Case Studies

What is a case study?

An in-depth study of one or more people over time. Carried out in the real world. Idiographic and very individualistic

What is the purpose of a case study?

Provides a detailed analysis of an individual, group, institution event

What do case studies analyse and concentrate on?

Unusual individuals and “typical” cases

What type of data is produced?

Qualitative

What techniques are used to construct a case history of the individual?

Interviews, observations, questionnaires or a combination

Why is the person subjected to experimental or psychological testing?

To assess what the person is capable of

What is a longitudinal case study?

Takes place over a long period of time. May gather additional data from family and friends of the individual

What is the point for the first strength?

An opportunity to reveal detailed, qualitative data

What is the evidence of the first strength?

Focus on unusual, atypical forms of behaviour. May be preferred than “superficial” data collected from experiments or questionnaires. Contributes to understanding “typical” functioning

What is the conclusion of the first strength?

Produces meaningful data, improves the validity. Important insight on human behaviour is gained

What is the second strength?

Produces key research methods in psychology. Can generate future hypotheses for future studies. One anomalous case can lead to a revision of a theory. Highlights the importance of the case study method in psychology

What was the first point of the weakness?

Difficult to generalise findings

What is the evidence of the first weakness?

Each individual is unique and their experiences are different. Ex HM had effects of his operation on his memory. Don’t know the extent of his epilepsy may have affected aspects of his behaviour rather than brain damage

What is the conclusion of the first weakness?

Highlights how generalisation of findings is a problem when handing small, unique samples

What is the point of the second weakness?

Low validity

What is the evidence for the second weakness?

Subject to research bias and subjective interpretation. Info in the final report is based on the subjective selection and interpretation of the researcher. Researcher may get to know the individual well, leads to loss of objectivity

What is the conclusion for the second weakness?

Personal accounts from participants, family and friends may be inaccurate. Highlights the unscientific nature of the case study method