In the nomothetic approach to the study of psychology,researchers generally conduct
A) intensive studies of an individual to describe the way people behave in general.
B) intensive studies of an individual to describe the unique aspects of individuals.
C) studies of many individuals and use their average behavior to describe the unique aspects of individuals.
D) studies of many individuals and use their average behavior to describe how people behave in general.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the nomothetic approach, researchers aim to identify universal laws and principles that apply to all individuals. Therefore, studying many individuals and using their average behavior to describe how people behave in general is the most appropriate method. Option A and B refer to the idiographic approach where researchers study an individual in detail to describe their unique characteristics. Option C is not correct as the nomothetic approach does not aim to describe the unique aspects of individuals; rather, it aims to generalize findings across individuals.

In the Nomothetic Approach to the Study of Psychology,researchers Generally