idiographic vs nomothetic

 attempts to describe the nature of the individual.

studies people as unique entities, with no intention to compare these to a larger group or norm. 

this approach is generally assosciated with methods that produce qualitative data, such as case studies and self report measures. 

often used in the humanistic approach. 

attempts to study human behavior through the development of general principles and universal laws. 

provides a benchmark against which people can be compared, classified and measured. - likely future behaviors can be predicted. 

typically used in experiments which involve the study of a large group of people.

- reductionist and determinist