Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

idiographic

adjective

/ˌɪd.i.əˈɡræf.ɪk/

Definition

Relating to the study or description of specific or unique cases as opposed to general or universal patterns.

Examples

The idiographic approach in psychology emphasizes understanding the unique experiences of each client.
Researchers used an idiographic method to explore the differences in behavior among individuals.
This study takes an idiographic perspective to analyze the peculiarities of the region’s culture.

Meaning

The term idiographic refers to a focus on the individual or specific instances, often used in contrast to nomothetic approaches which seek to establish general laws or theories.