Microcomputer implementation of an idiographic psychological instrument

An explanation is given of the distinction between nomothetic assessment, based on the statistical comparison of aerson's performance with a normative sample of his peers, and idiographic assessment allowing the measurement of clinically relevant experiences unique to the individual and expressed in his own words.

Abstract

Abstract The use of microcomputers in clinical assessment in psychology and psychiatry is briefly reviewed. An explanation is given of the distinction between nomothetic assessment, based on the statistical comparison of a^erson's performance with a normative sample of his peers, and idiographic assessment allowing the measurement of clinically relevant experiences unique to the individual and expressed in his own words. The Personal Questionnaire Rapid Scaling Technique due to Mulhall is described. This paper and pencil test is an example of an idiographic instrument. Its repeated use generates data allowing graphs to be drawn showing the covariation of clinically relevant phenomena over time. The implementation of the test on a microcomputer is described and an example given of the use of the computer version in a clinical case. Patients describe the computer version as more pleasant to use, and it is significantly easier and quicker for the clinician, obviating paperwork and printing the results in an ergonomically efficient format enabling rapid assimilation of clinical data.