prove useful when it comes to devising appropriate treatment options, for example. Link: This means, in its search for generalities, the nomothetic approach may sometimes fail to relate to experience.
