The use of case studies

AO1: what are case studies?

A research method exploring one event, person or group of people im rich detail, eg- an individual with a mental disorder. In depth data is collected as the case study approach allows for the complex interaction of many factors to be studied. Most of the data collected is likely to be qualitative. Quantitative data can also be collected, such as tracking symptoms over a period of time or looking at educational records. Researchers may also take notes of behaviours they observe and ask clients to complete various tasks to see how they respond.

Example case study for clinical?

Lavarenne et al (2013)

Explain the background of Lavarenne et al (2013)?

The study referred to a session known the ‘Thursday group’ - a group of patients, most of whom suffering from SZ, who met every week. The purpose of the group was to support patients by giving them some structure to help them, cope with their illness and encourage a sense of connection with others for a group that is typically isolated in everyday life.

Procedure of Lavarenne et al (2013)?

The sessions were never recorded, but after, the group leaders noted down key points about patient behaviour, expression and comments. The case study reports on one specific session with 6 patients present, which was just before Christmas, where the group members were facing a break of more than 7 days before their next meeting because of the holidays.

Findings of Lavarenne et al (2013)?

They key the,es the leaders noted this session was that of ‘fragile ego boundaries’ - a breakdown in the line that people draw between the real and the unreal, or their own thoughts and those of other people. They suggested that the group may be reacting to the potential change in routine by having a break from the group for more than the usual one week.

Two strengths of case studies?

• Detail and depth 

• Rare situations 

Why is ‘detail and depth’ a strength of case studies?

Data gathered from patients is very detailed and therefore the clinician can look at all aspects of the patient’s life and how they have been affected by mental illness of what the affects of treatment are.

Why is ‘rare situations’ a strength of case studies?

Case studies allow researchers to gain an insight into rare situations and unique cases of mental illness which could not be studied in an experimental technique. This is useful as it allows clinicians to study cases of mental illness which may not have been investigated before. 

Two weaknesses of case studies?

• Difficulty generalising 

• Researcher bias 

Why is ‘difficulty generalising’ a weakness of case studies?

As case studies often only use one individual with a rare or unusual mental illness, there may be difficulties generalising the findings to others with similar symptoms as the cause of their condition may be very different. 

Why is ‘researcher bias’ a weakness of case studies?

As the clinician will work with a patient for a long period of time, often a number of years, it is easy for their account of the case to become bias and lose objectivity.