Case Studies Flashcards
What kind of cases are case studies?
Unique (usually studying brain damage)
What circumstances are case studies?
Typically naturally occurring
What are case studies useful for?
Studying rare cases where the situation cannot be tested experimentally
What are case studies like?
Intensive and detailed
Where are case studies conducted under?
Naturalistic conditions
How are case studies longitudinal?
Occur over long periods of time, not just a one-off experiment
How do case studies use triangulation of data?
Use a variety of research methods to establish validity of findings
e.g. observations, psychological tests, interviews
How do case studies increase concurrent validity?
Obtaining triangulation of data by using a variety of research methods
Why is it a weakness that case studies are unique cases?
Due to rarity, we cannot generalise results to the wider population
How are case studies more ethical?
Naturally occurring events that otherwise would not be able to be tested experimentally
Why are case studies not reliable?
Unique cases which can’t be repeated to test for reliability
Why is it a weakness that case studies are naturally occurring cases?
Uncontrolled so can’t check for reliability
What is a weakness of case studies for the individual?
Intensive and intrusive so may impact their daily life
Why can case studies not establish cause and effect?
Not all factors can be accounted or controlled for
