Psychologists use certain investigation methods for conduction their research.

One of such important methodology for data collection is Case-Study technique. A case study is a form of qualitative analyses involving the careful and complete observation of a person, a situation or an institution. The method emphasizes on the total process of the situation in which the behaviour took place. Case study is an in-depth study method. It is also called Case history method. It is a detailed study of a single individual. It is an intensive study of one or two person rather than a number of individual or groups. This method is mainly used in Psychotherapy. The source of subjects life history are as follows: Personal Diaries. Documents Autobiographies And any other things used in personal life that can help in providing important information about the subject under study. Parents, teachers, guardians, Friends, etc. are important source of information about life of a person.

The Case History of the Subject must include following kinds of data. Data about the family, neighbours, and community and the sources from which such information can be obtained. Physical Characteristics and selected items from the medical record of the individual. Mental and Physical development history of the individual. Individuals school achievements. The individuals needs and the barriers which they face. A record of the action taken as a result of the case study. Follow-up reports at later periods.

Advantages of Case Study Method: When the problem is studied by this method, the generalization is easier. Deviant or abnormal person can be discovered or found by this method. Wider range of knowledge can be collected on the problem by the method.

Disadvantage of Case Study Method. The reliability of the collected data and results cannot be verified. Lack of control makes this method more unscientific. The information collected or gathered by this method are unscientific. More chances of biases are possible during data collection. It is a subjective method. Trained and competitive investigators are needed to conduct case studies. Researchers cannot draw conclusions or make firm inference about cause-and-effect.