Case Studies Flashcards
What is a case study?
A range of data collected from an individual, group, or institution
Case studies are defined by a high level of detail collected on the individual or group.
What methods are primarily used to collect data in case studies?
Interviews and observations
Content analysis can also be performed on written evidence and experimental techniques.
What types of subjects can case studies be conducted on?
Psychologically unusual individuals, unusual events, organisational practices, typical individuals within a demographic
Example: Clive Wearing.
What type of data do case studies mainly collect?
Qualitative data
Quantitative data can also be included.
What is the difference between snapshot and longitudinal case studies?
Snapshot studies cover a short period of time; longitudinal studies follow participants over many years.
What is a famous example of a case study used in psychodynamic psychology?
Freud’s little Hans case study
This case study was used to support the Oedipus complex.
What is one advantage of case studies?
They provide in-depth, mostly qualitative data resulting in realism.
Why do humanist psychologists prefer the holistic approach of case studies?
It gives highly valid insights and is a true reflection of an individual’s experience.
What is another advantage of case studies regarding unusual human behavior?
They are often the only way to investigate unusual or extreme human behavior.
What is a potential disadvantage of using interviews in case studies?
They rely on memory, which may be inaccurate.
What is social desirability bias?
When subjects may lie to look better in interviews.
Can findings from one unusual case be generalized?
No, findings from one unusual case cannot be generalized.
What is a limitation of case studies regarding replication?
Exact replications to check reliability of findings are not possible.
What is researcher bias?
A potential disadvantage where the researcher’s expectations may influence the findings.
Fill in the blank: Case studies can generate a _______ that can be tested experimentally.
hypothesis
