case studies

• provide a detailed in-depth analysis of unique, individual, group, institution or event. case studies can also focus on typical cases. produces qualitative data. can construct case history through interviews etc
• +offer detailed insights that may shed light on unusual and atypical forms of behaviour. may be preferred over superficial forms of data collected from the experiment
• +they can provide an understanding to typical functioning. e.g case of HM was significant as it demonstrated typical memory processing- the existence of separate STM and LTM stores helps aid the development/ support the of multi-store memory model
• +case studies can generate hypothesis for future study and contradictory evidence can lead to the revision of an entire theory
• -generalisation of findings can be an issue as dealing with small sample. furthermore, if information makes it into final report its a subjective selection and interpretation from the researcher. personal accounts from family are prone to inaccuracy and memory decay especially if from childhood. therefore reducing validity and reliability as unable to know if accurate or responding to demand characteristics