CASE STUDY

NAME: S.MANUSHREE

CLASS AND SECTION: XII C1

BOARD ROLL NUMBER:

NAME OF SCHOOL: THE STUDY

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to our

Principal Mrs. Caroline Geetha and my psychology teacher
Mr. Soureche who gave me the opportunity to conduct this
case study, which helped me in doing a lot of research and I
came to know about many things, I am really thankful for them.
This is to certify that S.MANUSHREE of class XII – C1 has
completed this case study under my supervision and this case
study may be considered as a part of the practical exam of
Psychology 2021-22 conducted by CBSE.

Dr ………………………
[Department of psychology]
 INDEX

S.No. Particular Page no.

1. Introduction to Case study

2. Objective of case study

3. Identification of Data

4. Personal history

5. Family History

6. Interview with father

7. Interview with mother

8. Medical history

9. Interview with Subject

10. Interview with significant person

11. Conclusion

12. Reference
INTRODUTION TO CASE STUDY

A case study is an in-depth study of the individual in terms of his/her psychological attributes,
psychological history in the context of his/her psycho-social and physical environment. Case
studies are analyses of persons, events, decisions, periods, projects, policies, institutions, or other
systems that are studied holistically by one or more method. The case that is the subject of the
inquiry will be an instance of a class of phenomena that provides an analytical frame —
an object — within which the study is conducted and which the case illuminates and explicates.

Case studies are widely used by clinical psychologists, case analyses of the lives of great people
can also be highly illuminating for those willing to learn from their life experiences.

The case study method often involves simply observing what happens to, or reconstructing ‘the
case history’ of a single participant or group of individuals (such as a school class or a specific
social group), i.e. the idiographic approach. Case studies allow a researcher to investigate a topic
in far more detail than might be possible if they were trying to deal with a large number of research
participants (nomothetic approach) with the aim of ‘averaging’.

The case study is not itself a research method, but researchers select methods of data collection
and analysis that will generate material suitable for case studies such as qualitative
techniques (unstructured interviews, participant observation, diaries), personal notes (e.g. letters,
photographs, notes) or official document (e.g. case notes, clinical notes, appraisal reports).

The data collected can be analyzed using different theories (e.g., grounded theory, interpretative
phenomenological analysis, text interpretation (e.g., thematic coding) etc. All the approaches
mentioned here use preconceived categories in the analysis and they are ideographic in their
approach, i.e., they focus on the individual case without reference to a comparison group.

Case studies are widely used in psychology and amongst the best known were the ones carried out
by Sigmund Freud. He conducted very detailed investigations into the private lives of his patients
in an attempt to both understand and help them overcome their illnesses.

THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF CASE STUDY

1. A descriptive study

a. (I.e., the data collected constitute descriptions of psychological processes and events, and of the
contexts in which they occurred (qualitative data).
b. The main emphasis is always on the construction of verbal descriptions of behaviour or
experience, but quantitative data may be collected.

c. High levels of detail are provided.

2. Narrowly focused.

a. Typically a case study offers a description of only a single individual, and sometimes about
groups.

b. Often the case study focuses on a limited aspect of a person, such as their psychopathological
symptoms.

3. Combines objective and subjective data

a. i.e., the researcher may combine objective and subjective data: All are regarded as valid data for
analysis, and as a basis for inferences within the case study.

i. The objective description of behaviour and its context

ii. Details of the subjective aspect, such as feelings, beliefs, impressions or interpretations. In fact,
a case study is uniquely able to offer a means of achieving an in-depth understanding of the
behaviour and experience of a single individual.

4. Process-oriented.

a. The case study method enables the researcher to explore and describe the nature of processes,
which occur over time.

b. In contrast to the experimental method, which basically provides a stilled ‘snapshot’ of

processes, which may be continuing over time like for example the development of language in
children over time.

Strengths of Case Studies

• Provides detailed (rich qualitative) information.

• Provides insight for further research.
• Permitting investigation of otherwise impractical (or unethical) situations.
Case studies give psychological researchers the possibility to investigate cases, which could not
possibly be engineered in research laboratories. For example, the Money Case Study.

Case studies are often used in exploratory research. They can help us generate new ideas (that
might be tested by other methods). They are an important way of illustrating theories and can help
show how different aspects of a person's life are related to each other. The method is therefore
important for psychologists who adopt a holistic point of view (i.e., humanistic psychologists).

