Case Studies

Question 1

Briefly explain what case studies are.

Answer 1

• They involve the study of a single individual, instition or event.

Question 2

What type of research are case studies an example of?

Answer 2

Evidence based research

Question 3

Why might psychologists use case studies?

Answer 3

• Individual case studies; to look at unusual behaviours, and also to look in greater detail at any kind of behaviour.

Question 4

What does it mean to say that a case study is a scientific research method? What does it aim to do?

Answer 4

It aims to use objective and scientific methods.

Question 5

What type of sources can be used in case studies?

Answer 5

• From the person directly.
• From their family and friends.

Question 6

What type of techniques can be used in case studies?

Answer 6

• Interviews.
• Observations.
• IQ/personality tests.
• Experimental methods; to test what a person can or can’t do.

Question 7

How are the findings from case studies organised? Why? What do they represent?

Answer 7

• They are organised into themes.
• This is to represent the individuals thoughts, emotions, experiences and abilities.

Question 8

How is data represented?

Answer 8

Mainly qualitative BUT quantitative data may also be included.

Question 9

In what way are case studies longitudinal?

Answer 9

They follow the individuals over an extended period of time.

Question 10

Give 3 strengths of case studies.

Answer 10

1. Provides rich, in depth data.
2. Provides an insight for further research; may help to direct or develop the research.
3. It’s easy to understand the person/case study due to comprehensive research.

Question 11

Give 3 limitations of case studies.

Answer 11

1. It’s time consuming and expensive.
2. There can be a loss of objectivity; a bias can develop due to personal investment.
3. They usually cannot be generalised to anyone otuside of the people being studied specifcially.