1. PSYCHOLOGY CASE STUDY
“Case study is a comprehensive
study of a social unit, be it a
person, a group of persons, an
institute, a community or a
family”
-Young . P. V(1984)
2. CASE STUDY IN PSYCHOLOGY
Case study in psychology refers to the use of a descriptive
research approachto obtain an in-depth analysis of a
person, group, or phenomenon.
In this a variety of techniques may be used including
personal interviews, direct observation, psychometric tests
and archival records.
Like other research methodologieswithin psychology, the
case study must produce valid and reliableresults in order
to be useful for the developmentof future research.
Case studies are widely used in psychology and amongst
the best known were the ones carried out by Sigmund
Freud. He conducted very detailed investigationsinto the
private lives of his patients in an attempt to both
understand and help them overcome their illnesses.
Freud's most famous case studies include 'Little
Hans'(1909) and The Rat Man'(1909).
Even today case histories are one of the main methodsof
investigation in abnormal psychology and psychiatry.
3. IMPORTANCE OF CASE STUDY
Case study us considered as one of the best
methods of study.
This method is specifically followed in
learning difficulties, emotional disturbance,
and other behaviour problems.
In preparing a case study, the information is
collected from;
1. Preliminary information
2. Past history
3. Present conditions
Case study method helps to understand the
root causes of maladjustments.
It is a very valuable method in suggesting
remedial measures for the rehabilitation of
maladjusted cases.
4. TECHNIQUES USED FOR CASE STUDIES
1.Observation
2.Interview
3.Secondary data
4.Documents
5.Records
SOURCES OF DATA FOR CASE STUDY
1.Life histories
2.Personal documents
3.Letters and records
4.Biographies
5.Information obtained through
interview.
5. ADVANTAGES OF CASE STUDY
Case study considers all aspects of the
child. It can be used as a tool of
evaluation.
It helps to understand the root causes
of maladjustment and is very valuable
method in suggesting remedial
measures.
It helps the teacher to gain better
concept of normal behaviour.
Case study can provide detailed
descriptions of specific and rare cases.
6. LIMITATIONS OF CASE STUDY
In the preparation of case study,
the information collected is not
verifiable and is highly subjective.
Data collected from case study
usually based on several assumptions
which may not be very true.
The investigator's bias might
distort the quality of case study.
It is time consuming and costly in
certain cases.
It is very difficult to draw
generalization on the basis of a few
cases.
