METHODS - case studies

Question 1

what is involved in a case study

Answer 1

longitudinal
unusual cases or events as well as typical ones
usually qualitative data

Question 2

strengths of case studies

Answer 2

rich detailed insight - preferred to the more superficial forms of data that may be collected e.g a lab study to test one period of time so increases validity
enables study of unusual behaviour - some behaviours/conditions are very rare and cannot be studied by any other method and some cases can help understand ‘normal’ functioning

Question 3

limitations of case studies

Answer 3

prone to researcher bias - conclusions are based onn the subjective interpretations of the researcher hence reducing validity
participants’ accounts may be biased - personal accounts may be prone to inaccuracy/memory decay so evidence provided may be low in validity