case study

• What is a case study?


  in-depth, detailed study of an individual or particular group over a significant period of time
• where does the info come from?

  researchers use information from a range of sources, such as from the persons concerned as well as friends & family (ideographic research)
• can case studies be generalised?


  no
• why are case studies most relevant?


  applied to unusual or unique examples of behaviour which can provide insight into psychological functioning or support/challenge existing theories
• what methods can case studies be used alongside?


  experiments, interviews, observation, questionnaires
• researchers can interview people to get more history; family, social workers, doctors, teachers etc... basically anyone close to the individual
• what is longitudinal research?


  type of correlational research that involves looking at variables over an extended period of time. can take place over period of weeks, months, or even years
• what is a psychodynamic case study example?


  Little Hans, 1909
• what is a biological case study example?

  Phinneas Gage , 1848
• what is a cognitive case study example?


  Clive Wearing
• Strengths


  • high detailed and in-depth qualitative data can be gained
  • date has mundane realism = high ecological validity
  • often only suitable method for studying some behaviours due to the rarity of behaviour
• Weaknesses


  • low pop validity = results cannot be generalised to the wider pop due to the sample being unique
  • low internal validity & reliability due to lack of researcher objectivity and distortion in memory
  • time consuming & expensive