RM: Case studies

Question 1

What is a case study?

Answer 1

A detailed and in depth longitudinal analysis of an individual group, institution or event

Question 2

When do case studies occur?

Answer 2

Unusual individuals or rare events

Question 3

What data do case studies produce?

Answer 3

Qualitative data from methods such as interviews and questionnaires

Question 4

What are the strengths of case studies?

Answer 4

• Rich detailed insight which is preferred to superficial forms of data and increases validity
• Enables study of unusual behaviour that will not occur and can’t be studied in other ways, helps understanding of typical functioning

Question 5

What are the limitations of case studies?

Answer 5

• Prone to researcher bias bc conclusions are based on subjective interpretation of researcher reducing validity
• Small samples, may be one off event or individual meaning it is difficult to generalise and has low external validity