9.1.8.3 - Case studies

Question 1

Define ‘case study’.

Answer 1

An in-depth analysis of one person or group

Question 2

What are the 3 properties of case studies?

Answer 2

Observations, interviews and questionnaires used

Usually produces qualitative data

Longitudinal - not cross-sectional

Question 3

What were the 3 details of the HM case study?

Answer 3

Underwent a rare bilateral MTL resection to cure his epilepsy - his hippocampus was removed

He became an anterograde amnesiac - couldn’t form new episodic or semantic memories

Was studied for 50 years - PET scans, experiments, interviews and observations were done to test his inability to form new declarative long-term memories

Question 4

How generalisable are case studies?

Answer 4

Generalisation is difficult due to individual differences - low population validity

Question 5

How reliable are case studies? (1 strength and 1 weakness)

Answer 5

Strength:
Lots of different research methods used due to their longitudinal nature - triangulation possible

Weakness:
Procedures cannot be replicated

Question 6

How applicable are case studies?

Answer 6

Generates hypotheses for future study using a nomothetic approach, creating theories

Question 7

How internally valid are case studies? (1 strength and 3 weaknesses)

Answer 7

Strength:
Offers rich detailed, qualitative information - insights offered that experiments or questionnaires can’t identify

Weaknesses:
Observer bias - bond formed leads to objectivity being lost

Social desirability bias - inaccurate recall of events from subject and family/friends during interviews

Often no objective knowledge of individual pre-damage

Question 8

How ethical are case studies? (1 strength and 1 weakness)

Answer 8

Strength:
Allows unusual investigations without unethical manipulation of variables

Weaknesses:
Issues of confidentiality and consent - pseudonym given or presumptive consent