AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The nomothetic approach is the main approach within scientifically oriented psychology. For example: Biological Psychologists take a nomothetic approach when explaining psychological disorders, such as OCD and depression.

Detailed explanation-2: -Furthermore, some psychologists argue that the nomothetic approach loses sight of the ‘whole person’, due to its fixation on quantitative data and statistical analysis. Furthermore, these psychologists also claim that the nomothetic approaches only provides a superficial understanding of human behaviour.

Detailed explanation-3: -The term ‘nomothetic’ comes from the Greek word ‘nomos’ which means ‘law’. Psychologists who take a nomothetic approach are concerned with establishing general laws, based on the study of large groups of people, and the use of statistical (quantitative) techniques to analyse data.

Detailed explanation-4: -The idiographic approach is the opposite of the nomothetic approach. Rather than focusing on generalities, the idiographic approach focuses on individual differences, qualitative data, and individual experiences. In other words, it is the study of individuals rather than groups.