1. What is the primary feature of a case study in psychology?
A) Statistical analysis of large data sets
B) In-depth examination of a single subject or group
C) Quantitative surveys
D) Laboratory experiments with control groups
Answer: B) In-depth examination of a single subject or group
Explanation: Case studies focus on in-depth, qualitative analysis of a single subject or a small group, offering insights into complex psychological phenomena.
2. Which of the following is an advantage of using case studies in psychology?
A) Large sample size
B) High level of control over variables
C) Detailed, in-depth understanding of individual cases
D) Quantifiable results
Answer: C) Detailed, in-depth understanding of individual cases
Explanation: Case studies allow researchers to collect detailed information about an individual or group, providing deep insights into unique psychological conditions or phenomena.
3. What type of data is primarily collected in a case study?
A) Numerical data
B) Qualitative data
C) Experimental data
D) Cross-sectional data
Answer: B) Qualitative data
Explanation: Case studies generally focus on qualitative data such as personal experiences, interviews, and observations to understand psychological phenomena in depth.
4. What is one limitation of case study research?
A) Limited ability to generalize findings to larger populations
B) Difficulty in collecting rich data
C) High cost and resource requirements
D) High sample sizes
Answer: A) Limited ability to generalize findings to larger populations
Explanation: Case studies focus on a small sample or individual, which limits the ability to generalize results to broader populations due to their specific context.
5. Which type of case study design involves the examination of a single individual over time?
A) Cross-sectional case study
B) Longitudinal case study
C) Experimental case study
D) Correlational case study
Answer: B) Longitudinal case study
Explanation: A longitudinal case study involves following and examining the same individual or group over an extended period to observe changes over time.
6. In a case study, the researcher often relies on which of the following for data collection?
A) Surveys and questionnaires
B) Participant observation and interviews
C) Randomized controlled trials
D) Large-scale experimental methods
Answer: B) Participant observation and interviews
Explanation: Case study researchers typically use qualitative methods such as participant observation and interviews to gather rich, contextual data about the subject.
7. Which of the following best describes the role of the researcher in a case study?
A) Passive observer
B) Experimental manipulator
C) Active participant and data collector
D) Independent variable manipulator
Answer: C) Active participant and data collector
Explanation: Researchers in case studies often play an active role in data collection, conducting interviews, and even participating in the observation process.
8. Case studies are commonly used in which of the following fields of psychology?
A) Clinical psychology
B) Social psychology
C) Cognitive psychology
D) Evolutionary psychology
Answer: A) Clinical psychology
Explanation: Case studies are commonly employed in clinical psychology to explore the behaviors, emotions, and experiences of individuals with psychological disorders.
9. The information collected in a case study is often regarded as being:
A) Objective and unbiased
B) Empirical and repeatable
C) Contextual and subjective
D) Quantitative and generalizable
Answer: C) Contextual and subjective
Explanation: The data in case studies are often subjective, focusing on personal experiences and interpretations, which are context-dependent and deeply rooted in individual cases.
10. Which of the following is a challenge associated with using case studies in psychological research?
A) They cannot be used for longitudinal observations.
B) They are difficult to analyze due to large sample sizes.
C) There is a risk of researcher bias due to the close involvement with the subject.
D) They only produce quantitative data, limiting depth of analysis.
Answer: C) There is a risk of researcher bias due to the close involvement with the subject.
Explanation: The close interaction between the researcher and subject can lead to bias, which is a common challenge in case study research.
11. The case study of Phineas Gage is often used to study which aspect of psychology?
A) Developmental changes
B) Brain injury and personality change
C) Memory disorders
D) Childhood attachment
Answer: B) Brain injury and personality change
Explanation: The famous case of Phineas Gage provides insight into how a brain injury can affect a person’s personality, and it is often used in studies of neuroscience and psychology.
12. What is one ethical consideration when conducting case studies in psychology?
A) Ensuring that the results can be generalized to a wide population
B) Ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of the subjects
C) Manipulating the variables to ensure a clear result
D) Avoiding the use of informed consent
Answer: B) Ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of the subjects
Explanation: Ethical considerations in case studies include maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of the participants, particularly when sensitive data is involved.
13. In case study research, how is the concept of triangulation used?
A) By using a single method of data collection
B) By combining multiple data collection methods to increase validity
C) By avoiding interaction with the subject during research
D) By relying solely on one researcher for data analysis
Answer: B) By combining multiple data collection methods to increase validity
Explanation: Triangulation involves using multiple methods of data collection, such as interviews, observations, and archival data, to increase the validity and reliability of findings.
14. What distinguishes a case study from other qualitative research methods?
A) Focus on random sampling
B) Focus on large, diverse populations
C) Focus on in-depth exploration of an individual or small group
D) Reliance on experimental controls
Answer: C) Focus on in-depth exploration of an individual or small group
Explanation: Case studies distinguish themselves by providing a detailed examination of an individual or small group, often in a unique or exceptional context.
