case study ap psychology definition quizlet

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A case study is an in-depth analysis of an individual or group to understand their behavior or circumstances over time.

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Related terms

This type of research involves studying the same variables repeatedly over time.

Qualitative Research : This method involves collecting non-numerical data through methods like interviews, observations, or analysis of text.

Observational Study : A type of study where researchers observe participants without manipulation or control.

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Practice Questions ( 3 )

• Why might a psychologist choose to use a case study?
• In terms of research methods, what is a case study primarily used for in Psychology?
• What is the primary disadvantage of using a case study in psychological research?

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AP Psychology Notes

1.2.5 case studies, definition and purpose of case studies.

• In-Depth Examination: Case studies are detailed investigations into the life of an individual or the dynamics of a small group. They focus on understanding the complexities of human behavior and psychological phenomena.
• Qualitative Approach: Primarily qualitative, case studies involve collecting and analyzing narrative data, such as personal histories, interviews, and observations.
• Uniqueness and Rarity: They are particularly useful for studying psychological phenomena that are rare, unique, or otherwise difficult to observe in larger groups.

Methodology of Case Studies

• Subject Selection: The subjects of case studies are carefully selected based on the uniqueness or rarity of their condition or situation.
• Data Collection Techniques: Various methods are employed, including in-depth interviews, direct and participant observations, examining historical and archival records, and psychological testing.
• Analytical Approach: Researchers look for patterns and themes in the data, constructing a comprehensive narrative that explains the subject's psychological state or behavior.

Strengths of Case Studies

• Rich, Detailed Information: Case studies provide a depth of information that is unparalleled in other research methods, offering comprehensive insights into the subject's life and condition.
• Exploration of New Areas: They are excellent for exploring new areas of study, providing foundational knowledge that can guide future research.
• Generating Hypotheses: Case studies are useful for generating hypotheses that can be tested in more controlled experiments.
• Longitudinal Perspective: They allow for the study of developmental and temporal changes within an individual or group over an extended period.

Weaknesses of Case Studies

• Limited Generalizability: The findings from case studies are not easily generalized to the broader population due to the unique nature of the cases studied.
• Subjectivity and Bias: The researcher's interpretations and personal biases can significantly influence the analysis and conclusions of a case study.
• Challenges in Replication: The unique conditions of each case study make it difficult to replicate the study, which is a key criterion for scientific research.
• Ethical Dilemmas: The in-depth nature of case studies often requires delving into sensitive and private aspects of subjects' lives, raising ethical concerns regarding privacy, consent, and potential harm.

Applications in Psychology

• Clinical Insights: Case studies are invaluable in clinical psychology for understanding and treating complex mental health conditions.
• Educational Use: These studies provide concrete examples for students learning about various psychological theories and concepts.
• Pioneering Research in New Fields: Case studies often serve as the initial step in researching new phenomena, laying the groundwork for further study.
• Influencing Practice and Policy: Findings from case studies can have a profound impact on psychological practice and policy, especially in areas like mental health care and therapeutic techniques.

Limitations in Data Collection and Analysis

• Subjective Nature of Data: The data in case studies is highly subjective and depends greatly on the individual's perspective and the researcher's interpretation.
• Risk of Overwhelming Data: The depth of information in case studies can sometimes lead to an overload of data, making it challenging to identify the most relevant information.
• Confirmation Bias: Researchers may unconsciously seek out or interpret information in ways that confirm their pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses.

Ethical Considerations

• Informed Consent: Obtaining informed consent from subjects is paramount, especially given the often personal nature of the information involved.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: Maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of subjects is a key ethical responsibility in case study research.
• Potential Harm: Researchers must be aware of and mitigate any potential harm or distress caused to subjects during the study.

Comparing with Other Research Methods

• Case Studies vs. Experiments: Unlike experiments, which are controlled and objective, case studies offer a more subjective and nuanced view of the subject's experiences and behaviors.
• Case Studies vs. Surveys: Surveys and case studies differ significantly in their approach; surveys aim to gather data from a large sample to generalize findings, while case studies focus on in-depth analysis of a few subjects.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Case studies are more adaptable than many other methods, as they do not require a strict adherence to a predetermined methodology.

