Case Studies

Question 1

What are case studies?

Answer 1

Cade studies are detailed and in depth investigations of a small group or an individual

Question 2

What do case studies allow for researchers to do?

Answer 2

1. Allows researchers to examine individuals in great depths
2. Researchers can explain the feelings of the individual around particular behaviours and issues

Question 3

How is data collected in case studies?

Answer 3

Data is often collected through interviews and observations

Question 4

What type of data is collected in case studies?

Answer 4

Mostly qualitative data is generated but certain methods generate quantitative data

Question 5

Are most case studies longitudinal? Why are they longitudinal/not longitudinal?

Answer 5

Most case studies are longitudinal because researchers track and measure a participants’ experiences/progress over a long period of time

Question 6

Example Case Study: (HM)
Who is it about?
What did damage did they have?
What types of data was obtained, through what type of means?

Answer 6

There was a case on HM an individual with brain damage.

Qualitative data was collected through observations and interviews

Quantitative data was collected through memory tests, IQ tests and MRI scans of the brain

Question 7

Outline the three limitations of case studies:
1) type of validity lacked
2) observer reliability
3) memory of ppts

Answer 7

1. Results from case studies are not generalisable or representative due to one person being the focus of the focus. Lacking population validity
2. The research may have a biased interpretation of the information reducing inter-observer reliability
3. Case studies also depend on participants good memory, meaning details/information can be missed which would impact the validity of the findings

Question 8

Outline the strengths of case studies:
1) approach type
2) allows researchers to..
3) type of data provided

Answer 8

1. Case studies have a holistic approach, so individuals and experiences are considered
2. Researchers can study unique behaviours and experiences which would be unethical or impossible to manipulate in controlled conditions
3. Case studies provide rich, in depth data which is high in explanatory power