INTRODUCTION 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 4 an object 4 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 analysed 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 the case study

1. A descriptive study
a. 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:

• 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-honoured procedure in the field of medicine and medical researchers.
• 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:

• Deviant Case analysis: The researchers starts 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.
• 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

• Observation of behaviour, characteristics and social qualities of the unit by the researcher
• Use of questionnaires, opinions, inventories, checklists and other psychological tests
• Analysis of recorded data from schools, clinics, courts, newspapers and similar sources
• Interviewing the subject`s friends, relatives and significant others.
• Participant observation: Involves the researcher actually serving as a participant in events and
observing the actions and outcomes.

TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES USED

Observation: The observational method is a non-experimental and qualitative research method
in which the behaviour of the subject under research is observed
• Experimental method: a system of scientific investigation, usually based on a design to be
carried out under controlled conditions, that is intended to test a hypothesis and establish a causal
relationship between independent and dependent variables.
• Psychological Testing: assess the various characteristics of humans such as attitude, aptitude,
personality, intelligence quotient, and emotional quotient.
• Survey: The process of conducting research using surveys that researchers send to survey
respondents
• Case study: In the case study method, the researcher does qualitative research and in-depth
analysis of a specific case (subject under investigation)
• Correlation: examine the relationship between the two variables.

Method Advantages Disadvantages

•good source of hypotheses
• individual may not be representative or
• provides in-depth information
typical
• done on individuals
Case • difficult to know which subjective
• “Experiments of nature” shed
Study/History  interpretation is
light on situations/problems that are
best
unethical or impractical to study in
 
other ways
• allows research little or no control of the
• allows description of behaviour as
Naturalistic situation
it occurs in the natural environment
Observation •observations may be biased
• often useful in first stages of
  • does not allow firm conclusions on cause
research program
and effect
• yield information on personality
Psychological • difficult to construct tests that are valid or
traits, emotional states, aptitudes,
Tests reliable
abilities

CASE PROFILE
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.

My subject is a 15-year-old boy studying in grade 9 at MSPHSS. Subjects Behaviour, self-concept,

Problems & challenges will be studied in detail in the case study.

Methods used in current case study

• Interview
• Observation
• Psychological testing
 IDENTIFICATION OF DATA

Socio demographic data

•Name : Anusree
• Age : 17
• Date of birth :24/01/2004
• Place of birth : Kerala
• Gender : Female
• Height :154 cm
• Weight : 47 kg
• Religion : Hindu
• Educational Qualification : 12
• Institute associated with : TIAD, Dubai.
• Place of education : Dubai.
•Economic Status : Middle class.

Family History
Family tree:

42 years, Civil supervisor 34 years, Housewife

25 years, 17 years, 12th

MBBS
Family arrangement: Anusree is born out of non-consanguine marriage. She belongs to a nuclear
family. She is staying with her parents and elder sister. Their relationship in the family is cordial.
Father is the decision maker of the family and the members used to agree to the decisions.

Family details

• Name of the father : Madhu

• Age : 42 years
• Qualification : Graduate
• Occupation : Civil Supervisor.
 • Name of the mother: Anuradha
• Age : 36 years
• Qualification : Graduate
• Occupation : House wife

Medical History

No suggestive history of major physical or mental illness were reported in maternal and paternal
side of the subject.

Habits Interests and Talents

My subject Rehana interested in pencil drawing and reading. She is a good henna artist too. He likes
to spend her leisure time in listening to songs, watching movies and drawing. She likes to draw
cartoon characters. She has a great collection of songs and books.

INTERVIEW
 Interview with the subject

How are you feeling at this moment?

I feel good
Tell me about yourself.
I am Anusree, I am in 12 th grade, in TIAD.

What do your friends say about you?

They say I am very social and active
What are your strengths?
I can create rapport with others easily.
What are your areas of improvement?
Areas of improvement would be when I get angry, I talk very rudely I should improve that
What do you like about yourself?
I like how I make Friends

Do you have someone you can share your difficulties with?

yes, I have friends and a my sister whom I can open up to.
Do you feel/think your home is a comfortable space to be in?
yes, because it's the place where I can be myself.
Do you agree with the core beliefs of your family members? What are these and are there any
areas where your hold different opinions? Elaborate upon these.
Yes, but not completely as their thoughts are a bit different from mine. Like in religious areas, I
don't believe much in God but my parents does so sometimes there would be different opinions
What motivates you?
Being with people I like always motivate me.

 Interview with the mother

How are you feeling at this moment?

I feel good.
How much time do you spend in interacting with your child?
About 1 hour, daily.

What are the things that you want to improve in your child?
I would like her to improve the way she interacts with social activities
What are the things that you like about your child?
xxx

Does she have frequent change in behaviour or mood swings?

No
Does she share her problems and opinions with you?
Yes she do.
What are the behavioural qualities in your child which make you proud of her?
She says things if she feels it is right.

Which career option is the ideal one for your child and why?
She can be in Aviation field as she always likes to travel, and she likes to be in the crew as well.

