Case Studies

Question 1

To study a case in psychology

How long do case studies typically last for?

Answer 1

To provide a detailed and in depth analysis of an individual, group, institution or event.

Case studies tend to take place over a long period of time (ie longitudinal) and may involve gathering data from family and friends of the individual as well as the person themselves

Question 2

Unusual and Typical Cases

Answer 2

Case studies often involve analysis of unusual individuals or events, such as a person with a rare disorder or a sequence of events that led to an event

Question 3

Type of Data

Answer 3

Usually involves qualitative data.
Researcher will contrast a case history of the individual or the event concerned, eg using interviews, observations, questionnaires or a combination of all of these.

Psychological tests may also be used to asses, for example, intelligence or personality.
These are likely to produce quantitative data

Question 4

Two Strengths of Case Studies

Answer 4

+ Rich, detailed insight. Preferred to other forms of data that might be collected (eg from an experiment assessing one aspect of behaviour at one moment in time). Such detail is likely to increase the validity of the data collected.

+ Enables study of unusual behaviour. Some behaviours/conditions are very rare and cannot be studied using other methods. In addition, some cases can help understanding of normal functioning

Question 5

Two Limitations of Case Studies

Answer 5

• Prone to researcher bias. Conclusions are based on the subjective interpretation of the researcher. Therefore, this may reduce the validity of the study.
• Participants accounts may be biased. Personal accounts (eg from participants and family) may be prone to inaccuracy/memory decay. Therefore, the evidence provided may be low in validity