Case studies

• Case study


  detailed analysis of an individual

  • qualitative data
  • take place over a long period of time
  • can also involve gathering data from family or friends
• Strengths - case study

  • rich, detailed analysis into atypical behaviour
  • useful to investigate rare examples
• Weakness - case study

  • hard to generalise because it is subject to the person
  • analysis of data is often subjective as it must be interpreted by the researcher
  • potential ethical issues such as informed consent and confidentiality
  • many Ps are not able to give consent, e.g. Little Hans