The Idiographic and Nomothetic Approach Issues and Debates Essay Plan

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Idiographic approach

This approach focuses on explaining individual behaviour using qualitative methods. It also studies unique individuals in depth.

Psychodynamic approach- the case of Little Hans used written quotes on his life events. The approach focuses on an individuals' innate drives and early experiences.

Humanistic approach- focuses on individual subjective experience. Their own ideal self is reached by looking at their own hierarchy of needs.

Nomothetic approach

This approach focuses on creating general laws of behaviour and is based on quantitative methods. This is then used to create statistical norms.

Biological approach- focuses on the body and the brain. It has often focused on men and assumed the same for women.

Behaviourist approach- a set of rules were sought for all animals through conditioning to create general laws on behaviour.

Cognitive psychology- uses case studies as a base to understand the laws. Understanding of all principles for…