Which type of knowledge is gained through the scientific approach and is generalizable?

Which type of knowledge is gained through the scientific approach and is generalizable?

• A. Ideographic
• B. Subjective
• C. Anecdotal
• D. Nomothetic

Answer: (D)

The type of knowledge described is nomothetic, which comes from the scientific approach and aims to uncover general laws or patterns that apply across many people. Nomothetic knowledge relies on systematic study, measurement, and statistical analysis, with findings that can be replicated and generalized beyond the original sample. In health care, this is what underpins guidelines and evidence about how treatments work for broad populations. By contrast, ideographic knowledge focuses on the unique details of a single case or individual, not intended to generalize. Subjective knowledge reflects personal perspectives or feelings, and anecdotal knowledge rests on individual stories rather than systematic evidence.

The type of knowledge described is nomothetic, which comes from the scientific approach and aims to uncover general laws or patterns that apply across many people. Nomothetic knowledge relies on systematic study, measurement, and statistical analysis, with findings that can be replicated and generalized beyond the original sample. In health care, this is what underpins guidelines and evidence about how treatments work for broad populations.

By contrast, ideographic knowledge focuses on the unique details of a single case or individual, not intended to generalize. Subjective knowledge reflects personal perspectives or feelings, and anecdotal knowledge rests on individual stories rather than systematic evidence.