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Flip to reveal answersWhat is a case study?
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All 10 Flashcards — Case studies
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Question
What is a case study?
Answer
An in-depth investigation of a single person, group or event, usually using several methods.
Question
When are case studies used?
Answer
For rare, complex or unrepeatable cases too unusual for other methods.
Question
How do case studies gather data?
Answer
By combining several methods — interviews, observation, tests — often over time.
Question
One strength of case studies?
Answer
Rich, detailed, realistic data on complex cases; high ecological validity.
Question
One limitation of case studies?
Answer
Findings may not generalise and they can't establish cause and effect.
Question
Why can a single case be influential?
Answer
A striking case can reshape a theory, even though it can't be generalised.
Question
Depth vs breadth?
Answer
Case study = deep on one case; survey/experiment = shallow on many.
Question
Can a case study show cause and effect?
Answer
No — that requires a controlled experiment.
Question
One risk to a case study's objectivity?
Answer
Researcher subjectivity, and distortion when relying on memory of the past.
Question
Which concept does it link to?
Answer
Measurement — many kinds of data build one rich picture.
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Topic 2.4 hub
Research methodology
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