Which approach seeks universal laws of behavior that apply across populations?

Which approach seeks universal laws of behavior that apply across populations?

• A. Idiographic
• B. Constructivist
• C. Humanistic
• D. Nomothetic

Answer: (D)

Seeking universal laws across populations is about generalizing findings to many people. The nomothetic approach aims to uncover broad patterns or laws of behavior that hold across diverse individuals, typically through research with large samples and statistical analysis. It looks for commonalties and regularities that can be applied beyond a single case. In contrast, idiographic work focuses on the unique details of individuals, while constructivist and humanistic perspectives emphasize personal meaning and subjective experience rather than universal laws. So, the approach that seeks universal laws across populations is nomothetic.

Seeking universal laws across populations is about generalizing findings to many people. The nomothetic approach aims to uncover broad patterns or laws of behavior that hold across diverse individuals, typically through research with large samples and statistical analysis. It looks for commonalties and regularities that can be applied beyond a single case. In contrast, idiographic work focuses on the unique details of individuals, while constructivist and humanistic perspectives emphasize personal meaning and subjective experience rather than universal laws. So, the approach that seeks universal laws across populations is nomothetic.