Idographic and nomothetic:

• IDOGRAPHIC:

  The number of pp in idiographic research is small, often a single case (single individual or group or institution)

  Some research might include information from family, friends or others, but the focus is on detail - what can we learn about this individual case?

  This does not mean that generalisations are not made - but the initial focus is about understanding the individual.
• IDOGRAPHIC:

  Most idiographic research is qualitative

  • IE research on depression would be based on first-hand accounts from a small number of people (case study)
  • pp would be interviewed in depth and the focus may be on a particular facet of human behaviour, such as how the pp coped with their experience (using a fairly unstructured interview)
  • Such data is then analysed and emergent themes are identified. Conclusions may help other people going through similar experiences, or more widely, may help mental health professionals determine best practice.
• IDOGRAPHIC:

  The idiographic approach is most associated with the humanistic and psychodynamic approaches.

  • ie: Rogers sought to explain the process of self-development including the role of unconditional positive regard
  • This was derived from in-depth conversations with clients in therapy
  • Freud's careful observations of individuals were the basis of his explanations of human nature, for example the case of Little Hans was used to explain how a phobia might develop
• Nomothetic:

  The main aim of the nomothetic approach is generalisation in order to create 'laws' i.e. create general principles of behaviour (theories) which then, for example, could be applied in individual situations such as drug therapy
• NOMOTHETIC:

  uses quantitative research

  • Nomothetic research most closely fits traditional models of the 'scientific method' in psychology
  • Hypotheses are formulated, samples of people (or sometimes animals) are assessed in some way (perhaps via a structured questionnaire or using psychological tests) and the numerical data produced is analysed for its statistical significance
  • Nomothetic approaches seek to quantify (count) human behaviour.
• NOMOTHETIC:

  EXAMPLES:

  • The behaviourist and biological approaches are nomothetic even though they sometimes use quite small samples.
  • For example Skinner studied animals to develop the general laws of learning
  • His research looked at one aspect of behaviour in a few animals but the main aim was to establish general laws