Case Studies

Question 1

What are case studies?

Answer 1

detailed or in-depth investigation and analysis of a small group or individual that allow researchers to explore particular behaviours and issues

Question 2

How is data collected in case studies?

Answer 2

Case studies are often longitudinal where data is mostly collected via interviews and observations, which mainly provide qualitative data however certain methods can help to provide quantitative data also

Question 3

Describe a key example of a case study

Answer 3

HM was an individual with brain damage
Qualitative data was obtained via interviews and observations
Quantitative data was obtained via memory tests and MRI scanning of his brain

Question 4

Outline the strengths of Case Studies

Answer 4

• it is a holistic approach where the whole individual and their experiences are considered
• it offers rich, in-depth data which is high in explanatory power
• allows researchers to study unique behaviours and experiences which would be unethical or impossible to manipulate in controlled conditions

Question 5

Outline the limitations of Case Studies

Answer 5

• Idiographic; results aren’t generalisable or representative due to usually only one person being the focus of the study
• researcher may be biased in terms of their interpretation of the information; it is their subjective selection of info
• personal accounts from the Pp, family and friends may be inaccurate due to bias or memory decay (especially childhood stories) which lowers the validity of findings