Case studies in Psychology?

Question

In psychology researches, several methods are used, for example experiment, observation and case studies. What are the strengths and weaknesses of case study method?

Answer 1

Case Studies -
-ADV-
Detailed information on subject,
Personal traits can be recorded.
-DIS-
Can be limited to individual, difficult to generalise,
Data is limited to what is recorded at time of Study
Experiment-
-ADV-
Effect of IV on DV can be measured accurately,
Extraneous variables can be controlled and monitored,
Strength of results can be measured
-DIS-
Participant differences and numbers,
Experimental method used,
Can be tedious and show disparities between several repeats, thus proving results void.
Participant expectations and variables
Observation -
-ADV- Very few.
Results actually witnessed,
naturally occuring, not forced behaviour
-DIS-
Experimentor Bias, interpreting what they want to see, MAJOR disadvantage
Participant acting unnaturally as they know they are being observed,
Results difficult to accurately classify and nearly impossible to repeat

Answer 2

Case studies have fewer "data points," so are less valid than studies where data is gleaned from a larger sample. Also, case studies tend to be far more subjective. It is also virtually impossible to control factors or replicate study results. However, case studies can raise important questions for further study and can give a more wholistic, microcosmic view which might not be possible with more traditonal study methods.

For more info on this subject, google or go to the library and look under "Research methods."

Answer 3

Case studies are either a representative of the characteristic you are studying or unfortunately a single person's unique characteristic.