L2 - Case Studies

Question 1

What do Case Studies involve?

Answer 1

• Detailed investigation of a single investigation of a single individual/group/institution
• Psychologist has only found one/two individuals who display rate behaviour

Question 2

What do case studies provide?

Answer 2

• Rich, detailed qualitative data

- Involve several methods which allow researchers to check for consistency, reliability and validity

Question 3

What kind of data can you collect from case studies?

Answer 3

• Qualitative (interviews/observations)

- Quantitative (questionnaires/experiments)

Question 4

How long do case studies last for?

Answer 4

• Weeks, months or years

- Longitudinal

Question 5

Evaluation (+)

Answer 5

• Rich yield of data, analysis can bring in high levels of validity
• Studying abnormal psychology can give insight to how something works when it functions correctly
• The detail collected on a single case may lead to interesting findings that conflict with current theories, creating new paths for research

Question 6

Evaluation (-)

Answer 6

• No control over variables in a case study so hard to establish cause and effect
• Poor reliability due to low replication
• Small sample size = not generalisable to wider population