Format of case study

Name: Vishnuvarthan J
Class & Sec: XII - D
Board Roll no. :
Name of the School: ONGC PUBLIC SCHOOL

1. Introduction of case study :

 Define Psychology, mental processes, experiences and behaviour [class XI book]

 Define Psychological test : Standardisation, objectivity, reliability and its types,
validity and norms [Class XI book]
 Define case study

A case study is an in-depth study of the individual in terms of his/her psychological attributes,
psychological history in the context of his/her psycho-social and physical environment. Case
studies are analyses of persons, events, decisions, periods, projects, policies, institutions, or other
systems that are studied holistically by one or more method. The case that is the subject of the
inquiry will be an instance of a class of phenomena that provides an analytical frame —
an object — within which the study is conducted and which the case illuminates and explicates.
Case studies are widely used by clinical psychologists, case analyses of the lives of great people
can also be highly illuminating for those willing to learn from their life experiences.

The case study method often involves simply observing what happens to, or reconstructing ‘the
case history’ of a single participant or group of individuals (such as a school class or a specific
social group), i.e. the idiographic approach. Case studies allow a researcher to investigate a
topic in far more detail than might be possible if they were trying to deal with a large number of
research participants (nomothetic approach) with the aim of ‘averaging’.

The case study is not itself a research method, but researchers select methods of data collection
and analysis that will generate material suitable for case studies such as qualitative
techniques (unstructured interviews, participant observation, diaries), personal notes (e.g. letters,
photographs, notes) or official document (e.g. case notes, clinical notes, appraisal reports).

The data collected can be analyzed using different theories (e.g. grounded theory, interpretative
phenomenological analysis, text interpretation (e.g. thematic coding) etc. All the approaches
mentioned here use preconceived categories in the analysis and they are ideographic in their
approach, i.e. they focus on the individual case without reference to a comparison group.

Case studies are widely used in psychology and amongst the best known were the ones carried
out by Sigmund Freud. He conducted very detailed investigations into the private lives of his
patients in an attempt to both understand and help them overcome their illnesses. 

The main characteristics of the case study :

1. A descriptive study

a. (I.e. the data collected constitute descriptions of psychological processes and events, and of the
contexts in which they occurred (qualitative data).

b. The main emphasis is always on the construction of verbal descriptions of behaviour or

experience but quantitative data may be collected.

c. High levels of detail are provided.

2. Narrowly focused.

a. Typically a case study offers a description of only a single individual, and sometimes about
groups.

b. Often the case study focuses on a limited aspect of a person, such as their psychopathological
symptoms.

3. Combines objective and subjective data

a. i.e. the researcher may combine objective and subjective data: All are regarded as valid data
for analysis, and as a basis for inferences within the case study.

i. The objective description of behaviour and its context

ii. Details of the subjective aspect, such as feelings, beliefs, impressions or interpretations. In
fact, a case study is uniquely able to offer a means of achieving an in-depth understanding of the
behaviour and experience of a single individual.
4. Process-oriented.

a. The case study method enables the researcher to explore and describe the nature of processes,
which occur over time.

b. In contrast to the experimental method, which basically provides a stilled ‘snapshot’ of

processes, which may be continuing over time like for example the development of language in
children over time.

Strengths of Case Studies :

 Provides detailed (rich qualitative) information.

 Provides insight for further research.
 Permitting investigation of otherwise impractical (or unethical) situations.
Case studies give psychological researchers the possibility to investigate cases, which could not
possibly be engineered in research laboratories. For example, the Money Case Study.

Case studies are often used in exploratory research. They can help us generate new ideas (that
might be tested by other methods). They are an important way of illustrating theories and can
help show how different aspects of a person's life are related to each other. The method is
therefore important for psychologists who adopt a holistic point of view (i.e. humanistic
psychologists).

Limitations of Case Studies :

 Can’t generalize the results to the wider population.

 Researchers own subjective feeling may influence the case study (researcher bias).
 Difficult to replicate.
 Time consuming.
Because a case study deals with only one person/event/group we can never be sure whether
conclusions drawn from this particular case apply elsewhere. The results of the study are not
generalizable because we can never know whether the case we have investigated is
representative of the wider body of "similar" instances

Because they are based on the analysis of qualitative (i.e. descriptive) data a lot depends on the
interpretation the psychologist places on the information she has acquired. This means that there
is a lot of scope for observer bias and it could be that the subjective opinions of the psychologist
intrude in the assessment of what the data means.
Types of case study :

On the basis of number of individuals:

 Person/individual: The study of one single individual, generally using several different
research methods. Since there is only one individual, it emphasizes analysis in depth.
Such individual case study is a time honored procedure in the field of medicine and
medical researchers.
 Group/Community: The study of a single distinctive set of people, such as a family or
small group of friends. Such a case study is a thorough observation and analysis of a
group of people who are living together in a particular geographical territory. It tries to
deal with various elements of the community life such as economic activity, climatic and
natural resources, historical development, social life values, health and education etc.

