Idiographic and nomothetic approach

• Nomothetic approach

  • looks at how our behaviours are similar to each other as human beings
• Nomothetic approach: strengths

  • seen as far more scientific as its evidence based
  • able to make predictions about how people react in certain circumstances
• Nomothetic approach: limitations

  • predictions can be made about groups, but may not apply to individuals
  • accused of losing sight of the "whole person"
• Idiographic approach

  • looks at how our behaviours are different from each other.
• Idiographic approach: Strengths


  • focuses on the individual
• Idiographic approach: limitations

  • very time-consuming as takes a lot of money and time