The idiographic approach - AO1

Question 1

What is the idiographic approach ?

Answer 1

• Focuses on individuals and emphasises uniqueness, favours qualitative methods in research.

Question 2

Qualitative methods:

Answer 2

• Idiographic approach is qualitative because it focuses on gaining insights by studying unique individuals in depth.
• Focus on quality of info.
• Employs qualitative methods such as, unstructured interviews and thematic analysis.

Question 3

Example of the idiographic approach: Little Hans

Answer 3

• Han’s father sent multiple pages of descriptions of events in Han’s life to Freud, plus Freud’s interpretation of the events.

-Freud produced generalisations from his case studies, but still is idiographic because they are drawn from unique individuals.