While case studies are more commonly used to generate and support hypotheses in psychology, they can also play a role in disproving or challenging existing theories or hypotheses. This is particularly true in situations where a case study reveals phenomena that cannot be explained by current theories, thereby highlighting their limitations or inaccuracies. For example, if a psychological theory predicts a certain behavior or mental process, and a case study provides clear evidence of an exception to this rule, it may prompt a reevaluation or modification of the theory. However, it is important to note that the disproving power of a case study is limited by its inherent lack of generalizability. A single case or a small number of cases may suggest exceptions to a theory, but broader research is typically required to formally disprove or significantly challenge established theories.

In case study research, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics, participant consent and confidentiality are of utmost importance. Researchers are obligated to obtain informed consent from participants, which means clearly explaining the purpose of the study, the procedures involved, any potential risks, and the participant's right to withdraw at any time without penalty. This consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any point. Regarding confidentiality, researchers take stringent measures to protect the identity and privacy of their subjects. This often involves anonymizing data, using pseudonyms, and ensuring that any identifiable information is not disclosed in published reports or discussions. In cases where revealing certain information is unavoidable for the integrity of the study, it is done with the utmost caution and ethical consideration, often with additional safeguards like additional consent forms or ethical reviews.

Reliability in case studies is a complex issue, primarily because of the in-depth, qualitative nature of these studies. To address reliability, researchers often employ detailed and systematic data collection and analysis procedures. This includes keeping thorough records of all data collected, using consistent methods throughout the study, and applying rigorous analytical techniques to ensure that the findings are as objective as possible. Peer review and triangulation with other data sources also enhance reliability. However, despite these efforts, case studies inherently have limitations in reliability compared to more quantitative research methods, due to the potential for researcher bias and the subjective interpretation of qualitative data. Consequently, while case studies provide valuable insights and in-depth understanding, their findings are often supplemented with other research methods to establish more reliable and generalizable conclusions in psychological research.

Triangulation in case study research refers to the use of multiple methods or data sources to enhance the credibility and validity of the findings. In psychology, triangulation plays a vital role in strengthening the conclusions drawn from a case study. By combining different methods, such as interviews, observations, and psychological assessments, researchers can obtain a more comprehensive and reliable understanding of the subject under study. This approach helps to offset the weaknesses inherent in each method when used alone, thereby providing a more balanced and nuanced view of the case. Triangulation also helps to reduce the potential for bias, as it allows for cross-validation of data. By converging findings from different sources or methods, psychologists can be more confident in the accuracy and robustness of their interpretations, making the case study a more powerful tool for understanding complex psychological phenomena.

Case studies contribute significantly to the development of psychological theories by providing in-depth and detailed data about individual cases or small groups. This rich data allows researchers to observe and document complex psychological phenomena that might not be evident in broader research studies. For example, Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory was largely developed based on insights from individual case studies. These studies offer a narrative that can illustrate how specific psychological principles play out in real-life scenarios. In addition, they often identify new variables or hypotheses that can be explored in more generalizable research. While they cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships due to their limited scope and potential biases, case studies provide a foundational understanding of psychological phenomena. This deep understanding is crucial for the formulation of theories that explain human behavior and mental processes.

Practice Questions

Strength: Offers detailed insight into the child's abilities and development. Weakness: Findings cannot be generalized to all child prodigies.

In this scenario, the primary strength of a case study is its ability to provide detailed, comprehensive insights into the unique cognitive and developmental processes of the child prodigy. By focusing on an individual case, the psychologist can gather in-depth information about the child's mathematical abilities, learning patterns, and overall cognitive development. This depth of detail is a hallmark of case studies and is crucial for understanding complex, rare phenomena. On the other hand, a significant weakness is the limited generalizability of the findings. The unique characteristics of this particular child prodigy cannot be assumed to apply to all individuals with exceptional mathematical abilities. Case studies, due to their focus on individual or unique cases, do not provide a basis for broad generalizations.

