Case Studies

Question 1

What are case studies?

Answer 1

A detailed analysis of an unusual individual / small group / event

Question 2

How are case studies recorded?

Answer 2

• collection of qualitative data using interviews, observations, questionnaires
• tend to take place over a long period of time (longitudinal research)

Question 3

Strengths of case studies

Answer 3

• rich in detail
• allows the study of unique behaviours/experiences that could not have been studied any other way

Question 4

Weaknesses of case studies

Answer 4

• unrepresentative as no 2 case studies are alike
• researcher bias, biased in their interpretation or method of reporting
• often depend on p’s recalling memories (reliance on memory)
• can’t be generalised, unreliable

Question 5

Single blind procedures

Answer 5

When p’s aren’t told the aim of the study at the beginning

May also not told which condition they’re in

Controls any confounding effects of demand characteristics

Question 6

Double blind procedures

Answer 6

Neither the p’s or researcher know the aims

Important feature of drug trials

Prevents bias due to placebo effect and reduces investigator effects