Case Studies

Question 1

Purpose of a case study

Answer 1

To provide a detailed analysis of an individual / establishment / real life

Question 2

Does the way research was conducted affect case studies

Answer 2

Nah
Can be experimental or non-experimental data

Question 3

Examples of case studies

Answer 3

HM, Phineas Gage, Little Albert

Question 4

Strengths of Case Studies

Answer 4

• unveils rich, detailed info about the situation (therefore unique insights that can be overlooked in some situations)
• can be used in circumstances where it wouldn’t be ethical to examine experimentally (e.g. Genie case study)

Question 5

Weaknesses of case studies

Answer 5

• methodological issues e.g. as it’s an isolated experience, it’s difficult to generalise findings to the wider population: this creates issues with the external validity as psychologists are unable to conclude anyone else would act the same (so low population validity)
• researchers own subjectivity may be a problem (esp when qualitative methods used bc people observe stuff differently)