Idiothetic literally means "self-proposition" (Greek derivation), and is used in navigation models (e.g., of a rat in a maze) to describe the use of self-motion cues,[1] rather than allothetic, or external, cues such as landmarks, to determine position and movement.
This is achieved by an animal through the signals generated by angular and linear accelerations in the course of its exploration.
[6] This information generates and updates a vector towards the starting point and an accurate path for return.
[6] The spider Cupiennius salei has been known to posses this idiothetic orientation, demonstrating its higher cognitive abilities.
[9] Idiothetic-based psychological theories include James Lamiell's Critical Personalism model, George Kelly's Role Repertory Test,[10] and the narrative approaches that focus on the impact of life stories.