Research Methods 3: Case Studies

Question 1

A case study is…

Answer 1

an in-depth study of one person or group of people over time.

Question 2

Case studies are longitudinal. This means…

Answer 2

Researchers repeatedly examine the same individuals to detect any changes that may occur over a period of time.

Question 3

Identify 3 techniques of a case study.

Answer 3

IQ testing, Personality testing, Observations

Question 4

Data in a case study is often presented as…

Answer 4

qualitative.

Question 5

Case study strengths: rich data

Answer 5

Longitudinal so a large amount of data is gathered over a long period of time. Strength because it gives great depth and understanding into one person or group.

Question 6

Case study strength: high ecological validity

Answer 6

Longitudinal study where person/group is studied in their own environment. Strength because case studies have high external validity.

Question 7

Case study strength: can investigate situation which could not be set up for ethical reasons

Answer 7

Often investigate naturally occurring events that would be unethical to test during an experiment. Strength because case studies can provide insight into areas of psych9logy we would t be able to investigate in any other way.

Question 8

Limitations of a case study: can’t be generalised easily to others

Answer 8

Escher individual/group and their experience is unique so case studies may only represent the behaviour of one person/group. Limitation because it’s difficult to generalise the results of others.

Question 9

Limitations of a case study: information gathered is often based on self-report data

Answer 9

Techniques used often require participants to recall information from a number of months/years ago meaning people may not accurately recall info or people may want to be seen in a favourable light and provide socially desirable answers. Limitation because reduces internal validity.

Question 10

Limitations of a case study: difficult to replicate

Answer 10

Very unique so they’re difficulty/impossible to replicate. Limitation because it’s not possible to test the external reliability of the findings.

Question 11

Limitations of a case study: researcher bias

Answer 11

Case studies are usually longitudinal so researchers may get to know the individual well which may lead to a loss of objectivity. Limitation because it reduces internal validity.