Limitations of Case Studies

• Can’t generalize the results to the wider population.

• Researchers own subjective feeling may influence the case study (researcher bias).
• Difficult to replicate.
• Time consuming.
Because a case study deals with only one person/event/group we can never be sure whether
conclusions drawn from this particular case apply elsewhere. The results of the study are not
generalizable because we can never know whether the case, we have investigated is
representative of the wider body of "similar" instances

Because they are based on the analysis of qualitative (i.e., descriptive) data a lot depends on the
interpretation the psychologist places on the information she has acquired. This means that there
is a lot of scope for observer bias, and it could be that the subjective opinions of the psychologist
intrude in the assessment of what the data means.

TYPES OF CASE STUDY

On the basis of number of individuals:

Ø Person/individual: The study of one single individual, generally using several different
research methods. Since there is only one individual, it emphasizes analysis in depth.
Such individual case study is a time-honored procedure in the field of medicine and
medical researchers.
Ø Group/Community: The study of a single distinctive set of people, such as a family or
small group of friends. Such a case study is a thorough observation and analysis of a
group of people who are living together in a particular geographical territory. It tries to
deal with various elements of the community life such as economic activity, climatic and
natural resources, historical development, social life values, health and education etc.
 On the basis of purpose:

Ø Deviant Case analysis: The researchers start with difference already found between
two people or groups and his/her task is to read backwards, to deduce the condition
that might have produced the differences.
Ø Isolated Clinical Case Analysis: Related to individual units with respect to some
analytical problems, such studies have become popular in psychoanalysis.

Methods used in Case study

Ø Observation of behaviour, characteristics, and social qualities of the unit by the

researcher
Ø Use of questionnaires, opinions, inventories, checklists and other psychological tests
Ø Analysis of recorded data from schools, clinics, courts, newspapers and similar
sources
Ø Interviewing the subject`s friends, relatives and significant others.

Ø Participant observation: Involves the researcher actually serving as a participant in

events and observing the actions and outcomes.

Tools and techniques used

• Observation : define, types, advantages, and disadvantages
• Experimental method : define [also write about variables with independent and dependent
variables], advantages and disadvantages
• Psychological Testing : define, advantages and disadvantages
• Survey : define, advantages and disadvantages
• Case study : define, advantages and disadvantages
• Correlation : define, advantages and disadvantages
 1. OBJECTIVE OF A CASE STUDY

The case study is a research method involving an up-close, in-depth, and detailed examination of
a subject of study, as well as its related contextual conditions. It involves assessment of
individual`s psychological, physical, social, and emotional dimensions with the help of specific
psychological tools and techniques.

1. Identification of Data [Picture of the subject- was not willing to provide]

Ø Biographical data

• Name : DWARAKESH
• Age. : SIXTEEN
• Date of birth : 12th SEPTEMBER 2006
• Place of birth. : PONDICHERRY
• Gender :MALE
• Height :168cm
• Weight. :53kg
• Religion :HINDU
• Caste :-
• Educational Qualification :ELEVENTH GRADE
• Institute associated with. :PETIT SEMINARE
• Place of education :PETIT SEMINARE

2. PERSONAL HISTORY : the subject has a neutral outlook on life, he enjoys going to
school and meeting his friends who have always been a major part in his life and learning
about the favorite subject social. He isn’t really sure about the future career(anxious about
it) . But during times of crisis and pressure the child goes through frequent changes in
mood, behaviour, and other activities. Often gets to low points of no self-esteem or
motivation to complete any form of task. He also shows signs like sudden loss of interest
in activities he enjoyed to persue,loss of appetite, low levels of concentration, fatigue etc.
which are signs of clinical depression

3. FAMILY HISTORY

Ø Family arrangement: joint family

Advantages: gets to deal with the older generation, has company all the time, learns to
handle situations better with inputs for 2 generation
Disadvantages: loss of privacy, sometimes we always have to in the best behaviour all
the time which is not to our liking.
 Ø Family details
• Name of the father: DOURESSAMI
• Age:56
• Qualification: ENTYMOLOGIST
• Occupation: AGRICULTURAL OFFICER
• Designation: PROFESSOR

• Name of the mother: SUJATHA

• Age:48
• Qualification: COMMERCE GRADUATE
• Occupation: HOME MAKER
• Designation: -

Ø INTERVIEW WITH THE FATHER

How are you feeling at this moment?

Happy and grateful.

How much time do you spend in interacting with your child?

