Case Studies


	Case Studies
	Advantages Offers rich, in-depth data so the information that may have been overlooked through other methods is identified. Can investigate human behaviours that are rare and would not be ethical to generate in experimental conditions. Enables the study of complex interaction factors in contrast to experiments where the variables are constant Range of techniques can be used. E.g. observations, interviews and psychological testing.	Disadvantages Difficult to generalise the findings from an individual case to the whole population due to individual differences and/or unique characteristics Lack of objectivity in the researchers as they get to know the case or because of theoretical bias. This may lead to the overlooking of certain aspects of the findings. The recollection of past events as part of the history of the individual may be required. This could cause the evidence to be unreliable. Confidentiality must be maintained as many cases are easily identifiable due to unique characteristics.
	Evaluation

Offers rich, in-depth data so the information that may have been overlooked through other methods is identified.
Can investigate human behaviours that are rare and would not be ethical to generate in experimental conditions.
Enables the study of complex interaction factors in contrast to experiments where the variables are constant
Range of techniques can be used. E.g. observations, interviews and psychological testing.

Difficult to generalise the findings from an individual case to the whole population due to individual differences and/or unique characteristics
Lack of objectivity in the researchers as they get to know the case or because of theoretical bias. This may lead to the overlooking of certain aspects of the findings.
The recollection of past events as part of the history of the individual may be required. This could cause the evidence to be unreliable.
Confidentiality must be maintained as many cases are easily identifiable due to unique characteristics.

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