Case study

• What is a case study?

  A detailed study of an individual or group
• What types of subjects can be studied in a case study?

  Individuals, small groups, institutions, or events
• What is typically unusual about the subjects of case studies?

  They tend to be unusual cases
• What types of sources are used in case studies?

  Information from the individual and their contacts
• Which techniques might be used in a case study?

  Interviews, observations, and psychological tests
• What kind of data can case studies produce?

  Qualitative and quantitative data
• How are findings from case studies typically organized?

  Into themes representing thoughts and experiences
• What is a common characteristic of case studies?

  They are generally longitudinal
• What is a strength of case studies?

  They provide rich, in-depth qualitative data
• How do case studies compare to other research methods?

  They can provide insights unlike reductionist methods
• What is a weakness of case studies?

  They may have ethical issues associated with them
• What ethical issues can arise from case studies?

  Identity disclosure and psychological harm
• How can the identity of individuals in case studies be compromised?

  By public realization despite confidentiality efforts
• What can happen if a person is tested repeatedly in a case study?

  They may experience psychological harm
• What are the main components of a case study?

  • Detailed study of an individual or group
  • Use of various information sources
  • Techniques: interviews, observations, tests
  • Data organized into themes
  • Typically longitudinal
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of case studies?

  Strengths:

  • Rich, in-depth qualitative data
  • Insights beyond reductionist methods

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Ethical issues (identity disclosure, harm)
  • Potential for bias and lack of generalizability