Idiographic and nomothetic

• Nomothetic approach

  Nomothetic apprach applies general laws and theories to explain behaviour across whole population

  Uses research methods such as lab experiments to help draw conclusions

  Quantative methods
• Idiographic approach

  Focuses on the individual

  Uses research methods such as case studies and interviews

  Qualitative methods and data collected
• Evaluation of nomothetic

  Research- controlled, objective and scientific the theories can be tested scientifically

  Lack ecological validity can’t be generalised

  Individual differences are ignored
• Evaluation on idiographic

  More complete explanation of behaviour

  Fewer people are studied hard to generalise to the wider population

  Detailed studies help develop nomothetic laws from lab research combined with case studies e.g Case of HM
• Psychodynamic approach

  both idiographic and nomothetic components elf psychosexual development for everyone but the use of case studies
• Biological approach

  Nomothetic

  Behaviour is cause of biological structures and processes
• Cognitive approach

  Assumes mental processes apply to population nomothetic approach
• Behaviourist approach

  Nomothetic

  Cause and effect laws
• Humanistic approach

  Idiographic

  Focuses on the individuals and their drive for self-actualisation