Individual Differences Approach

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Individual Differences Approach

• Recap, assumptions and Evaluation and exam
  practice

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Sample Section C Questions
Outline 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)
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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.

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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.
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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)

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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)
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Evaluation weaknesses
Strength 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
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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)

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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
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Weaknesses
P weakness from the approach
E
C
P
E
C
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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?

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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
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Rosenhan Thigpen and Cleckley Griffiths
Rosenhan Make sure it relates to the methodology. Difference Difference
Thigpen and Cleckley Similarity Similarity
Griffiths Similarity Difference