RM: Case studies Flashcards
1
Q
What is a case study?
A
A detailed and in depth longitudinal analysis of an individual group, institution or event
2
Q
When do case studies occur?
A
Unusual individuals or rare events
3
Q
What data do case studies produce?
A
Qualitative data from methods such as interviews and questionnaires
4
Q
What are the strengths of case studies?
A
- Rich detailed insight which is preferred to superficial forms of data and increases validity
- Enables study of unusual behaviour that will not occur and can’t be studied in other ways, helps understanding of typical functioning
5
Q
What are the limitations of case studies?
A
- Prone to researcher bias bc conclusions are based on subjective interpretation of researcher reducing validity
- Small samples, may be one off event or individual meaning it is difficult to generalise and has low external validity