Case studies, Longitudinal studies & Life Histories

Question 1

What is a case study?

Answer 1

A detailed examination of a single case or example eg. school, family or workplace

Question 2

Case Studies - Advantages & Disadvantages

Answer 2

Advantages:
Provide a detailed insight
Study unique cases
Quantitative
Test a theory
Suggest hypothesis early in research

Disadvantages:
lack representativeness
lack generalisability

Question 3

Longitudinal Studies - Advantages & Disadvantages

Answer 3

Advantages:
Detailed picture
Can make comparisons over time = identify causes

Disadvantages:
Problems keeping track of a sample & demographic changes = less representative
Large amount of data can be difficult to analyse
Costly
Hawthorne Effect

Question 4

Life Histories definition

Answer 4

a case study of an individual

Question 5

Life Histories Advantages & Disadvantages

Answer 5

Advantages:
Insight into personal experience
Adds historical understanding

Disadvantages:
Time consuming
In interviews researchers skills and characteristics