50 Key Research Methods Concepts as Psychology
Case Study
A case study is an in-depth study of one subject/participant or a small group of subjects/participants, often carried out over an extended period of time (longitudinally). Within the case study method a number of different data-gathering techniques can be used. For example, recorded interviews, case notes (of therapeutic interviews, for example), observation, as in the ape language study, and psychometric tests, which come up in the study The Three Faces of Eve.
The strengths of the case study include its usefulness in describing atypical, abnormal or rare behaviour. In abnormal psychology the case study is seen as a useful way of exploring a subject/participant’s past experiences to help them deal with current difficulties. Freud’s work derives predominantly from the case studies of his patients.
Another strength is that the data gathered is usually qualitative and rich in detail, so data from case studies can be highly valid.
The bond of trust that can be built up between the researcher and subject/participant also means that the data is more likely to be valid than if the researcher were a stranger having only one interview with the subject/participant.
The weaknesses of this method include the fact that replication is not usually possible, particularly where a therapeutic approach has been taken. This makes it hard to establish the reliability of findings from a case study.
The close bond that develops between the researcher and subject/participant can be a weakness of the method too, as the researcher may lose their objectivity because of their personal relationship with the subject/participant. Their interpretations of data may also be affected by biases formed as a result of their long-term investment in the project.
Generalizing from the findings of case studies can also be difficult as the cases selected for study are often unusual or even unique.
Case studies can be costly in terms of both time and money.
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A case study is an in-depth study of one subject/participant or a small group of subjects/participants, often carried out over an extended period of time (longitudinally). Within the case study method a number of different data-gathering techniques can be used. For example, recorded interviews, case notes (of therapeutic interviews, for example), observation, as in the ape language study, and psychometric tests, which come up in the study The Three Faces of Eve.
The strengths of the case study include its usefulness in describing atypical, abnormal or rare behaviour. In abnormal psychology the case study is seen as a useful way of exploring a subject/participant’s past experiences to help them deal with current difficulties. Freud’s work derives predominantly from the case studies of his patients.
Another strength is that the data gathered is usually qualitative and rich in detail, so data from case studies can be highly valid.
The bond of trust that can be built up between the researcher and subject/participant also means that the data is more likely to be valid than if the researcher were a stranger having only one interview with the subject/participant.
The weaknesses of this method include the fact that replication is not usually possible, particularly where a therapeutic approach has been taken. This makes it hard to establish the reliability of findings from a case study.
The close bond that develops between the researcher and subject/participant can be a weakness of the method too, as the researcher may lose their objectivity because of their personal relationship with the subject/participant. Their interpretations of data may also be affected by biases formed as a result of their long-term investment in the project.
Generalizing from the findings of case studies can also be difficult as the cases selected for study are often unusual or even unique.
Case studies can be costly in terms of both time and money.
Children as