Case Studies

Question 1

What is a case study

Answer 1

It’s an in-depth detailed investigation of an individual or group
This may take place over a long period of time.

Question 2

What makes a case study a case study?

Answer 2

-one individual or group which are unique in some way
-qualitative date
-using unstructured interviews and naturalistic observations
-its over a long period of time

Question 3

What are strengths of case studies

Answer 3

-unusual behaviour and uniques and gives us knowledge of things we wouldn’t think about
-high ecological validity
-generates hypothesis for future studies
-we can get information from studies can’t be replicated due to ethical issues

Question 4

What are weaknesses of case studies

Answer 4

-they are hard to generalise
-may be inaccurate , as family members may forget information
-ethical issues such as privacy and confidentiality
-costly and time consuming