Case studies use qualitative data, focusing on depth; correlational studies use quantitative data to identify relationships. Implication: Different methods suit different research needs.

Case studies and correlational studies differ significantly in their approach to data collection and interpretation. Case studies primarily use qualitative data collection methods, such as interviews and observations, focusing on the depth of information and detailed understanding of individual cases. This approach allows for a comprehensive narrative that delves into the complexities of psychological phenomena. In contrast, correlational studies utilize quantitative data to assess relationships between variables, typically using statistical analyses to identify patterns and correlations. This difference in methodology has significant implications for psychological research. It means that different research questions and objectives require different approaches; while case studies are suited for in-depth analysis of unique cases, correlational studies are better for identifying and analyzing relationships between variables across larger populations.

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AP Psychology Unit 1 Vocab

nature-nurture issue

Description and Tags

AP Psychology

Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology

the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors. Today's science sees traits and behaviors arising from the interaction of nature and nurture.

natural selection

the principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations

levels of analysis

the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon

biopsychosocial approach

an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis

behavioral psychology

the scientific study of observable behavior, and its explanation by principles of learning

biological psychology

the scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes. (Some biological psychologists call themselves behavioral neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, behavior geneticists, physiological psychologists, or biopsychologists.)

cognitive psychology

the scientific study of all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.

evolutionary psychology

the study of the evolution of behavior and mind, using principles of natural selection.

psychodynamic psychology

a branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior, and uses that information to treat people with psychological disorders.

social-cultural psychology

the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking.

psychometrics

the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.

basic research

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.

developmental psychology

a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span

educational psychology

the study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning

personality psychology

the study of an individual's characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting

social psychology

the scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another

applied research

scientific study that aims to solve practical problems

industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology

the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces

human factors psychology

an I/O psychology subfield that explores how people and machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made safe and easy to use

counseling psychology

a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being

clinical psychology

a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders

a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical (for example, drug) treatments as well as psychological therapy

positive psychology

the scientific study of human functioning, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive

community psychology

a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups

testing effect

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning

a study method incorporating five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve, Review

Hindsight Bias

the tendency to believe that after learning an outcome, anyone could have foreseen it (aka "I-knew-it-all-along" phenomenon)

Critical Thinking

not just accepting conclusions or answers, instead examining assumptions, discerning hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions

an explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events

a testable prediction often implied by a theory

operational definition

a statement of the procedures used to define research variables

replication

repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participates in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances

an observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles

a technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group

all the cases in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn (not including national studies)

random sample

a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

naturalistic observation

observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation

Correlation

a measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other

correlation coefficient

a statistical index of the relationship between two things

scatterplot

a graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the values of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables, and the amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation

illusory correlation

the perception of a relationship where none exists

a research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process. with random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors

random assignment

assigning participants by chance to experiment or control groups of the experiment, minimizing preexisting differences between the two groups

double-blind procedure

an experiment in which neither the test subject nor the research staff do not know which group is receiving the treatment or the placebo

placebo effect

an experimental result based on expectation, any effect on behavior because the test subject assumed they were receiving the actual treatment when it was not

experimental group

in an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent

control group

in an experiment, one group must not receive the treatment, to compare and contrast with the experimental group

independent variable

the experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied

confounding variable

a factor other than the independent variable that might produce an effect in an experiment

dependent variable

the outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable

the most frequently occurring number score(s) in a distribution

the arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores

the middle score in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it

the difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution

standard deviation

s\a computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score

normal curve

a symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean

statistical signfigance

a statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance

the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next

informed consent

an ethical principle that research participants be told enough to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate

the postexperimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants

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