RM: Case studies

Question 1

What is a case study?

Answer 1

-a detailed study of an individual/very small group
-usually done on psychologically unusual individuals

Question 2

What kind of data is collected most often from case studies?

Answer 2

-qualitative data
-quantitative can be produced but used descriptively

Question 3

What methods are used within a case study?

Answer 3

-interviews
-observations
-psychological tests

Question 4

What is triangulation?

Answer 4

-gathering data using more than one method- checks validity of the findings

Question 5

Genie Wiley case study?

Answer 5

-investigating the effect of abuse/neglect on development

Question 6

David Reimer case study?

Answer 6

-investigating whether gender is biologically or socially determined

Question 7

HM case study?

Answer 7

-investigating impact of damage to the hippocampus on memory

Question 8

Why are case studies so powerful?

Answer 8

-one case study can refute a whole theory

Question 9

What is a longitudinal study?

Answer 9

-a study which follows the individua/group over an extended period of time

Question 10

Advantages of a longitudinal study?

Answer 10

-allows to look at changes over time

Question 11

Disadvantages of a longitudinal study?

Answer 11

-ppts may drop out, which can lead to a small sample size

Question 12

Advantages of a case studies?

Answer 12

-high levels of validity- go into depth
-multiple methods can be used (triangulation)
-study events/complex psychological areas they could not practically/ethically manipulate
-efficient- only takes one case study to refute a theory
-study of unusual behaviour found in rare cases

Question 13

Disadvantages of a case studies?

Answer 13

-researcher bias- can become too involved and lose their objectivity (misinterpreting or influencing outcomes)
-lack of control- many confounding variables that can affect the outcome.
-hey are unique
-hard to replicate
-lack scientific rigor.