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Limitations of Case Studies
While case studies are useful for generating hypotheses, they have significant methodological limitations and should never be used as empirical evidence to support theories. They lack the strict experimental controls necessary for internal validity, making it impossible to determine causation or rule out alternative explanations. Additionally, because they typically focus on a single, often atypical individual, case studies suffer from poor external validity, meaning their findings cannot be generalized to the broader population. Finally, case studies are particularly susceptible to researcher bias, as the subjective nature of the analysis provides ample opportunity for the researcher's theoretical views to influence the case description.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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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.