Half an hour in a week.

What are the things that you want to improve in your child?
Should have more self-esteem[confidence],more attention to mental health.

What are the things that you like about your child?
He admires the creativity and problem-solving capabilities.

Does he/she have frequent change in behaviour or mood swings?

Yes, over the past few months there has been swift change in mood.

Does she share her/his problems and opinions with you?

Sometimes not always.

What are the changes you have seen in her/his attitude recently?
More socially aware, maturity.

Are you proud of your child?

Of course.
 Ø Subject`s relation with his/her father

The subject is relatively less close with the father. But they have bond over certain things.
He is a very proud and kind father who is ready listen and understand the child’s problems
and distress. He is open to changes. He is worried about the recent drastic change in the
behavioral patterns of the son, and he would like to learn more about what the son in going
through.

Ø INTERVIEW WITH THE MOTHER

How are you feeling at this moment?

I’m feeling calmer and composed, I’m anticipating a good day ahead

How much time do you spend in interacting with your child?

About half an hour a day

How is her/his behaviour at home?

Good, but she’s been noticing lack of confidence, loss of appetite and loss of interests in
general
What are the things that you like about your child?
His approach to life.

Does he/she have frequent change in behaviour or mood swings?

Yes, quite often lately.

What do you think about your child`s group of friends?

I’m happy with his friends, but I get annoyed sometimes when he goes out too often.

What are the changes you have seen in her/his attitude recently?
Low motivation, concentration, fatigue.

Are you proud of your child?

Yes, I want him to have a happy and good future.

Ø Subject`s relation with his/her mother : the subject spends more time with the mother
and seems to have a closer and an understanding relationship with the mother. They both
enjoy each other’s company. Despite certain disagreements they always seem to get along
and be in the same page in the end of the day.
 4. MEDICAL HISTORY

Subject: gets sick pretty often.

Father: good

Mother: good

5. HABITS,INTERESTS,AND TALENTS
Organized person in general likes things to be in order, always tries to inculcate good habits
but falls out of practice. He is a hard worker. Has a good quality of patience and whenever
a task is taken up completes and only moves to the next part of the day. He is interested in
nature, exploring , riding around the neighborhood, helping out and giving back to the
society. Regional level cricket player. Talented artist who is very creative and had different
perspectives on art and outlook on the world.

6. INTERVIEW WITH THE SUBJECT

How are you feeling at this moment?

happy and a bit nervous.

Tell me about yourself.

Is a quiet person in general, likes to learn a lot of new things in life, listening to music,
playing cricket, and composing stories when he feels creative enough to do it. Notices the
small things ,doesn’t wait for the big things to happen to be happy.
What do your friends say about you?
short tempered but very thoughtful and caring. notices the small changes and things around
me.
What are your strengths?
Decision-making skills, advice, friends, creativity, good at physical activities(sports).

What are your areas of improvement?

Should increase self-esteem, find more motivation.

What do you like about yourself

the way of interaction with others; being a considerate person.

Do you share all your problems with your friends?

Sometimes, not all the time.
 Do you agree upon the beliefs of your family members?
Not always.

What motivates you?

The fact that he might lose.

Summary of the interview: the client is diagnosed with depression from the clear symptoms
obvious from the interview with all the people he is related to. He also has few anxiety issues
due this he sometimes is not able to have decision making skills at times of crisis.

7. INTERVIEW WITH SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

How are you feeling at this moment?

Overwhelmed.

How much time do you spend in interacting with your friend?

Around an hour but varies depending on the day.

What are his/her areas of improvement?

Has to be less worried about the future, should have more self esteem.

What are the things that you like about him/her?

Hard working and organized.

Does he/she have frequent change in behaviour or mood swings?

Yes

Do you think he/she is an aggressive person?

No

8. CONCLUSION
• The subject should give more importance towards his academics. The interests
can be cultivated through their parents and teachers’ co-ordination.
• The subject can also choose to take therapy for his anxiety issues and depression
where the therapist can help him out of this or at least he will be able to regulate
himself better.
• Practices like meditation and yoga , confidence building measures, talking, and
sharing about his feelings to his close circle might help the subject.
REFERENCE

1.NCERT Class XII Psychology Book

2.NCERT Class XI Psychology book

3.www.wikipedia.com

4.http://www.simplypsychology.org/case-study.html

5.Psychology Test manuals

6. General Psychology by Dr. D.N.Srivastava