Case studies

Question 1

what is a case study ?

Answer 1

• an in depth investigation, description and analysis of an individual, group, institution or event
• over a long period of time
• in the real world

Question 2

what kind of data does a case study produce ?

Answer 2

• qualitative data
  but it is possible that the person may be subject to experimental or psychological data and this may produce qualitive data

Question 3

what does a researcher use during a case study to study the person?

Answer 3

• interviews
• observations
• questionnares
• or a combination of these

Question 4

what is meant by a longitudinal study ?

Answer 4

• a study that is carried out over a long period of time

Question 5

AO3
strengths

Answer 5

• able to offer rich, detailed, insights that may shed light on very unusual and atypical forms of behaviour
• case studies may contribute to our understanding of ‘normal’ functioning

Question 6

AO3
limitations

Answer 6

• issue with generalisations of findings when dealing with such small sample sizes