Case Studies

• Provide detail analysis of indiv, esab or real life event. Not refer to way in which res is conducted, can use experimental or non-exp to collect data. E.g. res may want to interview participant, provide questionnaire to fam, conduct mem test under cont cond to prov detailed overview.
• Often used when rare behaviour being investigated that doesn’t arise often to warrant large study. Allows data to be collected and analysed on something that psychologists very little understanding of, can therefore be starting point for further, more in-depth research.
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  +Aids development of future theories e.g. K.F. Working Memory Model

  +Allows investigation of circumstances which wouldn’t be ethical to induce, as such rare unique case.

  +In depth study due to longitudinal nature.
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  -Population validity, study on one individual, usually very unique circum thus may not be generalisable to others due to rare behaviour.

  -Res bias, a lot time spent with indiv, so can be bias in what is reported.

  -Reproductablity, leads to issues withc checking validity