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examBoard: AQA
examType: GCSE
lessonTitle: Case Studies
Case studies are an in-depth investigation of a single person, group, event or community. Psychologists use case studies to explore causes of behaviour, to test theories, or to develop new ideas that can be researched further. They're especially useful when studying rare conditions or situations that would be unethical to create experimentally.
Key Definitions:
Intrinsic: Studied because the case itself is interesting, not to understand general phenomena.
Instrumental: Used to understand a broader issue or test a theory.
Collective: Multiple case studies examined together to investigate a general phenomenon.
Interviews: Structured, semi-structured or unstructured conversations.
Observations: Watching and recording behaviour in natural settings.
Tests: Psychological assessments, brain scans, or other measurements.
Documents: Diaries, letters, medical records, etc.
Case studies have several distinctive features that set them apart from other research methods in psychology:
Case studies provide rich, detailed information about the subject being studied. They often include multiple sources of data to build a complete picture.
Many case studies are longitudinal, following subjects over extended periods to track development, changes, or responses to treatment.
They typically focus on a single individual or small group, allowing researchers to examine complex issues in detail rather than broadly.
Case studies offer several advantages as a research method in psychology:
One of psychology's most famous case studies involved Phineas Gage, a railway worker who survived an iron rod passing through his skull in 1848. Before the accident, Gage was described as hard-working and responsible. After the accident, he reportedly became impulsive, rude and unable to hold down a job. This case helped psychologists understand that specific brain regions (particularly the frontal lobes) are involved in personality and social behaviour. This single case contributed significantly to our understanding of brain function.
Despite their usefulness, case studies have several important limitations:
Lack of Generalisability: Findings from one person may not apply to others.
Researcher Bias: The researcher might selectively interpret information to fit their expectations.
No Control Group: Can't compare with others who didn't experience the same conditions.
Difficulty Establishing Cause and Effect: Many factors might influence the subject's behaviour.
Time-Consuming: Gathering detailed information takes significant time.
Resource-Intensive: Requires substantial commitment from researchers.
Participant Cooperation: Depends on willing subjects who may withdraw.
Ethical Concerns: Difficult to maintain anonymity with unique cases.
Several case studies have had a profound impact on psychology:
After brain surgery to treat epilepsy, HM could no longer form new memories. His case revolutionised our understanding of memory, showing that different types of memory are stored in different brain regions.
A girl discovered at age 13 who had been severely neglected and isolated. Her case provided insights into language acquisition and whether there's a "critical period" for learning language.
A patient of Josef Breuer who displayed symptoms of what was then called hysteria. Her treatment through "talking therapy" influenced Freud's development of psychoanalysis.
If you were to design your own case study, you would need to consider these key elements:
Freud's famous case of "Little Hans" involved a 5-year-old boy with a phobia of horses. Freud never actually met Hans but analysed him through reports from the boy's father. Freud believed Hans's fear stemmed from an Oedipus complex and repressed feelings toward his father. This case study is often criticised for its lack of scientific rigour and Freud's tendency to interpret evidence to fit his theories. It demonstrates both the potential insights and limitations of the case study method.
When discussing case studies in your GCSE Psychology exams, remember to:
Strengths: Rich data, unique insights, hypothesis generation
Limitations: Lack of generalisability, potential bias, ethical concerns
Relevance: Connect to the specific topic or theory being discussed
Examples: Reference specific case studies that support your points
PEE Structure: Point, Evidence, Explanation
Balance: Discuss both strengths and limitations
Specificity: Use psychological terminology correctly
Application: Show how case studies contribute to our understanding
Case studies are a valuable research method that allows psychologists to study individuals in depth. They provide rich, detailed information that can help develop theories and understand rare conditions. However, they have limitations in terms of generalisability and potential researcher bias.
When evaluating case studies, consider both their scientific value and their limitations. Remember that a single case study rarely provides definitive evidence but can offer unique insights that might not be accessible through other research methods.
In your exams, be prepared to discuss specific case studies and how they've contributed to psychological understanding, while also critically evaluating their methodology and conclusions.
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