Psyc 255case Study Paper Instructionsreviewed For Summer B 2020 May 5t ✓ Solved

PSYC 255 Case Study Paper Instructions Reviewed for Summer B 2020 May 5 There are many methods available for conducting research, one of which is a case study. The purpose of this assignment is for you to learn how to conduct and complete a case study. Proper APA formatting throughout the document is a substantial part of the content of this assignment. Instructions: Answer the following four questions using current APA format throughout (including your title page, appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure, introductory statement, in-text citations, page numbers, levels of headings throughout the document, an introductory statement, a conclusion statement, and consistency between your in-text citations and references).

Use your course textbooks, including your Introduction to Research textbook and the Publication Manual , and at least two additional scholarly references. This assignment must have a title page, plus two to four pages of appropriate content, and a reference page. Give the answers to these questions in your own words and with your own explanation. Cite your sources in-text, and list your various sources as references on your references page. This assignment is requiring level one headings based on each of the questions.

Create your own brief phrase for a properly formatted level one heading based on each question so as to be clear about which item you are answering. Your headings must not be simply copied/pasted from the questions. An acceptable heading must clearly capture the essence of each question. Headings are typically brief statements. See various sections of your Publication Manual for details about the requirements in this assignment.

1. What is a case study? 2. What are advantages and disadvantages of this approach? 3.

What are some reasons for using a case study approach? 4. Where, or in what ways, can a researcher acquire information/data that can be used for a case study? In other words, what are some various sources for information that a researcher can use in a case study? Note: For question four, these are two ways of stating the same question; these are not two separate questions. This assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) Monday of Module/Week 5.

Paper for above instructions

Introduction

In the realm of psychological research, case studies occupy a significant niche due to their deep analytic capabilities while providing rich contextual detail. This paper aims to explore the definition of a case study, its advantages and disadvantages, reasons for adopting this method, and potential sources for data collection. Understanding these aspects is crucial for conducting well-informed psychological research that balances depth with methodological rigor.

Defining Case Studies

A case study is a qualitative research method that involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, event, or situation over time. This method enables researchers to explore complex phenomena within their real-life contexts, which can be particularly useful when dealing with intricate issues pertaining to psychological disorders, social dynamics, or behavioral patterns (Yin, 2018). Case studies often employ multiple sources of information such as interviews, observations, documents, and archival records to construct a comprehensive picture of the subject under investigation (Stake, 1995).
According to Merriam (1998), case studies serve as a "strategy of inquiry" that helps to understand the unique characteristics of a case while also exploring the interaction of variables at play. Importantly, cases can be chosen for a variety of reasons – they might be representative of a larger phenomenon or atypical and therefore warrant deeper understanding (Zainal, 2007).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Studies

Benefits of the Case Study Approach

The advantages of utilizing case studies in psychology are manifold. One primary benefit is the detailed and holistic understanding they offer. The depth of exploration allows researchers to observe the multitude of factors that may influence an outcome, which can lead to new hypotheses and insights (Baxter & Jack, 2008). Furthermore, case studies are inherently flexible and can adapt to changing contexts, accommodating new data as it becomes available (Rowley, 2002).
Another advantage is their ability to explore rare or unique cases. For instance, a case study on a patient with an unusual psychological disorder can provide significant insights into understanding similar conditions (Gerring, 2007). Additionally, case studies can be a useful tool in the exploratory phase of research, allowing for the generation of theories that might later be tested through more rigorous quantitative methods (Yin, 2018).

Limitations of Case Studies

Conversely, there are drawbacks to consider. The primary disadvantage is the issue of generalizability. Findings derived from a single case study may not be applicable to a broader population, limiting the study’s impact (Merriam, 1998). Furthermore, case studies often rely heavily on the researcher’s subjective interpretation, which can introduce bias (Flyvbjerg, 2006). This subjectivity can compromise the reliability of the findings if not carefully managed (Yin, 2018).
Additionally, case studies can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring considerable effort to gather and analyze data. Moreover, they often require a mixed-method approach, which can be complex to execute effectively (Baxter & Jack, 2008). Lastly, ethical considerations must be made, particularly if sensitive information is being disclosed (Flick, 2014).

Justifications for Using Case Studies

Researchers often choose the case study method for various reasons. One significant reason is its capacity for providing an in-depth exploration of intricate psychological issues. This quality is particularly relevant when researchers are interested in understanding the human experience in its natural context (Stake, 1995). For instance, case studies can illuminate the personal experiences of individuals facing mental health challenges, offering insights into factors contributing to resilience or vulnerability (Benbasat, Goldstein, & Mead, 1987).
Moreover, case studies often allow researchers to investigate phenomena that are not easily quantifiable, such as emotional responses or interpersonal relations (Yin, 2018). Given the subjective nature of psychological experiences, case studies can highlight the importance of context and individual difference, which may be overlooked in large-scale quantitative studies (Gerring, 2007).
Additionally, they can stimulate further research by identifying new questions or perspectives. Insights gained from a case study can serve as a fertile ground for further hypothesis-driven research, leading to more extensive investigations (Baxter & Jack, 2008).

Data Acquisition in Case Studies

Researchers have numerous sources at their disposal for acquiring information in case studies. The most common include interviews, observations, and existing organizational documents. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, allowing for flexible data collection that can adapt to emerging insights (Flick, 2014). Personal narratives derived from interviews provide a rich source of qualitative data that reveals the subject’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
Observation is another critical method, allowing researchers to collect data on behaviors and interactions in natural settings. By observing subjects in real-time, researchers can gain contextual insights that inform their analysis (Yin, 2018). Participatory observation, where the researcher immerses themselves in the subject's environment, can yield particularly invaluable insights.
Finally, researchers can examine existing documents and records as a source of data. This may include medical records, case notes, or even social media content. Using these existing resources can enhance the validity of the case study by offering corroborative evidence from multiple sources (Benbasat, Goldstein, & Mead, 1987).

Conclusion

In summary, the case study method is a powerful tool in psychological research, offering rich insights into individual or group experiences. While this approach has its limitations, its advantages—particularly in providing depth and context—often outweigh the drawbacks. Researchers can enhance their findings further by employing varied data collection techniques, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the case under investigation. As academia continues to evolve, case studies remain an essential aspect of qualitative research, allowing for exploration and discovery in the complexity of human behavior.

References

1. Baxter, P., & Jack, S. (2008). Qualitative Case Study Methodology: A Methodological Discussion. The Qualitative Report, 13(4), 544-559.
2. Benbasat, I., Goldstein, D. K., & Mead, M. (1987). The Case Research Strategy in Studies of Information Systems. MIS Quarterly, 11(3), 369-386.
3. Flick, U. (2014). An Introduction to Qualitative Research (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
4. Flyvbjerg, B. (2006). Five Misunderstandings About Case-study Research. Qualitative Inquiry, 12(2), 219-245.
5. Gerring, J. (2007). Case Study Research: Principles and Practices. Cambridge University Press.
6. Merriam, S. B. (1998). Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications in Education. Jossey-Bass Publishers.
7. Rowley, J. (2002). Using Case Studies in Research. Management Research News, 25(1), 16-27.
8. Stake, R. E. (1995). The Art of Case Study Research. SAGE Publications.
9. Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
10. Zainal, Z. (2007). Case Study Application in Nursing Research: A Review. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing, 8(1), 4-8.