Nomothetic approach :trying to find things that are similar for all people so that we can find laws of behaviour, which can be generalised to everyone.
Ideographic view: investigate the things that make people different and unique.
Often looks more at individuals rather than at large groups. Therefore, it uses the following methods to carry out research:
- case study
- observations
- small sample sizes.
Strengths:
- Useful applications to the real world – Rosenhan’s study led to changes in the way that some mental illnesses are diagnosed.
- Case study provide large amounts of richly detailed information about an individual or small group. It can be very useful for them to be given access to appropriate treatments or help.
- Methods used are objective and quantifiable – Psychometric tests by Thigpen and Cleckley made it easy to compare between people and avoid bias.
Weaknesses:
- The use of case study may mean that the conclusions can be biased since they often rely on the researcher’s opinion.
- Since small groups of people are usually studied, it raises the question of whether the results can be usefully generalized. Otherwise, money and time is wasted.
- Ethical issues – confidentiality and protection from harm in case studies, lack of consent in covert observations.
CIE A Level Psychology 