Case Studies

• What is included in the definition of a case study?

  A range of information on individuals or groups
• What is often the main source of data in case studies?

  Interviews
• What makes case studies special compared to other research methods?

  The level of detail collected about subjects
• What types of subjects can case studies investigate?

  Individuals, groups, or organizations
• What type of data is usually collected in case studies?

  Qualitative data
• What is a short case study called?

  Snapshot
• What is a long case study called?

  Longitudinal study
• Why are longitudinal studies particularly interesting?

  They observe changes over time
• What is a significant challenge of longitudinal studies?

  They are expensive to fund over years
• In which field have case studies been significantly used?

  Clinical psychology
• Who researched the patient referred to as Tan?

  Paul Broca
• What did Broca's research lead to the identification of?

  Broca's area
• What was the famous case study conducted by Freud?

  Little Hans
• What phobia did Little Hans have?

  Phobia of horses
• How did Freud conduct the case study of Little Hans?

  By sending letters to his father
• What does the case of Genie illustrate about childhood development?

  The importance of early years in learning
• What is a strength of case studies in psychological research?

  They provide in-depth and rich information
• What approach do psychologists who prefer case studies typically take?

  Holistic approach
• Why can't findings from case studies be generalized?

  They study unique individuals or situations
• What is a limitation of case studies regarding data collection?

  More data is collected than can be used
• What is researcher bias in the context of case studies?

  Loss of objectivity when interpreting behavior
• How can case studies contribute to psychological theories?

  They can generate hypotheses for testing
• What modern technique can confirm findings from Broca's research?

  FMRI brain scans
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of case studies in psychological research?

  Strengths:

  • In-depth and rich information
  • Holistic understanding of behavior
  • Unique cases can challenge theories

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lack of generalizability
  • Potential for researcher bias
  • Often rely on memory and interviews