RM: Case studies Flashcards
What is a case study?
-a detailed study of an individual/very small group
-usually done on psychologically unusual individuals
What kind of data is collected most often from case studies?
-qualitative data
-quantitative can be produced but used descriptively
What methods are used within a case study?
-interviews
-observations
-psychological tests
What is triangulation?
-gathering data using more than one method- checks validity of the findings
Genie Wiley case study?
-investigating the effect of abuse/neglect on development
David Reimer case study?
-investigating whether gender is biologically or socially determined
HM case study?
-investigating impact of damage to the hippocampus on memory
Why are case studies so powerful?
-one case study can refute a whole theory
What is a longitudinal study?
-a study which follows the individua/group over an extended period of time
Advantages of a longitudinal study?
-allows to look at changes over time
Disadvantages of a longitudinal study?
-ppts may drop out, which can lead to a small sample size
Advantages of a case studies?
-high levels of validity- go into depth
-multiple methods can be used (triangulation)
-study events/complex psychological areas they could not practically/ethically manipulate
-efficient- only takes one case study to refute a theory
-study of unusual behaviour found in rare cases
Disadvantages of a case studies?
-researcher bias- can become too involved and lose their objectivity (misinterpreting or influencing outcomes)
-lack of control- many confounding variables that can affect the outcome.
-hey are unique
-hard to replicate
-lack scientific rigor.