Subject`s relation with her mother

The way she mingles with her mother shows that Rehana and her mother has a strong relationship.
Her mother has a good understanding about Rehana. Her mother takes care of her needs very well.

 Interview with Sibling

How are you feeling at this moment?

Good.
How much time do you spend in interacting with your sister?
Almost all the time.
Do you stay in the same room? Are you comfortable with this arrangement?
Yes. I am comfortable with that arrangement.
What are the things that you like about your sister?
She is very fun to interact with.
Does she have frequent change in behaviour or mood swings?
No.

Do you spend time with your sister`s friends?

No
What are your siblings’ strengths and weaknesses?
Her strength is she talks what is in her mind. Her weakness is sometimes she talks without thinking
Any advice which you think you think you can /would like to offer to your sibling?
I would like her to think before she talks.

Subject`s relation with her sibling.

In my observation, they have cordial relationship. But I felt some gap in their communication.
Probably because of the busy study schedule. The gender and age can be another reason for that.

Summary of the Interview.

 My subject Anusree is very social, extravert and fun to interact with.

 She is not hesitant to interact with strangers.
 She is talkative and have good communication skills.
 She needs to acquire control over the behaviour when she gets angry.
 Being in social situations with loved ones makes her happy.
 She should work on the way she exhibits her social skills.
 Overall, she is an extravert outgoing, with high self-esteem, get energized by being around
other people, is socially confident and enjoy being in large social gatherings or public
speaking.

OBSERVATION
OBSERVATION PROCESS
My subject was observed in her home environment, classroom and in friends’ group. I was a part of
it in both situations. Hence, I used a naturalistic observation method and a participant observation
method. I know this family personally. So, I believe the responses are not biased with observer
effect.

OBSERVATION REPORT
 Subject is not hesitant to interact with others.
 She is sociable and friendly.
 My subject thrives on social interactions.
 She seems to be inspired after spending some time with other people.
 She spends more time socializing with others.
  She is average in academics.
 She seems to be willing to share her thoughts and feelings, which makes other
people perceive her as warm and open.

Psychological Tests conducted on the subject.

• Sinha`s Comprehensive Anxiety test

My subject scored a total of 57 in Sinha`s Comprehensive Anxiety test, her scores relate to 95-99
percentile on the scoring table of the SCAT scoring manual. This indicates subject has extremely
high anxiety.

• SelfConcept Questionnaire
Anusree got a score of 19 in the physical dimension which means she has average self-concept of
her own body, health and physical appearance and strength. In social dimension my subject got 29
which means she has above average self-concept about her interpersonal skills and social
interactions. In temperamental dimension, she got a score of 19 which corresponds to below
average self-concept about her emotional state and reactions. She got 25 score in educational
dimension which shows that she has above average self-concept in relation to school, teachers and
extra-curricular activities. My subject got a score of 32 in moral dimension which means she has
above average self-concept in her moral worth. In intellectual dimension, she scored 30 which
corresponds to above average self-concept in awareness about her intelligence and capacity to solve
problems.
Anusree scored 154 in total self-concept which means she has above average self-concept.

• Adjustment Inventory for School Students

Anusree scored 8, 3, and 3 in Emotional, social, and educational dimensions respectively in AISS. Which
implies that the subject has good adjustment in educational and social dimensions and unsatisfactory
adjustment in emotional dimension. The total score of 14 indicates that my subject has overall good
adjustment.

• Sentence Completion Test (Projective Test)

The subject scored 30 on sentence completion test. Which indicates that, generally she has a
positive outlook on life and that he views life optimistically.

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS

I conducted my Case profile on Anusree aged 17 years from TIAD, Dubai. It was a wonderful
experience and taught me a great deal in terms of knowing the subject and applying the techniques
of assessment learned in psychology class. I conducted the following tests on him:
• Sinha`s Comprehensive Anxiety test
• Self Concept Questionnaire
• Adjustment Inventory for School Students
• Sentence Completion Test.

Assessment was done on the basis of behavioural observation, psychometric testing based on self-
report, interview with the subject and significant others from her life.

Anusree’s percentile 95-99 in SCAT which indicates extremely high anxiety level.
My subject’s score 14 in AISS which indicates good adjustment.
Anusree’s score 154 in SCQ which indicates Above average self-concept.

The test results support the observational and interview reports. Overall, my subject found to be an
organized person with above average self- concept, and good adjustment. Anusree exhibits
extremely high anxiety. Interview and observational reports indicate the same.
For her existing anxiety condition, I would suggest professional support. Cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety.

Subject’s condition can be cured with exposure-based CBT, in which the subject gradually work up
to facing the situations she fears most. This can improve her coping skills and help her to develop
the confidence to deal with anxiety-inducing situations.
I doubt a family reason behind her anxiety. Hence, family counselling also can be a part of her
therapy.

Bibliography

 NCERT Class XII Psychology Book

 NCERT Class XI Psychology book
 http://www.simplypsychology.org/case-study.html
 SCQ manual
 SCAT Manual
 AISS Manual