 Nominal characteristics are defined as more generic features that third party observers would use in describing a situation, such as the physical location, time, or event. Examples include being at the bowling alley, eating lunch, doing taxes, talking on the computer with Smith, and watching a movie (this distinction is related to the technical terminology in psychology of idiographic versus nomothetic approaches. Very roughly, idiographic approaches use criteria supplied by the participant in question, whereas nomothetic approaches use criteria supply by individuals besides the participant. For careful discussion, see Lamiell 1997).