Issue And Debates - Idiographic Vs Nomethetic Flashcards
(21 cards)
What does ‘Nomothetic’ mean?
It comes from ‘nomos’ (Greek for law). It focuses on general laws that apply to everyone.
What does ‘Idiographic’ mean?
It comes from ‘ideo’ (Greek for own/private). It focuses on the uniqueness of each individual.
What is the aim of nomothetic research?
To find general laws of behaviour that apply to most people by studying large, representative samples.
What is the aim of idiographic research?
To understand unique individual experiences, including social, cultural, and environmental influences. No general laws are made.
What research methods are used in nomothetic approaches?
Highly controlled experimental methods and structured observations. Quantitative (numerical) data is collected.
What research methods are used in idiographic approaches?
Non-experimental methods like case studies, unstructured interviews, and content analysis. Data is qualitative (words).
Is nomothetic research scientific?
Yes – it aims for high reliability and generalisability, using objective measurements.
Is idiographic research scientific?
It is considered less scientific – it has low reliability but is arguably more valid (truthful).
What approaches use the nomothetic method?
Behaviourism, Social Learning Theory, Biological Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology.
What approaches use the idiographic method?
Humanistic Psychology and sometimes Psychodynamic approaches.
Example of nomothetic method in biology
Drug trials use large samples to find general laws (e.g., SSRIs for OCD or chlorpromazine for schizophrenia).
Example of nomothetic method in learning theory
Animal studies like Pavlov and Skinner are used to create universal laws of learning (e.g., operant conditioning).
Example of idiographic method in humanistic psychology
Rogers and Maslow focus on unique human experience, using client-centred therapy rather than general treatments.
Examples of idiographic case studies
• Clive Wearing (memory in cognitive psychology)
• Tan (language in biology)
• Little Hans (psychodynamic theory)
Advantage of nomothetic: Generalisability
Findings can be replicated and applied to the population, using statistical analysis.
Advantage of nomothetic: Objectivity
Standardised methods reduce bias and increase scientific credibility.
Disadvantage of nomothetic
It can misrepresent individuals and ignore unique personal experiences.
Advantage of idiographic: Rich data
Detailed insight into individual behaviour – seen as more valid and meaningful.
Advantage of idiographic: Generates new hypotheses
Unique cases can lead to new ideas or challenge existing theories.
Disadvantage of idiographic
Time-consuming and less practical. Harder to generalise. Researcher bias may affect results.
What is the complementary approach?
Using both idiographic and nomothetic together gives a more complete understanding.
E.g., nomothetic to spot general patterns, idiographic to explore those patterns in individuals.
