Issues/Debates: ideographic+nomothetic

Question 1

Idiographic research

Answer 1

Case studies (e.g Freud’s little Hans) 
• focussed on individuals and their unique characteristics to explain behaviour 
• qualitative research: 

(+) detailed and complete explanation with considering of context behind behaviour

(-) less people studied, harder to generalise

Question 2

Nomothetic

Answer 2

• focussed on studying large samples to make generalised laws across whole populations
• e.g lab experiments
• quantitive research

(+) scientific approach - reliable as its’ variables are controlled

(-) lab experiments lack ecological validity