Case Studies

Question 1

What is a researcher looking to gather when conducting a case study?

Answer 1

In-depth information on an individual/ small group of people

Question 2

What are the people being studied like?

Answer 2

Normally pretty unique and are studied with the aim of uncovering answers the scientific world needs.

Question 3

Strengths of case studies?

Answer 3

Specific to the aim in the scientific world
Gain deeper findings- gain more details about a situation

Question 4

Limitations of case studies?

Answer 4

Cannot be repeated as it would be unethical to repeat them
As they are so unique, findings cannot be generalised to the rest of the human population
Usually no other findings regarding this specific situation therefore findings cannot be compared to previous examples

Question 5

What is the purpose of a case study?

Answer 5

To provide a detailed analysis of an individual or real-life event

Question 6

Do case studies refer to the way in which the research was conducted?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

When are case studies used?

Answer 7

When there is a rare behaviour being investigated which does not arise often enough to warrant a larger study being conducted

Question 8

What do case studies allow for in terms of research?

Answer 8

Allows data to be collected and analysed on something that psychologists have little research on- therefore can be the starting point for further, more in-depth research

Question 9

Methodological issues associated with case studies?

Answer 9

By only studying one individual, it is difficult to generalise any findings to the wider population- the results are so unique
Creates issues with external validity- psychologists are unable to conclude with confidence that anyone beyond the case will behave in the same way under similar circumstances- lowering population validity

Question 10

Issue in case studies: subjectivity?

Answer 10

The researchers own subjectivity may cause problems
E.g. Little Hans- Freud developed an entire theory based around what he observed- no scientific or experimental evidence to su[port his suggestions from his case study
We cannot be sure that he objectively reported his findings

Question 11

Strengths of case studies? (Detailed information)

Answer 11

Unveils rich detailed information about a situation
Case studies can be used in circumstances which would not be ethical to examine