Case studies Flashcards
What are case studies?
-Detailed and in-depth investigations of a small group or individual
-Behaviour is explored in a way where researchers can explain the feelings of the individual around particular behaviours and issues
-Data is often collected through interviews or observations, generating mostly qualitative data, but can be triangulated with methods that generate quantitative data also
What is an example of longitudinal?
-Participants experience/progress is tracked and measured (qualitatively and quantitatively)
What is the case of HM?
-Example of a case study of an individual with brain damage. Qualitative data was obtained via interviews and observations ;quantitative data was obtained via memory tests, IQ tests an MRI scanning of his brain.
What are the strengths of case studies?
-Holistic approach, where the whole individual and their experiences are considered
-Allows researchers to study unique behaviours and experiences would be unethical or impossible to manipulate in controlled conditions
-Case studies provide rich, in depth data which is high in explanatory power.
What are the limitations of case studies?
-Results are not generalisible or representative due to (usually) only one person being the focus of the study
-The researcher may be biased in their interpretation of the information
-Often case studies rely on their participants having a good memory which means that information/details can be missed which would impact the validity of the findings.
