Are you intrigued by the ways psychologists investigate the multifaceted human mind? One of their crucial tools is case studies, particularly when studying rare or unusual phenomena, or processes unfolding over time. In this exploration, we'll guide you through what case studies are in psychology, illustrate them with distinct examples, and outline the detailed methodology behind them. Finally, we'll evaluate their effectiveness.
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Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenAre you intrigued by the ways psychologists investigate the multifaceted human mind? One of their crucial tools is case studies, particularly when studying rare or unusual phenomena, or processes unfolding over time. In this exploration, we'll guide you through what case studies are in psychology, illustrate them with distinct examples, and outline the detailed methodology behind them. Finally, we'll evaluate their effectiveness.
Some of the most famous studies in psychology are case studies, which we will cover in this explanation. First, let's fully define what we mean by case studies. According to the American Psychological Association¹, case studies are:
A case study in psychology is an in-depth investigation of a single individual, family, event, or other entity. Multiple types of data (psychological, physiological, biographical, environmental) are assembled, for example, to understand an individual’s background, relationships, and behaviour
Case studies are a common research method used when exploring new research areas, as researchers want a detailed understanding of a new phenomenon. Case studies are occasionally used to form new theories, hypotheses or research questions.
Phineas Gage is a famous example of a case study. Researchers wanted to understand the effects of the accident on his cognitive functions and behaviours. Not many people survive such an injury, so this was an opportunity to examine how the brain deals with significant damage.
Phineas had an accident at work where a metal rod went through his skull and pierced through his frontal lobe (front part of the brain).
After the accident, Gage was observed and completed several cognitive and psychometric tests over a long time. The case study aimed to see if and how damage to the frontal lobe may cause behavioural changes.
The case study results showed that Gage initially had a decline in cognitive abilities. However, over time these started to increase. The researchers noted that Gage's intelligence returned to a 'normal level'. Gage's friends stated that his personality had changed and that he was no longer the same person; he became vulgar and aggressive.
This is an important finding in psychology. It shows that other brain areas may take over and compensate for deficiencies caused by brain damage. But, there may be a limit to how much or what skills and attributes can be compensated for.
As Phineas Gage's case was unique and his conditions could not be replicated using the experimental method (against ethical standards of research), a case study was the only appropriate method to use. The research was also explorative as little was known about the frontal lobe's function. Therefore, it may have been difficult to form hypotheses.
Hypotheses are formed based on existing knowledge; researchers cannot randomly make a hypothesis based on what they think will happen. Researchers do not believe that this is a scientific way to theorise research.
When conducting a case study, the first step is forming a hypothesis. These hypotheses aim to identify research areas and concepts that the researcher is interested in.
This is different to experimental research as experimental research tends to define and state expected results. In contrast, the case study's hypotheses may be broader.
Next, the researcher will identify the best method that should be used to measure the variables that the researcher is interested in. When doing case studies, sometimes multiple research methods can be used.
This concept is known as triangulation.
A case study may use questionnaires and interviews when researching mental health in indigenous people.
As with all forms of research, the next stage is data analysis once the research has been conducted. As case studies may use various research methods, the type of analysis used depends on which method is used. The case studies aim to provide in-depth knowledge. Therefore, case studies favour qualitative research, such as unstructured interviews and observations. Open-ended questions allow for further exploration, as is used in qualitative research.
Case studies also sometimes use quantitative research methods. Therefore statistical analyses may also be used in case studies.
The final stage of the case study methodology is to report the data. Case studies usually produce qualitative data.
Qualitative data is non-numerical, detailed findings.
Case studies are usually written in the form of detailed reports. The report should include all the findings found throughout the study and how these were measured.
Let's now discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using case studies in research.
The advantages of case studies are:
Researchers cannot physically harm participants to observe what happens to them. Case studies are useful to investigate this.
Phineas Gage suffered brain damage due to an accident, presenting an opportunity to researchers to investigate the effects of such damage on the brain. This would otherwise be impossible, as researchers cannot damage a person's brain intentionally to find out what happens as a result (fortunately for us!)
The disadvantages of using case studies are:
1. VandenBos, G. R. (2007). APA dictionary of psychology. American Psychological Association.
Case studies are a type of research design that is used when a researcher is investigating a single person, group or event/phenomenon.
Some examples of case studies that are famous in psychology are:
Case studies are used to get in-depth information about a phenomenon. It is usually used as a design when doing explorative research such as trying to form theories, hypotheses or, research questions.
An infamous case study is Phineas Gage. He had an accident in which a rod went through his frontal lobe (front part of the brain). He survived the accident but he showed a decline in cognitive abilities and his personality changed.
Case studies are important in research because:
What is a case study?
Case studies are a type of research design that is used when a researcher is investigating a single person, group or event/phenomenon. This research method collects in-depth data on either of these.
Which of the following are reasons that case studies are used in research?
They are always better than laboratory settings
Why was a case study used to investigate Phineas Gage?
As Phineas Gage's case was unique and his conditions could not be replicated using the experimental method (against ethical standards of research) a case study was the only appropriate method to use. As little was known about the function of the frontal lobe the research was also explorative. Therefore, it may have been difficult to form hypotheses.
Typically case studies use various methods to collect data, true or false?
True.
What is triangulation?
Triangulation is when researchers use multiple methods to collect data.
What type of data do case studies favour?
Qualitative
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