Independent differences
This area of psychology considers that there are many differences between individuals, as
well as similarities. It takes the idiographic approach, as oppose to the nomothetic approach
of most approaches. This means that instead of looking at common features in people to
develop theories and applications, it assumes individuals are unique and consequently it is
worth studying people individually in detail to understand their behaviour fully as human
behaviour is so complex we cannot assume that all individuals will behave in the same way.
Assumption: The main assumption of the individual differences perspective is that to
understand the complexity of human behaviour and experiences it necessary to study the
differences between people rather than those things that we all have in common. For
example, the individual differences approach largely focuses on things such as personality
differences, and abnormality.
Strengths and weaknesses of the approach
Strengths
A strength of this approach is that given the focus on how we measure and
understand disorders, the research generated has practical applications. This a
strength because the research aids the development of techniques and resources
which can be used to help improve the ability of individuals to interact socially.
A strength of this approach is that research is focused on how individuals ‘differ from
the norm’ and consequently, sample sizes are often small which means behaviour
can be studied in depth, leading to the collection of both quantitative and qualitative
data. This is a strength because large amounts of rich, in-depth data can be collected
about the behaviour being studied, increasing validity.
Weaknesses
A weakness of this approach is that due to the need to study behaviour in-depth, the
techniques used to collect data are often subjective. This is a weakness because the
research may therefore be open to bias, reducing the validity of the research.
A weakness of this approach is that because research is focused on how individuals
‘differ from the norm’, this can lead to labelling, with individuals becoming labelled
as being, for example, neurotic or of low intelligence. Often this research is
conducted on vulnerable groups also. This is a weakness because it raises the ethical
issue that once labelled in this way, individuals may be treated differently by society
as a result.
This area of psychology considers that there are many differences between individuals, as
well as similarities. It takes the idiographic approach, as oppose to the nomothetic approach
of most approaches. This means that instead of looking at common features in people to
develop theories and applications, it assumes individuals are unique and consequently it is
worth studying people individually in detail to understand their behaviour fully as human
behaviour is so complex we cannot assume that all individuals will behave in the same way.
Assumption: The main assumption of the individual differences perspective is that to
understand the complexity of human behaviour and experiences it necessary to study the
differences between people rather than those things that we all have in common. For
example, the individual differences approach largely focuses on things such as personality
differences, and abnormality.
Strengths and weaknesses of the approach
Strengths
A strength of this approach is that given the focus on how we measure and
understand disorders, the research generated has practical applications. This a
strength because the research aids the development of techniques and resources
which can be used to help improve the ability of individuals to interact socially.
A strength of this approach is that research is focused on how individuals ‘differ from
the norm’ and consequently, sample sizes are often small which means behaviour
can be studied in depth, leading to the collection of both quantitative and qualitative
data. This is a strength because large amounts of rich, in-depth data can be collected
about the behaviour being studied, increasing validity.
Weaknesses
A weakness of this approach is that due to the need to study behaviour in-depth, the
techniques used to collect data are often subjective. This is a weakness because the
research may therefore be open to bias, reducing the validity of the research.
A weakness of this approach is that because research is focused on how individuals
‘differ from the norm’, this can lead to labelling, with individuals becoming labelled
as being, for example, neurotic or of low intelligence. Often this research is
conducted on vulnerable groups also. This is a weakness because it raises the ethical
issue that once labelled in this way, individuals may be treated differently by society
as a result.
