Case Studies
- Case studies are detailed and in-depth investigations of a small group or an individual
- They allow researchers to examine individuals in great depth
- Behaviour is explored in a way where researchers can explain the feelings of the individual around particular behaviours and issues
- Data is often collected through interviews or observations, generating mostly qualitative data, but can be triangulated with methods that generate quantitative data also
- Most case studies tend to be longitudinal i.e. a participant's experience/progress is tracked and measured (qualitatively and sometimes quantitatively) over time
- The case of HM is an example of a case study of an individual with brain damage: qualitative data was obtained via interviews and observations; quantitative data was obtained via memory tests, IQ tests and MRI scanning of his brain
| Strengths of Case Studies | Limitations of Case Studies |
| This is a holistic approach, where the whole individual and their experiences are considered | Results are not generalisable or representative due to (usually) only one person being the focus of the study |
| Allows researchers to study unique behaviours and experiences which would be unethical or impossible to manipulate in controlled conditions | The researcher may be biased in their interpretation of the information |
| Case studies provide rich, in-depth data which is high in explanatory power | Often case studies rely on their participants having a good memory which means that information/details can be missed which would impact the validity of the findings |
