Research Methods : Case Studies

Question 1

What is a case study?

Answer 1

A detailed study of a single individual or small group of people where interviews, observations, questionnaires and psychological tests are some of the methods used to collect qualitative data.

Question 2

Advantages of a case study

Answer 2

• high levels of validity as they go into depth
• they allow multiple methods to be used - triangulation
• they allow researchers to study events or complex psychological areas they can’t practically or ethically manipulate
• efficient as it only takes one case study to disprove a theory
• enables study of unusual behaviour found in rare cases

Question 3

Disadvantages of a case study

Answer 3

• researcher bias if the researcher becomes too involved
• lack of control
• lack of scientific rigour

Question 4

What is triangulation?

Answer 4

Using more than one method to check validity of the findings

Question 5

What is a longitudinal study?

Answer 5

They follow the individual or group over an extended period of time

Question 6

Advantages of a longitudinal study

Answer 6

• allows to look at changes over time

Question 7

Disadvantages of longitudinal studies

Answer 7

• participants may drop out, leading to a small sample size

Question 8

Phineas Gage study

Answer 8

The effect of damage to the prefrontal cortex on personality

Question 9

Genie study

Answer 9

Investigating the effect of abuse/ neglect on development

Question 10

David Reimer

Answer 10

Investigating whether gender is biologically determined or socialised

Question 11

HM study

Answer 11

Investigating the impact of damage to the hippocampus on memory

Question 12

Clive Wearing

Answer 12

Investigating the impact of damage to the hippocampus on memory