Individual Differences Approach

Question 1

Key assumption of individual differences?

Answer 1

1. Individuals differ in their behaviour and personal qualities so not everyone can be considered the average person
2. Every individual is genetically unique, displayed through their behaviour
3. All human characteristics can be measured and quantified

Question 2

Key implication of individual differences?

Answer 2

Psychologists need to be aware that people are unique, so that a treatment which is appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another

Question 3

3 studies to individual differences?

Answer 3

Thigpen&cleckley
Griffiths
Rosenhan

Question 4

One strength of the individual differences approach?

Answer 4

Useful, help people with unusual disorders for example, in thigpen&cleckley study on multiple personality disorder. However, these applications may not apply to all.

Question 5

Strength of individual differences approach?

Answer 5

Collects qual and quan data, some will be easy to analyse and some will be rich and detailed. For example in rosenhans study, 88% of nurses ignore patients in the corridor and in study 3 the answers to the questions. Therefore, validity will be increased,

Question 6

Weakness of individual differences approach?

Answer 6

Isn’t always objective, demand characteristics can make it subjective and less valid. For example, in thigpen&cleckley study where the therapist spends a lot of time with ew. Therefore, decreasing validity and reliability.

Question 7

Weakness of individual differences approach?

Answer 7

Based on concepts that aren’t observable so difficult to test, research can be open to bias! Seen in rosenhans study when it’s hard to test whether people are sane or insane. Therefore, the approach isn’t high in validity.