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Case studies
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A case study is an in-depth investigation of one person, or a small group or event, often over a long period.
Features
Case studies collect detailed information using several methods, such as interviews, observations, tests and records (for example medical or school records).
They often study unusual cases, such as a person with brain damage or a rare disorder.
They produce mostly qualitative data, though they can include quantitative data, such as test scores.
Examples: Freud's Little Hans (1909) and Siffre (1975) both studied one person in depth.
They often study unusual cases, such as a person with brain damage or a rare disorder.
They produce mostly qualitative data, though they can include quantitative data, such as test scores.
Examples: Freud's Little Hans (1909) and Siffre (1975) both studied one person in depth.
Strengths
Provide rich, detailed data about a person.
Allow study of rare cases that could not be created deliberately for ethical reasons (such as brain damage).
Can challenge existing theories: one well-documented case can show that a theory does not always apply.
Often longitudinal, so change over time can be seen.
Allow study of rare cases that could not be created deliberately for ethical reasons (such as brain damage).
Can challenge existing theories: one well-documented case can show that a theory does not always apply.
Often longitudinal, so change over time can be seen.
Weaknesses
Results are about one person, so they cannot be generalised.
They cannot be replicated, so reliability is hard to check.
The researcher may become close to the person and be biased in interpreting the data (as with Freud).
Data from memories or other people (such as Hans's father) may be inaccurate.
They cannot be replicated, so reliability is hard to check.
The researcher may become close to the person and be biased in interpreting the data (as with Freud).
Data from memories or other people (such as Hans's father) may be inaccurate.
Why would a psychologist use a case study to investigate a person who lost their memory after a brain injury?
- Brain injury cannot ethically be caused in an experiment.
- A case study allows rich, detailed study of a rare situation over time.
Answer: Because it is a rare situation that could not be created ethically, and a case study gives rich, detailed data.
A case study is an in-depth study of one person or small group, using several methods and producing mostly qualitative data. It gives rich detail and allows study of rare cases, but cannot be generalised or replicated and may be biased.
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