1. Methods – use of case studies

2. H/W – read (Lavarenne et al (2013) & make notes (APRC)
Resource on the learning space
Textbook: pg

3. Case study – method (recap)
Identify two features of this study that make it a case study (2 marks)

4. Case study method – recap (A01)
Idiographic approach - focusing in detail on a topic, rare event (e.g. HM) or individuals (rather than nomothetic which focuses on general rules or behaviour by conducing large studies, finding cause and effect and generalising behaviour to wider populations)
Detailed description of someone or small group
Interviews, Observations, Questionnaires used to gather data
Mainly qualitative data
Can use experiments (e.g. HM) therefore can gather quantitative data too.

5. Case study and triangulation (strength)
Refers to using two or more ways of collecting data and checking whether the data is similar (I.e. do they agree)
Same data using different methods = data is reliable (if replicated same results will be found – consistent)
If data match and at least some of the data comes directly from the individual then this increased the likelihood of gathering accurate data (data measures what it claims to measure)
Scientific credibility
Case studies can include subjectivity – e.g. building relationship with individual
However if triangulation of data shows matching data using different methods then it can be argued to be objective data.

6. Evaluation of case study method recap – general points?
5 minutes
Evaluation of case study method recap – general points?
Strengths and weaknesses
Issues and debates - links

7. Evaluation of case study method recap – general points?
Detail, depth – rich data to draw on
Effective way of examining a rare occurrence. A sample may be difficult or impossible to find. A lot of information can be gathered about the occurrence and can be beneficial in building knowledge
Triangulation of data – reliability and validity
Issue with generalisability – limits usefulness
Subjectivity with data gathered – findings may be influenced by researcher’s input (one researcher or small group working with the individual over a long period of time – get to know each other well, lack of controls etc.)
Issues and debates - links
Practical issues in design and implementation of research (quan vs qual and validity and reliability)
Psychology as a science
Use of psychological knowledge

8. Evaluate the Laverenne et al (2013) study
5 minutes
Evaluate the Laverenne et al (2013) study
Strengths
Weaknesses

9. Evaluate the Laverenne et al (2013) study (pg. 161)
Strengths:
Point: rich and detailed data
Point: valid data
Point: useful
Limitations:
Point: Generalisability
Point Triangulation not used therefore objectivity could no be checked

10. Describe the case study method by drawing on one example of a case study in clinical psychology (6)

11. Evaluate the use of case studies in clinical psychology by drawing on one example (16)

12. Assess the usefulness of conducting case studies in clinical psychology by drawing on one example (16)