Nomothetic vs Idiographic

• What does the idiographic approach focus on?

  Studying individuals
• How are individuals viewed in the idiographic approach?

  As unique entities with subjective experiences
• What is not attempted in the idiographic approach?

  Comparing individuals to a larger group
• What research methods are used in the idiographic approach?

  Qualitative research methods including case studies
• What does the idiographic approach describe about human behavior?

  The richness of human behavior and unique understanding
• How can idiographic studies relate to nomothetic theories?

  They can support or contradict nomothetic theories
• What are the arguments for the idiographic approach?

  • Provides in-depth accounts of individuals
  • Reveals insights about normal functioning
  • Major contributions to understanding behavior
• What are the arguments against the idiographic approach?

  • Seen as narrow and restricted
  • Generalizations from case studies are problematic
  • Methods may lack scientific rigor and validity
• What does the nomothetic approach focus on?

  Studying group samples and making generalizations
• What does the nomothetic approach aim to produce?

  General laws of behavior
• What does the nomothetic approach provide for future behavior?

  A basis for prediction and control
• What research methods are used in the nomothetic approach?

  Objective, scientific methods like experiments
• How does the nomothetic approach study people?

  By studying larger numbers to establish trends
• What are the arguments for the nomothetic approach?

  • More scientific and objective
  • Produces empirical evidence for comparison
  • Establishes norms of 'typical' behavior
• What are the arguments against the nomothetic approach?

  • Loses the "whole person" perspective
  • Treats participants as mere scores
  • May overlook the complexity of human behavior
• How do idiographic and nomothetic approaches relate to each other?

  • They are complementary, not contradictory
  • Nomothetic theories can be enhanced by idiographic studies