Edexcel AS Psychology - Psychodynamic Approach - Methodology - Case Studies

Case Studies as a Research Method

Case studies involve studying a unique individual (or small group or particular programme). 

Freud regarded his talks with his patients as being scientific data.

Freud's main aim was to reach into the unknowable unconscious of the person. To do this he had to get the patient to talk and analysis what his patient said.

He would then put his interpretation to the patient and if it was accepted, then what was unconscious would become conscious.

This is called catharsis, which means the emotions that were being repressed would be released.

The urges and wishes in the unconscious must be ones that cannot be allowed into the…