Individual Differences
Approach
Recap, assumptions and Evaluation
and exam practice
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)
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 the ways people think and behave are different
rather than the way they are the same.
2.
This approach assumes that we cannot make broad
generalisations about why people behave the way they do
because each person is unique.
3.
Individuals differ in their behaviour and personal qualities so
not everyone can be considered ‘the average person’
4.
Every individual is genetically unique and this uniqueness is
displayed through their behaviour. So everyone behaves
differently
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
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)
Evidence
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
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
E
C
P
E
C
weakness from the approach
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
Rosenhan
Thigpen and
Cleckle
y
Griffiths
Thigpen and
Cleckle
y
Griffiths
Rosenhan
Thigpen and Cleckley
Griffiths
Rosenhan
Make sure it relates to
the methodology.
Difference
Difference
Thigpen
and
Cleckley
Similarity
Griffiths
Similarity
Similarity
Difference