Methods – use of case studies

H/W – read (Lavarenne et al (2013) & make notes (APRC) Resource on the learning space Textbook: pg. 158-160

Case study – method (recap) Identify two features of this study that make it a case study (2 marks)

Case study method – recap (A01) Idiographic approach - focusing in detail on a topic, rare event (e.g. HM) or individuals (rather than nomothetic which focuses on general rules or behaviour by conducing large studies, finding cause and effect and generalising behaviour to wider populations) Detailed description of someone or small group Interviews, Observations, Questionnaires used to gather data Mainly qualitative data Can use experiments (e.g. HM) therefore can gather quantitative data too.

Case study and triangulation (strength) Refers to using two or more ways of collecting data and checking whether the data is similar (I.e. do they agree) Same data using different methods = data is reliable (if replicated same results will be found – consistent) If data match and at least some of the data comes directly from the individual then this increased the likelihood of gathering accurate data (data measures what it claims to measure) Scientific credibility Case studies can include subjectivity – e.g. building relationship with individual However if triangulation of data shows matching data using different methods then it can be argued to be objective data.

Evaluation of case study method recap – general points? 5 minutes Evaluation of case study method recap – general points? Strengths and weaknesses Issues and debates - links

Evaluation of case study method recap – general points? Detail, depth – rich data to draw on Effective way of examining a rare occurrence. A sample may be difficult or impossible to find. A lot of information can be gathered about the occurrence and can be beneficial in building knowledge Triangulation of data – reliability and validity Issue with generalisability – limits usefulness Subjectivity with data gathered – findings may be influenced by researcher’s input (one researcher or small group working with the individual over a long period of time – get to know each other well, lack of controls etc.) Issues and debates - links Practical issues in design and implementation of research (quan vs qual and validity and reliability) Psychology as a science Use of psychological knowledge

Evaluate the Laverenne et al (2013) study 5 minutes Evaluate the Laverenne et al (2013) study Strengths Weaknesses

Evaluate the Laverenne et al (2013) study (pg. 161) Strengths: Point: rich and detailed data Point: valid data Point: useful Limitations: Point: Generalisability Point Triangulation not used therefore objectivity could no be checked

Describe the case study method by drawing on one example of a case study in clinical psychology (6)

Evaluate the use of case studies in clinical psychology by drawing on one example (16)

Assess the usefulness of conducting case studies in clinical psychology by drawing on one example (16)