What is a Case Study? A case study can be defined as an in-depth investigation of human experience called ‘a case’. The aim of the case study is to describe, understand, and often explain a psychological or social phenomenon from the perspective of the participants. The case study is useful for investigating sensitive topics such as domestic violence. It is also useful to investigate social processes in groups.

Little Albert Watson & Rayner (1920) Aim: To see if emotional responses such as fear could be conditioned. To see whether phobias can be conditioned.

Little Albert Watson & Rayner (1920) Procedure: Pre conditioning testing: Albert was exposed to a white rat and the noise of a steel bar being struck by a hammer behind his head at 9 months old. Fear response to the noise was an unconditioned stimulus as no learning was required. Conditioning trials: At 11 months old, Albert was again exposed to the white rat, but when he reached for the rat the steal bar was struck behind him. This process was repeated five times the next week and twice more 17 days later. Post conditioning test: Afterwards the effects were tested by showing Albert the rat alone and monitoring his reaction. 

Little Albert Watson & Rayner (1920) Conclusion: Watson and Rayne concluded that it is possible to produce a fear response in a human using the process of classical conditioning.

Strengths Limitations Fit to investigate sensitive and complex issues in areas that couldn’t be studied otherwise Can study group processes within a social group Results may bring to light entirely new knowledge which challenges preconceived notions and contradicts established theory Researcher bias Difficult to generalize Risk of Participant Expectancy Example study: Watson & Rayner (1920): Little Albert The study has high reliability as the use of standardised procedures, such as the pre-conditioning phase allows for complete control over all extraneous variables Lacks population validity as the findings cannot be generalized to others Lacks ecological validity so the findings cannot be generalized to other settings outside the laboratory situation

Data collection methods Case studies use techniques such as personal interviews, direct observation, psychometric tests, and archival records to gather information. They are used to explore causation in order to find underlying principles. However, they cannot be generalized to the overall population, and they cannot provide predictive power. A case study serves to provide information for the development of new hypotheses for future testing.

Data Analysis The researchers will have multiple data for analysis: notes from field observations and transcripts from focus group interviews. Inductive content analysis could be used to analyze the data. The researcher can triangulate, or try to find patterns within the study, in order to create assumptions and/or theories. These may in turn call for further experimentation (possible more quantitative). .

Considerations Application The Little Albert research has demonstrated that phobias can be learnt through the process of classical conditioning. Therefore, if we can understand how phobias do develop we can incorporate this into treatment of this form of behavior. Ethics Albert was conditioned to fear furry things, therefore breaking the guideline protection from harm.. In general, information which the subject did not want surfacing may be disclosed.

Considerations Other Researcher bias – close relationship between subject and researcher may develop and lead to invalid data/information May have to triangulate Can lead to questions/assumptions which provoke further quantitative research May not lead to concrete answers Sometimes archival records may not be able to be attained