Case Studies

Question 1

What is a Case Study?

Answer 1

An in-depth investigation, description and analyse of a single individual< group< institution or event

Question 2

What do Case Studies involve?

Answer 2

Analysis of an unusual individual or events< such as a person with a rare disorder

Question 3

What do Case Studies provide?

Answer 3

Insight into areas that psychologist could not study through manipulation because it would be classed as unethical to do so

Question 4

How is Qualitative data collected in a Case Study?

Answer 4

By conducting interviews or observations etc.

Question 5

How is Quantitative data collected in a Case Study?

Answer 5

If the person completes an experimental or psychological testing to asses what they are and are not capable of

Question 6

What does longitudinal mean?

Answer 6

Conducted over a long period of time

Question 7

Give two strengths of Case Studies.

Answer 7

• Offer rich and detailed insights which may shed light onto unusual and atypical forms of behaviour
• May help to generate hypotheses for future study

Question 8

Give two weaknesses of Case Studies.

Answer 8

• Generalisation of findings is an issue when dealing with small sample sizes - findings are not going to be representative of everyone
• Accounts from the participants or their family may be prone to inaccuracy and memory decay (childhood memories) - make case studies look low in validity