CASE STUDIES

Question 1

What is a case study?

Answer 1

An in-depth study of a singular person or a small group that will share a single characteristic. They are focused on unique circumstances and a usually longitudinal studies (behaviour and mental state studied over a period of time)

Question 2

What research methods do case studies use?

Answer 2

Primary and secondary data
They will use triangulation to compare the results in check for consistency in the findings.
Qualitative and quantitive data - observations, interviews, questionnaire as well as biological measures like brain scans and quantitive data to

Question 3

What is the difference between a ideographic approach and nomothetic approach in case studies?

Answer 3

Ideographic approach - does not test a hypothesis, look for causes or try to uncover laws. It simply records what happens to, or reconstructs what has already happened to a participant or small group

Nomothetic approach - results from a case study followed up by a wider scale survey to draw conclusions about people in general. This approach tries to uncover scientific laws by averaging out the data on lots of individuals.

Question 4

3 strengths of using case studies of participants with brain damage

Answer 4

• Case studies can gain rich in-depth data
  due to extensive testing and transcription of multiple research methods increases validity) e.g HM was extensively studied for over 50 years
• Brain damage can be measured using neuroimaging techniques like PET scans which is objective and can be easily replicated therefore it’s considered scientific
• Case studies provide a unique insight and avoid ethical issues of invasive investigation as they only observe existing brain damage

Question 5

3 weaknesses of using case studies of patient with brain damage

Answer 5

• Case studies rely on very unique cases
  Therefore, the results cannot necessarily be generalised to the wider population.
• Case studies often gather qualitative data for example descriptions of memory functions, pps experiences, feelings and beliefs which are subjective in nature meaning it is reliant on individual judgement and opinion. Therefore case studies can be considered unscientific
• Case studies can be intrusive and caused participant psychological distress and go against BPS ethical guidelines. E.g HM was extensively tested for over 50 years therefore psychological harm is very likely.