CASE STUDIES

Question 1

What are case studies?

Answer 1

• A research method which involves an in depth examination of a paticular person, group or event.
• Within a real life context.

Question 2

What is triangulation?

Answer 2

• The use of different techniques to study the same phenomenon.
• If the technqiues produce the same results, the results are considered valid.

Observations, interviews

Question 3

What type of data do case studies collect?

Answer 3

• Qualititative data (narrative descriptions)
• Quanitative data: The subjects may be subject to experimental or psychological testing to assess them.

Question 4

Name some features of case studies

Answer 4

• The person(s) are chosen for a special or rare characteristic.
• Allows for the opportunity to study a condition that would be unethical, or impossible to study otherwise.
• Can be longitudinal (to track changes, improvements, declines)
• Different sources of evidence, and techniques may be used.

Question 5

What are some strengths of case studies?

Answer 5

1. Highly valid: A person(s) are explored in great depth and within a genuine context. Producing detailed, nuanaced understanding.
   2.Psychological insight: Enables researchers to explore apsects of human thinking/ behaviour that would be impossible, impractical, or unethical to study other wise.
2. Holistic approach: As they explore multiple factors within an persons context and history and how these varibles may interact. Also, different sources of evidence and technqiues are used.

Question 6

Weaknesses of case studies

Answer 6

1. Objectivity: May be compromised if the research develops subjective feelings (rapport) which introduces a bias to the interepretation of data.
2. Generalisbility: Findings may be specfic to the research context.
3. Reliability: The unique nature of each case makes replication challenging. (also many extraneous varibles)
4. Ethics: Level of detail presents ethical threats (privacy, confidentiality)

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