case studies Flashcards
What is a case study in psychology?
A research method where detailed information is collected on an individual, group, or organisation.
What are common data collection methods in case studies?
Interviews, observations, psychological tests, and content analysis of records like diaries.
What makes case studies unique?
The level of detail collected about an individual or group.
What type of subjects are commonly studied in case studies?
Psychologically unusual individuals, events, organisations, or typical demographic groups.
What type of data is usually collected in case studies?
Qualitative data from interviews, but quantitative data can also be used.
What are the two types of case study durations?
Snapshot (short-term) and longitudinal (long-term).
Why are longitudinal case studies useful?
They allow observation of changes over time.
What is a limitation of longitudinal case studies?
They are expensive to fund over many years.
How have case studies been used in clinical psychology?
They provide insight into brain function by studying brain-damaged patients.
What did Paul Broca’s case study on ‘Tan’ demonstrate?
It identified Broca’s area, a brain region responsible for speech production.
How did Freud use case studies?
He developed psychodynamic theories using case studies like Little Hans.
What was Freud’s conclusion in the case of Little Hans?
Hans’ phobia of horses was symbolic of a fear of his father.
Why is the case study method considered holistic?
It examines behaviour from multiple perspectives for a more complete understanding.
Why are case studies valuable for studying rare behaviours?
Some behaviours cannot be ethically or practically replicated in a lab.
How can case studies challenge psychological theories?
A single unusual case study can prove a pre-existing theory incorrect or incomplete.
What are major criticisms of case studies?
They rely on memory (which may be inaccurate), suffer from social desirability bias, and are difficult to generalise.
Why can’t case studies be generalised to wider populations?
They often focus on unique individuals with specific conditions or experiences.
What is a major limitation regarding data in case studies?
Researchers may selectively include data that supports their ideas, leading to researcher bias.
How can case studies contribute to scientific research?
They generate hypotheses that can later be tested experimentally.
How has Broca’s work on ‘Tan’ been confirmed in modern research?
FMRI brain scans now confirm the role of Broca’s area in speech production.
