Case Studies

Question 1

What is a case study ?

Answer 1

A detailed study of a single individual, institution or event.

Case studies are generally longitudinal.

Question 2

Why are case studies used ?

Answer 2

Allows researchers to look at unusual behaviours in greater detail.

Question 3

Example of a case study : HM

Answer 3

• Hippocampus removed to reduce seizures, resulting in an inability to form new memories.

Question 4

Example of a case study : Clive Wearing

Answer 4

His memory was damaged by an infection led to him losing all of his past memories and stopped him having the ability to form and store new memories.

Question 5

Evaluation of Case Studies : Strengths

Answer 5

• Offers rich, in-depth data which can provide new insights.
• Can be used to investigate instances of human human behaviour and experiences that are rare.

Question 6

Evaluation of Case Studies : Limitations

Answer 6

• Difficult to generalise from individual case studies.
• Important ethical issues such as confidentiality and informed consent.