A03

• STRENGTH-QUALITATIVE DATA

  • Produces an in-depth and more complete account of an individual
  • This may support existing theories lead to development of improved psychological theories
  • For example, the case studies on Clive Wearing demonstrated that different types of long- term memory are in different areas of the brain. This led to the further research of localisation and memory. 
  • complete understanding leads to correct diagnosis and treatment
  • however qualitative data harder to compare and analyse
• limitation- case studies

  • offers narrow and restricted perspective
  • eg little hans case study, then went on to incorrectly generalise to all males however no account of individual different
  • case studies, small sample size, unrepresenative, difficult to generalise findings to others, reducing population val
  • Generalisations cannot be made without further examples to act as a baseline comparison. This means that the idiographic approach does not improve the scientific credibility of psychology. 
• limitations- methods lack scientific rigour

  • case studies and unstructured interviews do not have very high levels of control meaning cause and effect relationships difficult to establish
  • also typically no standardised procedures and thus cannot replicate for reliability
  • also based on self report- vulnerable to social desireability bias- reducing validity
  • however these methods have higher mundance realism- higher ecological val
• STRENGTH-Individual feels valued and unique 

  • Increases engagement with therapy for example if they feel valued
  • the person may trust the therapist and their advice more- more likely to co operate
  • more cooperation with therapy, increase QOL and benefit the economy
  • however- research and treatment too costly and time consumingg to invetigate every person in this manor