Case studies Flashcards
What are the pros of case studies?
3
- Use it when it’s unethical to use in other research
- Rich data, complex interaction of many factors studied (holistic)
- Develop relation, ^used to researcher, >demand char
What are the cons of case studies?
2
- > Generalisability, each = unique
- >Objectivity, get to know case, interpret subjectively, >reliability
How was Henry Molaison’s (HM) memory?
1
- Couldn’t make new ep memories but could still learn sem memories and procedural memories
What happened to Phineas Gage?
2
- Iron rod passed through his head
- Damage to frontal lobe (pre-frontal cortex)
What did Charles Whitman do?
1
- Killed his family, 12 others and himself in a mass shooting
What did KF suffer from?
1
- Brain damage from a motorcycle accident
What are the key features of a case study?
4
- Quant and qual data
- Retrospective (don’t know what they were like before)
- Idiographic (Individual experience to them)
- Longitudinal
Which types of amnesia did HM suffer from?
2
- Retrograde
- Anterograde
What was removed from HM?
1
- Hippocampus
How was Phineas Gage before and after the accident?
2
- Hardworking, responsible, popular
- Restless, indecisive, swore a lot
What conclusions were drawn from Phineas Gage?
2
- Parts of brain could be removed w/out fatal effect
- Frontal lobe important in behaviour (conscientious)
Why may the reports of Phineas Gage not be as valid as thought to be?
1
- Eventually returned to normal life/responsible job, personality change = temporary
What did Phineas Gage’s doctor note about him?
1
- ‘Impatient of restraint or advice when it conflicts his desires’
What did Whitman’s suicide note read?
1
- “Lately I have been a victim of irrational thoughts”
What did Charles Whitman’s autopsy later reveal?
1
- He had a tumour on his amygdala
