Individual Differences Approach

Recap, assumptions and Evaluation and exam practice

Sample Section C QuestionsOutline one assumption of the individual differences approach (2)

Describe how the individual differences approach could explain multiple personality disorder. (4)

Describe one similarity and one difference between any studies that take the individual differences approach. (6)

Discuss strengths and weaknesses of the individual differences approach using examples from any studies that take this approach. (12)

Assumptions of the Individual Differences Approach

1. Assumes that while people have things in common there are also differences between people. This approach focuses on the way that people are different rather than the way they are the same.

2. Therefore this approach assumes that we cannot make broad generalisations about why people behave the way they do because each person is unique.

3. Assumes that we should be able to establish a ‘normal’ behaviour through the use of psychometric tests and thus use this to identify abnormality.

4. This approach focuses on abnormality and looks at what makes people ‘abnormal’ and therefore different to what we call ‘normal’.

Assumptions question – 2 mins to answer

Outline one assumption of the individual differences approach (2)

Outline one assumption of the individual differences approach [2]

0 marks – No or irrelevant answer

1 mark – Assumption is identified. Description is basic and lacks detail. Some understanding may be evident. Expression generally poor.

2 marks – Description of assumption is accurate. Detail is appropriate and understanding is very good. Fine details may be added. Expression and use of psychological terminology is good.

“How could the _______ approach explain…”

How could the individual differences approach explain Personality Disorder (4) – on hand out I have included a high and low band

example answer for this question. Below is what likely answers will refer to.

Have a go at the question yourself – you have 4 minutes (5 with AT)

Evaluation – strengths Strength Evidence

Aims to look at the motivations behind behaviour (what causes people to behave the way they do). We learn about a wide variety of behaviours because all behaviours, not just average ones, are studied.

Can be useful in improving the experiences of people with mental health problems – e.g. Thigpen and Cleckley, Rosenhan and Griffiths

High in Ecological Validity – e.g. Rosenhan, Griffiths

We can use objective psychometric tests to show the difference between normal and abnormal, and to measure differences between individuals

As people are all unique the only way we can look at them is to see them as an individual (the idiographic approach)

Evaluation – weaknessesStrength Evidence

Ignores the influence of the situation affecting behaviour

Ethical concerns may be raised about the study of an unusual condition

Small samples/case studies leads to problems with generalisability –

Lacking in control over the environment

This types of research can create labels as it separates normal from abnormal

12 mark essay question

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the individual differences approach using examples from the core studies to support your argument (12)

Strengths

P: Strength of Approach

E: Example from a study to support your point

C: Explain your example in detail and how it demonstrates your original point

P:

E:

C:

Weaknesses

P weakness from the approach

E

C

P

E

C

Example Answers

Use the mark scheme to mark the example answers which are on your handout – you have 10 minutes

Feedback your scores and reason for your scores

Then, reflect on your own plan – would it have been sufficient?

Similarities and Differences

Make and fill in the grid with one similarity and one difference between the studies!

Example Question: Outline one similarity and one difference

between any core studies under the individual differences approach

3 marks – Description of similarity is accurate and has elaboration. Understanding is good.

3 marks – Description of difference is accurate and has elaboration. Understanding is good.

Rosenhan Thigpen and Cleckley

Griffiths

Rosenhan

Thigpen and Cleckley

Griffiths

Rosenhan Thigpen and Cleckley Griffiths

Rosenhan

Make sure it relates to the methodology.

Difference Difference

ThigpenandCleckley

Similarity Similarity

Griffiths Similarity Difference