case studies Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is a case study in psychology?
A research method that involves an in-depth, detailed investigation of an individual, group, or event. It often focuses on unique or rare cases, providing rich qualitative data.
Key features of a case study?
• Focus on one individual or group.
• Involves qualitative data (e.g., interviews, observations).
• Longitudinal or cross-sectional.
• May use triangulation (e.g., multiple data sources like interviews, documents, observations).
Strengths of case studies?
• Rich, detailed data that offers insight into unique or rare conditions.
• Can generate hypotheses for further research.
• Useful when studying phenomena that cannot be recreated experimentally (e.g., brain injuries, rare psychological conditions).
Weaknesses of case studies?
Low generalisability: Findings may not apply to the wider population.
• Can be affected by researcher bias or subjectivity in data interpretation.
• Ethical concerns: In-depth focus on one person/group may raise confidentiality or emotional distress issues.
What is the issue with generalising from case studies?
:
Due to the focus on a single individual or small group, findings may not be applicable to a broader population, limiting their external validity.
What is triangulation in case study research?
Using multiple methods or data sources (e.g., interviews, observations, documents) to enhance the validity and reliability of the findings.
Example of a famous case study in psychology?
Phineas Gage: Studied the effects of a brain injury on personality, contributing to understanding of the frontal lobe’s role in behavior.
• HM: Case study of a patient with severe amnesia, informing our understanding of memory processes.
What ethical considerations must be taken into account in case studies?
• Informed consent: Ensuring participants understand the study’s purpose and methods.
• Confidentiality: Protecting participants’ privacy, especially if they are identifiable.
• Psychological harm: Ensuring participants are not harmed emotionally or psychologically by the study.
What is longitudinal data in case studies?
Data collected over an extended period, tracking the subject’s changes over time. Longitudinal case studies can provide insights into developmental or long-term effects of a condition.
What is cross-sectional data in case studies?
Data collected at a single point in time from subjects of different ages or backgrounds. It allows comparisons between groups but lacks information on change over time.
How do case studies contribute to theory development?
Case studies provide detailed insights into complex phenomena, often revealing aspects of psychology that hadn’t been considered before. These can lead to new theories or refine existing ones.
How can bias affect case study research?
• Researcher bias: The researcher may influence how data is interpreted or selectively report findings.
• Participant bias: The subject may provide socially desirable answers or act in ways they think the researcher expects.
What is the role of qualitative data in case studies?
Qualitative data (e.g., interviews, personal accounts) provides rich, detailed information that helps researchers understand the complexities of individual experiences or conditions.
Why is rapport important in case studies?
Building rapport with participants ensures they feel comfortable sharing personal, sensitive information, leading to more accurate and honest data.
How do case studies compare to experiments?
• Case studies focus on real-life, often unique situations, while experiments manipulate variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Case studies offer more ecological validity, but experiments have more control over variables.
What is a retrospective case study?
A case study where researchers investigate past events or experiences. Often used when studying rare conditions or unusual events that have already occurred.
What is a prospective case study?
A case study that follows participants forward in time, tracking the development of a condition or phenomenon as it unfolds.
How do case studies contribute to understanding mental disorders?
By providing detailed accounts of individuals with specific mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, OCD), case studies contribute to the development of diagnostic criteria, treatments, and theories.
