Case Studies Flashcards
What are case studies?
An in-depth, detailed investigation or a small group.
What are the strengths of case studies?
Rich in detail - case studies provide great depth and understanding about individuals and acknowledge human diversity. As they are about ‘real people’, they have a feeling of truth about them. Information related to a real person and not an average gathered from many.
Only possible method to use - Can studies allow psychologists to study unique behaviours or experiences that Ould not have been studied in another way. The methods allow sensitive areas to be explored where other methods would be unethical, like the effects of sexual abuse.
Useful for theory contradiction - one case study can contradict a theory.
What are the weaknesses of case studies?
Not representative - as no two case studies are alike, results cannot be generalised to others. But those who like case studies as a method of research my argue that psychologists don’t always have to find universal truths of behaviour.
Researcher bias - Researcher conducting case studies may be biased in their interpretation or methods of reporting which affects the quilt of data produced.
Reliance on memory - Case studies often depend upon RPS having full and accurate memories.