AO3 - Case Studies

• One strength of case studies is that they offer rich, detailed insights into unusual forms of behaviour (AO2) that would otherwise be difficult to manipulate in an experimental setting, e.g. when investigating the effects of brain damage or memory loss. Therefore increasing our

  understanding of complex behaviour.
• Another strength of case studies is that they can generate further hypotheses for future study as a single anomaly found from an in-depth case study can lead to a revision of an entire theory. This is a strength as it increases the scientific process of inquiry.
• A limitation of case studies is that they have low population validity as it only conducted on one person or small group (AO2). Therefore it will difficult to generalise the findings to the target population (AO2) lowering the external validity.
• Another limitation of case studies is that they often rely on retrospective data e.g. personal accounts from the individuals past or from family and friends. These accounts may be prone to inaccuracy and memory decay. Therefore lowering the internal validity of the case study.