OCR AS Psychology: Core Studies - Psychodynamic Perspective (2)

Freud/Thigpen and Cleckley: (Note there are only 2 studies to compare)

Similarities: Both studies relied heavily on the case study method. That is both Freud and Thigpen and Cleckley carried out a detailed investigation into one individual. Freud provided a detailed analysis of a young boy called Little Hans and Thigpen and Cleckley provided a detailed analysis of a young woman called Eve White. Both studies can also be seen as examples of action research as part of the purpose of the researcher is to influence or change the participant’s behaviour. Freud attempted to cure Little Hans of his phobia and Thigpen and Cleckley were providing psychotherapeutic help to Eve White who was diagnosed as suffering from multiple personality disorder.

Differences: Freud’s study of Little Hans consisted of collecting lots of qualitative data gathered from conversations between Little Hans and his father, whereas Thigpen and Cleckley collected qualitative data (e.g. the interviews and hypnosis) and quantitative data (e.g. psychometric tests). Thigpen and Cleckley met Eve White many times over the 14 months of therapy and also used independent experts to examine her, whereas Freud probably only met Little Hans once as the case study was actually carried out by Hans’ father who was a friend and supporter of Freud.