Normative Approach

Definition

The normative approach in psychology refers to the study of human behavior, cognition, and development based on established norms, standards, or ideals. It focuses on understanding what is considered typical, desirable, or appropriate within a given cultural or societal context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The normative approach in psychology is concerned with understanding what is considered typical, desirable, or appropriate within a specific cultural or societal context.
2. This approach often relies on the use of standardized assessments, surveys, and observational methods to determine the norms or standards against which individual behavior, cognition, and development are evaluated.
3. Normative data, such as age-appropriate milestones or performance on cognitive tests, are used to identify deviations from the typical or expected patterns of human functioning.
4. The normative approach is commonly used in the study of lifespan development, where researchers examine how individuals progress through various stages of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
5. Critiques of the normative approach highlight the potential for cultural bias and the need to consider individual differences and contextual factors that may influence human behavior and development.

Review Questions

• Explain how the normative approach differs from the descriptive approach in psychology.
  • The normative approach in psychology focuses on understanding what is considered typical, desirable, or appropriate within a given cultural or societal context, whereas the descriptive approach aims to objectively observe and describe behavior, cognition, and development without making judgments about what is considered normal or ideal. The normative approach relies on established norms, standards, or ideals to evaluate individual or group performance, while the descriptive approach simply seeks to document and understand human functioning without reference to predetermined expectations.
• Discuss the role of cultural relativism in the normative approach to psychology.
  • The concept of cultural relativism is important in the normative approach, as it recognizes that behaviors, beliefs, and values should be understood within their own cultural context rather than judged by the standards of another culture. The normative approach acknowledges that what is considered typical, desirable, or appropriate can vary significantly across different cultural and societal contexts. This understanding helps to prevent the imposition of ethnocentric biases and promotes a more nuanced and inclusive approach to the study of human behavior, cognition, and development.
• Evaluate the potential limitations of the normative approach in the study of lifespan development.
  • While the normative approach is widely used in the study of lifespan development, it is important to consider its potential limitations. One key limitation is the risk of cultural bias, where the established norms or standards may not adequately reflect the diverse experiences and developmental trajectories of individuals from different cultural, socioeconomic, or ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, the normative approach may overlook individual differences and contextual factors that can significantly influence human development, leading to a narrow or oversimplified understanding of the complex processes involved. Researchers employing the normative approach must be mindful of these limitations and strive to incorporate a more holistic, inclusive, and nuanced perspective in their investigations of lifespan development.

Related terms

Descriptive Approach: The descriptive approach in psychology aims to objectively observe and describe behavior, cognition, and development without making judgments about what is considered normal or ideal.

Prescriptive Approach: The prescriptive approach in psychology involves making recommendations or guidelines about how individuals should think, feel, or behave based on established norms or ideals.

Cultural Relativism:

The concept that behaviors, beliefs, and values should be understood within their own cultural context rather than judged by the standards of another culture.