Idiographic and Normtheitic approaches (Issues and Debates)

Question 1

Idiographic

Answer 1

i for individual, i for idiographic
- Focuses on individuals
- Primarily case studies
- Mostly qualitative data (non numerical)
- Behaviour is unique and can’t be generalised

Question 2

Nomothetic

Answer 2

• Focuses on studying as many people as possible
• Primarily experiments or observations
• Behaviour is best understood by researching it objectively
• Mostly quantitative data
• Generalised/Universalised principles are made (create a ‘norm’ for society)

Question 3

Examples of Idiographic/Nomothetic applications

Answer 3

Idiographic: Any case studies
- Little hans
- Little albert

Nomothetic: Any experiment(lab)
- Pavlov dogs
- Milgrim 450z shock