On the basis of purpose:

 Deviant Case analysis: The researchers starts with difference already found between
two people or groups and his/her task is to read backwards, to deduce the condition
that might have produced the differences.
 Isolated Clinical Case Analysis: Related to individual units with respect to some
analytical problems, such studies have become popular in psychoanalysis.

Methods used in Case study:

 Observation of behaviour, characteristics and social qualities of the unit by the

researcher
 Use of questionnaires, opinions, inventories, checklists and other psychological tests
 Analysis of recorded data from schools, clinics, courts, newspapers and similar
sources
 Interviewing the subject`s friends, relatives and significant others.

 Participant observation: Involves the researcher actually serving as a participant in

events and observing the actions and outcomes.
 2. Tools and techniques used
 Observation : define, types, advantages and disadvantages
 Experimental method : define [also write about variables with independent and dependent
variables], advantages and disadvantages
 Psychological Testing : define, advantages and disadvantages
 Survey : define, advantages and disadvantages
 Case study : define, advantages and disadvantages
 Correlation : define, advantages and disadvantages

1. Objective of a case study :

The case study is a research method involving an up-close, in-depth, and detailed examination

of a subject of study, as well as its related contextual conditions. It involves assessment of
individual`s psychological, physical, social, and emotional dimensions with the help of specific
psychological tools and techniques.

2. Identification of Data [Picture of the subject]

Biographical data
• Name – M. Manikandan
• Age – 15
• Date of birth – 28.09.2007
• Place of birth - Karaikal
• Gender - Male
• Height – 156cm
• Weight – 50kg
• Religion - Hindu
• Caste - OBC
• Educational Qualification – 10th grade
• Institute associated with – School
• Place of education – Karaikal

Personal history :
 My Subject is a 15 years old man who spends his life with his family since his Birth. He was
well exposed to the world and able to do all activities. For sometimes, he appears disoriented and
confused but he know who he is and know his friends and family members, but may repeat questions
about the time or date. He is having trouble remembering or understanding information he have just
received, such as directions or steps in a recipe and forgets something recently heard on the radio or saw
on television. At age 10, after his school leaving he met a road accident while crossing the road. So, Mr.
Manikandan with his parents consulted many doctors about his condition and came to know that he had
brain injury and diagnosed with Short term memory due to posttraumatic amnesia. So doctor
consulted his parents and asked to make to-do lists, plan tasks, and use reminder tools such as notes,
calendars, and phone alerts or alarms for him.

Family History
Family Tree

Father Mother

1 2
Suresh Manikandan

Family Arrangement - Joint Family

Advantages:

 All the members are expected to contribute financially towards running the family.
 Teaches cooperation and optimum use of resources.
 Helps members understand and bond with each other.

Disadvantages:

 With many family members around, the lack of privacy and/or together time, can become
an issue.
 Contributions towards running the household and how the money should be spent is a
major issue in joint households.
 Parenting becomes a challenge in a big family.
Family Details
• Name of the father: C. Venkat
• Age: 60
• Qualification: M .Phil, PhD
• Occupation: Administrator officer
• Designation:

• Name of the mother: N. Vanitha

• Age: 55
• Qualification: B. Sc
• Occupation: NIL
• Designation: House Wife

Interview with the Father :

1. How are you feeling at this moment?

I am feeling good. Thank you.

2.How much time do you spend in interacting with your child?

I spend sometimes of my day with him.

3.What are the things that you want to improve in your child?
I want him to follow the regular scheduled activities for which he cannot cope up

4. What are the things that you like about your child?
I like when he tells story and writing

5.Does he/she have frequent change in behavior or mood swings?

Yes, he does have frequent confusion and impairment in recalling things.
6. Does she share her/ his problems and opinion with you?
Yes , little bit by bit he shares his problems and opinion

7. What are the changes you have seen in her/his attitude recently?
 I first saw the change in his behavior after the accident , he got confused and memory loss often with
small things and daily activities.

8. Are you proud of your child?

Yes, I am proud of my son.

