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Case Study Methodology

Defining the Case Study

What is a Case Study?

A case study is an in-depth, detailed investigation of an individual, group, or event. It provides rich qualitative data and is often used to explore rare or unique psychological phenomena.

Data Collection Methods Outline

These are the five primary methods utilized for gathering comprehensive data in a case study investigation.

1

Interviews

To gain personal or clinical histories.
2

Observations

Systematic or unstructured, often over time.
3

Psychological Tests

Standardised tests to assess aspects like IQ, personality.
4

Archival Records

Medical files, school reports, or legal documentation.
5

Diaries or Personal Documents

Offer insight into internal experiences.

Core Collection Techniques

🗣️

Interviews

Gain personal histories.
👁️

Observations

Systematic or unstructured data gathering.
📜

Archival Records

Files, reports, and legal documentation.
📝

Diaries/Documents

Insight into internal experiences.

Strengths and Limitations

✅
The Advantages Provides comprehensive and holistic understanding. Can generate new hypotheses and theories. Useful for studying rare or unusual cases.
❌
The Disadvantages Subjectivity and bias in interpretation. Limited generalisability. Time-consuming.
Case Study Deck
Term
What is a case study?

Q: What is a case study?

Answer
Definition

A: An in-depth, detailed investigation of an individual, group, or event, providing rich qualitative data.

Term
Main data collection method

Q: Name one main data collection method used in case studies.

Answer
Methods

A: Interviews, observations, psychological tests, archival records, or diaries/personal documents.

Term
Advantage of case studies

Q: What is one advantage of case studies?

Answer
Benefit

A: They provide a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the subject.

Term
Disadvantage of case studies

Q: What is one disadvantage of case studies?

Answer
Limitation

A: Results have limited generalisability.

Term
Usefulness in psychology

Q: Why are case studies useful in psychology?

Answer
Purpose

A: They help explore rare or unique psychological phenomena.

Term
Type of data

Q: What kind of data do case studies primarily provide?

Answer
Data type

A: Qualitative data.

Term
Observations in case studies

Q: How can information be collected through observations in case studies?

Answer
Observation method

A: Through systematic or unstructured observation over time.

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📚 Case Study Quiz

1. What is the primary purpose of a case study?

Case studies focus on detailed exploration rather than large-scale or statistical analysis.

2. Which of the following is NOT typically a data collection method in case studies?

Case studies rely on qualitative methods, not experimental designs like RCTs.

3. One disadvantage of case studies is:

Case studies focus on unique cases and findings may not apply to broader populations.

4. How do interviews contribute to case studies?

Interviews help gather detailed personal information relevant to the case.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • AS Level
  • Research Methods
  • OCR