case study

• What is the primary focus of case studies in research?


  Case studies are conducted on one individual or small group over an extended period of time.
• What methods can be included in case studies during their investigation?


  Case studies can include other methods such as questionnaires or observations.
• What type of investigations do case studies represent?

  Case studies are in-depth investigations, gathering a vast amount of data from an individual.
• How long can case studies be conducted?

  Case studies can be carried out over a long period of time, gathering a vast array of data.
• Why are case studies useful in Psychology?


  Case studies provide an in-depth understanding of behaviour.
• What is a potential drawback of case studies as a research method?

  Case studies can be subjective, leading to different interpretations of behaviour.
• How valid are case studies as a method of collecting information?

  Case studies are a valid way of collecting information, especially if qualitative data is gathered.
• Which study is an example of a case study used in Psychology?

  Watson & Raynor (1920) is an example of a case study.
• What issue arises when the same researcher is used for data collection and analysis in case studies?

  It can lead to increased subjectivity, as seen in Freud (1909).
• What is typically collected before conducting a case analysis?

  Case studies often collect 'case history' before conducting a 'case analysis'.
• In which fields are case studies still a main method of investigation?

  Case studies are one of the main methods of investigation in psychopathology and psychiatry.
• What advantage do case studies provide compared to dealing with a large number of research participants?


  Case studies allow researchers to investigate a topic in far more detail than might be possible with a large number of participants.
• What approach do case studies adopt when focusing on an individual?

  Case studies adopt an idiographic approach by focusing on the detail from one individual.
• What are some challenges associated with conducting case studies?

  Case studies can be time-consuming and expensive to conduct.
• Why are case studies considered difficult to replicate?

  Case studies are difficult to replicate, decreasing their reliability as a method.
• What is a limitation of case studies regarding generalization of results?

  Case studies can lack scientific rigour and provide little basis for generalization of results to the wider population.
• what ethical guidelines must case studies follow?

  -consent

  -right to withdraw

  -debrief

  -deception

  -confidential

  -do no harm
• the total ethical guidelines were introduced in 1901
• british psychological society appeared in 1985