case studies

• case studies are in depth information on an individual or small group, using a variety of techniques.
• case studies lead to greater internal validity due to the richness of information gathered. The people being studied are normally pretty unique and are studied with the aim of answering difficult or important questions that cannot be investigated experimentally.
• strengths of case studies

  -rich in detail, provides great depth and understanding about individuals.

  -only possible method to use. case studies allow psychologists to study unique behaviours or experiences that could not have been studied any other way. The method also allows 'sensitive' areas to be explored, where other methods would be unethical, like the effects of sexual abuse.

  -useful for theory contradiction - just one case study can contradict a theory.
• weaknesses of case studies

  -not representative, as not two case studies are alike, results cannot be generalised to others.

  -researcher bias, researchers conducting case studies may be biased in their interpretations or method of reporting, making findings suspect.

  -reliance on memory, case studies often depend on pps having full and accurate memories.