Case Studies Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is a case study?
An in-depth study that gathers detailed information about one person or a small group, often over a long time (longitudinal).
Where did the case study method originate?
Clinical medicine (as patient case histories).
What kinds of data are collected in case studies?
A range of data such as medical history, family relationships, employment records, and socioeconomic status.
What methods are used in case studies?
Interviews, observations, psychological tests, and other secondary sources (triangulation).
What are longitudinal and retrospective case studies?
Longitudinal studies follow subjects over time; retrospective studies look back at past events.
What is triangulation in case studies?
The use of multiple methods (e.g., observations, surveys, experiments, secondary data) to gather data for a fuller, more accurate picture.
Who was Phineas Gage?
A famous case study in which a man survived a severe brain injury, providing insights into the brain’s role in personality and behaviour.
Strenghts of case studies
Produce rich, meaningful qualitative data from in-depth methods like interviews and observations.
High ecological validity – based on real-life, naturally occurring events that cannot be ethically or practically manipulated.
weakensses of case studies
Low reliability – difficult to replicate as each case is unique and rare.
Low population validity – findings are based on individuals or small groups and can’t be generalised to everyone.
