case studies, features of science Flashcards
case study definition
an in-depth investigation, description and analysis of a single individual, group, institution or event
coherence definition
tying the findings from the different research methods together to form one logical conclusion
triangulation
using multiple data sets, methods, theories to address a research question. It enhances the validity of the findings
what research methods are used in a case study to gather qualitative data
interviews
observations
questionnaires
what research methods are used in a case study to gather quantitative data
experimental or psychological testing
case studies strengths
- rich, detailed insights on unusual behaviour
- contribute to our understanding of ‘typical’ functioning
- may generate hypotheses for future study
- one solitary, contradictory instance may lead to the revision of an entire theory
case studies weaknesses
- generalisation is difficult as there are small sample sizes
- information that makes it to the final report is based on the subjective selection of the researcher
- personal accounts from participants may be prone to inaccuracy and memory decay so evidence has low validity
objectivity
when all sources of personal bias are minimised so as to not influence the research process
(operationalisation and control)
empirical method
scientific approaches that are based on the gathering of evidence through direct observation and experience (not relying on personal opinion- using evidence)
replicability
the extent to which scientific procedures and results can be repeated by other researchers
falsifiability
the principle that a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proven untrue
theory
an explanation for describing a phenomenon(thought/feeling/behaviour). It may be based on observations about the world or the empirical data derived from hypothesis testing
theory construction
the creation of an explanation for describing a phenomenon on the basis of direct observation or empirical data
paradigm
a set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline
paradigm shift
the results of a scientific revolution in that a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline occurs