Case Studies

Question 1

Case Study

Answer 1

• in depth investigation, description and analysis of a single individual, group, institution or event
• unusual
• qualitative

Question 2

Strengths

Answer 2

• rich, detailed insight
• contribute to understanding of ‘normal’ functioning
• generate hypothesis for future studies
• longitudinal research may be taken to see changes over time, providing useful insights into development of behaviour

Question 3

Limitations

Answer 3

• lack of generalisability to general population
• may not be reliable
• accounts from family + friends may also prove memory delay
• cause and effect can’t be inferred
• far too many extraneous variables
• final report may be subjective (interpreted by researchers)
• lack of confidentiality