case studies

Question 1

case study

Answer 1

an in-depth investigation, description and analysis of an event

Question 2

case study explanation

Answer 2

• Involve an analysis of unusual individuals/events
• Case studies may concentrate on ‘typical’ cases too
• Involves the production of qualitative data
• Researchers may conduct a case history of the individual concerned, using: interviews, observations, questionnaires, or a combination
• Case studies are often longitudinal and may involve gathering data from friends/family of the individual as well as the person himself

Question 3

case study key terms

Answer 3

• Qual and quant data
• Individuals, groups, events
• Triangulation
• longitudinal

Question 4

case study strengths

Answer 4

• Offer rich, detailed insights that may shed light on unusual/atypical forms of behaviour- this may be superficial forms of data
• Contribute to our understanding of ‘typical’ functioning- e.g: HM case study- demonstrated memory processing
• Generate hypotheses for future studies

Question 5

case study limitations

Answer 5

• Generalisation of findings is limited when dealing with small samples
• Information that makes it into the final report is based on subjective selection and interpretation of the researcher
• Personal accounts may be prone to inaccuracy and memory decay- low in validity