Case studies Flashcards
What is a case study?
To provide a detailed and in-depth analysis of an individual group, institution or event. Case studies often involve analysis of unusual individuals or events, but may concentrate on more typical cases. (longitudinal study, where it is studied over a long period of time)
What is coherence?
We can tie the results from all of the different research methods together to create one logical conclusion
What is triangulation
Checking for agreement between the research methods used in the case study to check the results are valid
Strengths of case studies
Can offer a rich and detailed insight that may shed light on very atypical behaviours or scenarios
May contribute to our understanding of ‘typical’ functioning
May generate hypotheses for future study and one solidary, contradictory instance may leave to the revision of an entire theory
What is a paradigm?
A set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline
What is a paradigm shift
The result of a scientific revolution when there is a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline
What is a theory construction
The process of developing an explanation for the causes of behaviour by systematically gathering evidence and then organising this into a coherent account
What is hypothesis testing
A key feature of a theory is that it should produce statements (hypotheses) which can then be tested. Only in this way can a theory be falsified
What is falsifiability
The principle that a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved untrue
What is replicability
The extent to which scientific procedures and finding can be repeated by other researchers
What is objectivity
All sources of personal bias are minimised so as not to distort or influence the research process
What is an empirical method
Scientific approaches that are based on the gathering of evidence through direct observation and experience
What is the cycle of science?
Hypothesis testing, empirical method, objectivity, replicability, theory construction