Subject`s relation with his/her father

[your observation]
Subject was calm around his father. He often looked at his father. His father was so kind and took care
of the subject while he was eating and drinking something. He used to help on his regular activities
whenever his father is with him. While in the middle of the interview with his father, the subject spilled
the water on him and without any hesitation his father started to clean up and continued the interview
after cleaning him.

Interview with the Mother:

1. How are you feeling at this moment?

I am feeling good. Thank you.

2. How much time do you spend in interacting with your child?

I spend most of my day with him.

3. How is her/his behavior at home?

He is quiet and calm. But sometimes he is bit naughty with things.

4. What are the things that you like about your child?
I like when he comes with something new ideas and story.

5. Does he/she have frequent change in behavior or mood swings?

Yes, he does have frequent confusion and impairment in recalling things

6. What do you think about your child`s group of friends?

 I think they are very sweet to be with him and play with him whenever he asked them to.

7. What are the changes you have seen in her/his attitude recently?
I first saw the change in his behavior after the accident , he got confused and memory loss often with
small things and activities.

8. Are you proud of your child?

Yes, I am proud of my son.

Subject`s relation with his/her mother

[your observation]
Subject was calm around his mother. He often looked at his mother. His mother was so sweet and took
care of the subject while he was eating and drinking something. She used to keep him clean every time
and take care. While in the middle of the interview with his mother, the subject caused an accident and
without any hesitation his mother started to clean up and continued the interview after cleaning him.

Interview with Sibling :

1. How are you feeling at this moment?

I am feeling good. Thank you.

2. How much time do you spend in interacting with your brother/sister?

I often spend time with him by speaking in phone.

3. a) Do you stay in the same room?

Yes, I stay in the same room with him.

b) Are you comfortable with this arrangement?

Yes, I am.
4. What are the things that you like about your brother/sister?
When we were child, we often used to play together and now because of my works, I can’t get to
spend much time though. I like spend some time with him and I will help him to follow the daily
activities.

5. Does he/she have frequent change in behavior or mood swings?

I first saw the changes in him 5 years ago like my mother and father said he have frequent
confusion and impairment in recalling thing and all got shocked and surprising of his repeated questions.

6. Do you hang out with your brother`s/sister`s friends?

Yes, I do hangout with my brother.

7. What are the changes you have seen in her/his attitude recently?
I saw that he has.

Subject`s relation with his/her sibling

[your observation]
The subject and his sibling was close and they were in good terms of talking with his siblings family
too. He was so close to his sibling’s children and played with them too.

4. Medical History :
Subject: M. Manikandan
Father: C. Venkat
Mother: N. Vanitha
Siblings: 1 brother

5. Habits, interests and talents:

The Subject has said that he has interest playing Cricket and kabaddi. He cannot able to
identify and trouble remembering or understanding information he have just received. He is also
interested in eating. He does many help to his mother and father like doing small things.
6. Interview with the subject :

1. How are you feeling at this moment?

I am feeling good.

2. Tell me about yourself?

My name is Manikandan. I like watching cricket.

3. What do your friends say about you?

They say that I am a very good boy.

4. What are your strengths?

I play cricket very well. And I take care of my mother and father.

5. What are your areas of improvement?

I don’t know and cannot remember and say it again
6. What do you like about yourself?
I don’t know cannot remember and say it again

7. Do you share all your problems with your friends?

No.

8. Do you agree upon the beliefs of your family members?

I don’t know what are you asking and say it again

9. What motivates you?

I don’t know and say it again cannot remember ask my father and mother.

7. Summary of the interview:

[your observation and conclusion of the interview]
Overall the interview was good. The subject’s father, mother and brother was very sweet and kind and
answered very questions enthusiastically without any hesitation. The subject was found with Short term
memory due to posttraumatic amnesia. On the first consultation with his doctor, it was found that he
has a brain injury at age 10. With interview with his father mother and his brother having trouble
remembering or understanding information they have just received, such as directions or steps in a recipe,
forgetting recent experiences or events, forgetting where they put things, forgetting something they
recently heard on the radio or saw on television, I came to know that he started to have frequent confusion
of asking someone their name, the same questions, or for the same information repeatedly . Cognitive
behavioral therapy like Set and follow a daily routine. Make to-do lists, plan tasks, and use reminder
tools such as notes, calendars, and phone alerts or alarms. Take part in activities that keep the brain
engaged, such as socializing, volunteering, or getting involved in clubs or groups. Certain medication
such as cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate regulators, can treat short memory loss.