Case studies, longitudinal studies and life histories

Question 1

describe case studies

Answer 1

Detailed examination of a single case ie Burn cuased out a case study of a primary school teacher from a WC background

Question 2

What are the uses of case studies

Answer 2

Insight into a group, qualitative data, large scale, test a theory, look at hypothesis

Question 3

Describe longitudinal studies

Answer 3

Regular intervals over a long period of time

Question 4

What are the strengths of longitudinal studies

Answer 4

comparisons can be made

Study attitudes changing

Question 5

What are the limitations of longitudinal studies

Answer 5

Hard to recuit a commited sample
HArd to keep in contact
Long term funding
Interviews and questionnaires
cost

Question 6

Examples of longitudinal studies

Answer 6

Parkesr study of illegal drugs cost £380,000
Douglas followed children of different class backgrounds but similar ability
Guanlett and Hill - study of TV for 5 years, complete 3 questionnaires each year

Question 7

Describe life histories

Answer 7

qualitative used in case studies
Individual writing down life story
Interview
Insight, adds historical demision
time consuming

Question 8

Describe trigulation

Answer 8

Using a variety of methods

Obtain a more rounded picture by studing the same thing the same thing from different view points