Idiographic & Nomothetic Approaches (AQA A Level Psychology)

Exam Questions

12 mins4 questions
11 mark

Which of the following best describes an idiographic approach in psychology? Write A, B, C, or D.

  • Studying individuals in order to establish general laws of behaviour.

  • Studying individuals without intending to establish general laws of behaviour.

  • Studying large samples in order to establish general laws of behaviour.

  • Studying large samples without intending to establish general laws of behaviour.

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22 marks

What is a 'nomothetic approach’? Suggest one limitation of a nomothetic approach.

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33 marks

Name the opposite approach to the nomothetic approach. Briefly outline what this opposite approach might have involved in a study of friendly behaviour.

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1a4 marks

Using an example of a research study you have learned about in psychology, outline what is meant by a nomothetic approach to psychological investigation.

1b2 marks

Referring to the example used in your answer above, briefly explain how the same behaviour might be studied using an idiographic approach to psychological investigation.

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