Disadvantages of Case Studies

Purpose of Case Studies

Advantage of Case Studies: Understanding Exceptional Individuals

Disadvantage of Case Studies: Researcher Bias

A researcher spends three years living with and documenting the life of a single, isolated individual who has had no contact with modern technology. The researcher's goal is to draw broad conclusions about the fundamental nature of human cognition without technological influence. What is the most significant scientific limitation of using this single-person investigation to achieve this specific goal?

Benefits of Case Studies

Limitations of Case Studies

Case of Henry Molaison (H.M.)

Case of Anna O.

The Little Albert Experiment

Comparison of Single-Subject Research and Case Studies

Case Study of Anna O.

Case Study of Anna O.

Limitations of Case Studies

Which statement accurately describes the type of data collected in a psychological case study?

A researcher conducts an in-depth, year-long investigation of a single patient with a rare memory disorder. The researcher collects detailed interview transcripts, behavioral observations, and also administers standardized neuropsychological tests that yield numerical scores. Because the study includes these numerical test scores, it no longer qualifies as a case study.

A neuropsychologist is designing a study of a patient who has developed a unique ability to remember every day of their life following a rare type of stroke. Match each specific research activity to the component of the case study method it represents.