Case Study
A case study is an observational research method involving an in-depth, and often longitudinal, examination of an individual, social unit, or event. In psychology, case studies typically provide a detailed qualitative description and analysis of a single individual, frequently one who has a rare condition, unusual disorder, or specific brain damage. While they primarily rely on qualitative tools like interviews and naturalistic observation, case studies can also incorporate quantitative data such as psychological testing or physiological measurements.
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References
Clinical Psychology Eighth Edition
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
KPU Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
KPU Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition
Tags
Clinical Practice of Psychology
Psychology
Social Science
Empirical Science
Science
Ch.2 Psychological Research - Psychology @ OpenStax
Psychology @ OpenStax
Introduction to Psychology @ OpenStax Course
OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook
OpenStax
Ch.9 Lifespan Development - Psychology @ OpenStax
KPU
Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
Related
Unsystematic Observation
Controlled Observation
Identifying Observational Research Methods
Case Study
Naturalistic Observation
Experimental Research
Longitudinal Research
Cross-Sectional Research
Correlational Research
Survey
Limitations of Self-Report in Psychological Inquiry
Reliability of Research Tools
Validity of Research Tools
Ruth W. Howard
A researcher wants to determine if a new mindfulness meditation program causes a reduction in symptoms of anxiety. Which of the following research designs would provide the strongest evidence to support this causal claim?
A team of researchers wants to determine if a new type of cognitive training program directly causes an improvement in problem-solving skills in adults. To definitively establish this cause-and-effect link, which of the following research methods is most appropriate?
Case Study
Archival Research
Observational Research
Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
Survey
Case Study
Archival Research
Observational Research
Types of Qualitative Research Approaches
How to do Qualitative Research
Conversation Analysis
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Thick Description
Lived Experience
Interviews
Criticisms of Qualitative Research
Case Study
Example of Qualitative Observational Research: Psychiatric Ward Study
Thematic Analysis
Teenage Suicide Coping Study
Critical Discourse Analysis
Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Example of Disguised Participant Observation: Rosenhan's Pseudopatient Study
Example of Qualitative Research: Coping with Teenage Suicide
Strengths of Qualitative Research
Grounded Theory
Characteristics of Survey Research
Which of the following best describes the type of data primarily collected by qualitative researchers?
Qualitative research in psychology relies on collecting large amounts of numerical data from many participants to draw broad conclusions about general populations.
A psychologist is designing a study to explore the emotional impact of early retirement. Match each component of their study design to the specific qualitative research principle it demonstrates.
Observational Research Types
Cons of Observational Research
Pros of Observational Research
Observer Bias
Strength of Observational Research: Rich Data
Weakness of Observational Research: Limited Generalizability
A researcher spends a month in a single preschool classroom, carefully documenting the social interactions of a small group of children without interfering with their activities. What is the most significant limitation of drawing broad conclusions about all preschoolers' social behavior from this type of study?
Loftus and Pickrell False Memory Study
Example of Observational Research: Milgram's Original Obedience Study
Example of Observational Research: False Memories Study
Goal of Observational Research
Data in Observational Research
Lack of Causal Inference in Observational Research
Participant Observation
Case Study
Archival Research
Participant Reactivity
External Validity
Example of Qualitative Observational Research: Psychiatric Ward Study
Naturalistic Observation
Structured Observation
Case Study
Which of the following best describes observational research?
In observational research, a scientist may intervene in the environment to prompt a specific behavior as long as they record the results in a systematic way.
A team of psychologists is designing a study to observe social distancing behaviors in a local mall. Match each of their planned research actions with the specific methodological goal it aims to achieve within systematic observational research.
Learn After
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.