CASE STUDIES

• What are case studies?

  Very detailed investigations of an individual or small group, usually regarding an unusual phenomenon or biographical event of interest to a research field. Due to a small sample, the researcher can conduct an in-depth analysis of the individual/group.
• What are 2 strength of case studies?


  Create opportunities for a rich yield of data, and the depth of analysis can in turn bring high levels of validity; providing an accurate measure of what the study is hoping to measure.

  The detail collected on a single case may lead to interesting findings that conflict with current theories, and stimulate new paths for research.
• Shat is a strength of case studies?

  Studying abnormal psychology can give insight into how something works when it is functioning correctly, such as brain damage on memory e.g. KF.
• What are 2 weaknesses of case studies?

  • There is little control over a number of variables in a case study, so it's difficult to confidently establish any casual relationships between variables.
  • Case studies are unusual by nature, so will have poor reliability as replicating them exactly will be unlikely.
• what are 2 weaknesses of case studies?

  •  Due to small sample sizes, it's unlikely that findings from a case study alone can be generalised to a whole population.
  • The case study’s researcher may become so involved with the study that they show bias in their interpretation and presentation of the data, making it challenging to distinguish what is truly objective/factual.