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Guidance and counseling

Notes • Instrumental : Occurs when the individual or group allows researchers to understand more
than what is initially obvious to observers.

27.3 Case Study Methods

Prospective : A type of case study in which an individual or group of people is observed in order
to determine outcomes. For example, a group of individuals might be watched over an extended
period of time to observe the progression of a particular disease.
Retrospective : A type of case study that involves looking at historical information. For example,
researchers might start with an outcome, such as a disease, and then backwards at information
about the individuals life to determine risk factors that may have contributed to the onset of the
illness.

27.4 Sources of Information for Case Study

There are a number of different sources and methods that researchers can use to gather information
about an individual or group. The six major sources that have been identified by researchers
1. Direct observation : This strategy involves observing the subject, often in a natural setting.
While an individual observer is sometimes used, it is more common to utilize a group of
observers.
2. Interviews : One of the most important methods for gathering information in case studies. An
interview can involves structured survey-type questions, or more open-ended questions.
3. Documents : Letters, newspaper articles, administrative records, etc.
4. Archival records : Census records, survey records, name lists, etc.
5. Physical artifacts : Tools, objects, instruments and other artifacts often observed during a
direct observation of the subject.
6. Participant observation : Involves the researcher actually serving as a participant in events
and observing the actions and outcomes.

Self Assessment
1. Fill in the blanks :
(i) A ______ is an in-depth study of one person.
(ii) In ______, case studies are confined to the study of a particular individual.
(iii) ______ case studies used to do causal investigations.
(iv) A type of case study in which the researcher has a personal interest in the case is called
______ case study.

A case study is an in-depth analysis of a single person.

27.5 Preparation of a Psychology Case Study

Case studies are often used in clinical cases or in situations when lab research is not possible or
practical.
At some point in your study of psychology, you may be required to write a case study. A case study
is an in-depth analysis of a single person. These are often used in clinical cases or in situations when

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