Case Study Method

• Case studies are in-depth, detailed investigations conducted on an individual, a small group of people of an institution.

• Both qualitative (opinions, word-based) and quantitative (numerical) data can be gathered using triangulation- a range of methods such as interviews, observations and experiments to analyse behaviour.

• Case studies can often be longitudinal (over a period of time), as they focus on an individual, small group of people or institution over time and are used to look at rare cases of behaviour that normally cannot be generated experimentally.  This allows the researcher to compare the participants throughout the length of the case study to see changes.

• Case studies can use secondary data, such as hospital notes on an individual, and primary data, such as observations of an individual.

• Case studies are in-depth, detailed investigations conducted on an individual patient who has suffered brain damage.

• Both qualitative and quantitative data can be gathered using triangulation- a range of methods such as observations of the patient by clinicians and interviews of the patient and their family.

• Case studies can often be longitudinal, as they focus on the brain-damaged patient over time.  This allows the clinician to observe whether their symptoms change over time.