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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.
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
Family History
Family tree:
Family arrangement: Rehana is born out of non-consanguine marriage. She belongs to a nuclear
family. She is staying with her parents and younger brother. 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
Medical History
No suggestive history of major physical or mental illness were reported in maternal and paternal
side of the subject.
INTERVIEW
Interview with the subject
What are the things that you like about your child?
She is well behaved, shows respect towards elders.
What are the behavioural qualities in your child which make you proud of her?
She is an obedient child. I never had to listen any complaints regarding her behaviour from anyone.
Which career option is the ideal one for your child and why?
Medical field will be apt for her. Because she is empathetic, and she has the capacity for it.
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
Vaishnavi seems to be pleasant, friendly, interactive most of the time.
She listens to others always.
She shows respect to elder people and teachers.
She is very lively in her friend’s group.
She is very helpful.
She is open to experiences.
She is an average student and hardworking also.
Psychological Tests conducted on the subject.
• 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.
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