Case studies

Disadvantage 1

As the situation has occurred naturally it is unique and it is impossible to replicate the exact conditions, making it hard to establish the reliability of the findings.

Disadvantage 2

Case studies are usually conducted on one individual with a rare disorder or who has undergone unusual circumstances, so findings cannot be generalised to anyone else.

Advantage 1

Higher ecological validity as the situation is naturally occurring, without any manipulation from the researcher and therefore findings are more likely to represent really life behaviour.

Different techniques used to gather data

Observations, experiments, interviews ECT.

What is a case study?

A technique used where one individual or a small group of people are studied over a long period of time. Behaviour being studied is usually rare or unusual.

Ethics

Confidentiality is a big issue in case studies as they usually cover sensitive material so researchers must keep the individuals identity private.

Advantage 2.

They are the only way to research certain areas of psychology which are particularly sensitive and cannot be tested in any other way due to ethical restrictions.