15. Which of the following is most likely to be studied using a case study approach?
A) A rare psychological disorder
B) The relationship between two variables in a large population
C) The effects of caffeine on cognitive performance
D) The role of gender in social behavior
Answer: A) A rare psychological disorder
Explanation: Case studies are ideal for studying rare or unusual psychological disorders, as they allow researchers to gather detailed data on unique cases.
16. In a case study, the findings are typically:
A) Quantitative and statistical
B) Descriptive and interpretive
C) Experimental and controlled
D) Generalizable across populations
Answer: B) Descriptive and interpretive
Explanation: Case study findings are typically descriptive, offering a detailed narrative about the subject, and interpretive, attempting to explain the underlying psychological processes.
17. What is a common criticism of case study research?
A) It provides little useful data about behavior
B) It is difficult to replicate and lacks generalizability
C) It uses too many participants
D) It is always based on quantitative data
Answer: B) It is difficult to replicate and lacks generalizability
Explanation: Case studies often lack the ability to be replicated and the results cannot always be generalized to larger populations because of their focus on individual cases.
18. What is the main goal of a case study in psychological research?
A) To examine large samples and test hypotheses
B) To understand the complexities of a particular individual or group
C) To produce quantifiable and generalizable results
D) To manipulate variables for cause-effect relationships
Answer: B) To understand the complexities of a particular individual or group
Explanation: The main goal of a case study is to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of an individual, group, or phenomenon, particularly when it is unique or rare.
19. Which psychological concept is most often explored through the case study method?
A) Cognitive dissonance
B) Classical conditioning
C) Attachment theory
D) Neural plasticity
Answer: C) Attachment theory
Explanation: Case studies are frequently used to explore psychological concepts like attachment theory, where individual experiences, particularly in early childhood, provide rich insights into developmental psychology.
20. Which of the following is an essential component of informed consent in case study research?
A) The subject’s ability to replicate the experiment
B) The subject’s understanding of the research process and potential risks
C) The subject’s agreement to remain anonymous at all times
D) The subject’s agreement to participate without any questions
Answer: B) The subject’s understanding of the research process and potential risks
Explanation: Informed consent ensures that participants understand the nature of the research, including any potential risks or benefits, before they agree to participate.
21. Which qualitative research method focuses on understanding the meaning of personal experiences from the perspective of the individual?
A) Case study
B) Survey research
C) Experimental research
D) Focus group interviews
Answer: A) Case study
Explanation: Case studies focus on understanding individuals’ personal experiences, examining them in-depth to provide a rich, detailed perspective of their psychological processes.
22. Which psychological disorder is commonly explored using the case study method?
A) Schizophrenia
B) Autism
C) Depersonalization
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Case studies are frequently used to
explore a wide range of psychological disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and depersonalization, due to their unique or complex nature.
23. Which of the following best describes the outcome of case study research?
A) Development of universal laws
B) Production of causal explanations
C) Rich, detailed narratives and descriptions
D) Creation of large-scale generalizations
Answer: C) Rich, detailed narratives and descriptions
Explanation: The outcome of case study research is often a detailed narrative that provides insight into the complexities of an individual case, rather than generalizable conclusions or causal explanations.
24. Case study research often employs which type of analysis?
A) Statistical analysis
B) Content analysis
C) Meta-analysis
D) Factor analysis
Answer: B) Content analysis
Explanation: In case studies, content analysis is often used to identify patterns, themes, or significant factors within the qualitative data collected.
25. Which of the following is an example of a case study subject?
A) A participant in a large-scale survey
B) An individual with a rare mental disorder
C) A student in an experimental group
D) A participant in a focus group discussion
Answer: B) An individual with a rare mental disorder
Explanation: Case studies often focus on individuals with rare conditions or experiences, providing valuable insights into unusual or unique psychological phenomena.
26. Which of the following data types would most likely be used in a case study?
A) Numerical data
B) Observation notes and personal interviews
C) Statistical surveys
D) Experimental measurements
Answer: B) Observation notes and personal interviews
Explanation: Case study data typically include qualitative data such as observation notes, interviews, and personal accounts, offering a detailed view of the subject’s experiences.
27. What is the primary difference between a case study and other types of research methods like surveys or experiments?
A) Case studies do not involve human subjects.
B) Case studies focus on individuals rather than large groups.
C) Case studies provide purely quantitative results.
D) Case studies involve random sampling of participants.
Answer: B) Case studies focus on individuals rather than large groups.
Explanation: Case studies focus on understanding an individual or small group in depth, rather than using large sample sizes or conducting controlled experiments.
28. Which method would be most appropriate for studying a unique psychological phenomenon that cannot be easily replicated?
A) Case study
B) Experimental method
C) Longitudinal study
D) Correlational study
Answer: A) Case study
Explanation: Case studies are ideal for studying unique phenomena that are not easily replicated or generalized across larger populations.
29. Which of the following is typically a key feature of a case study’s methodology?
A) Use of control groups
B) Long-term observations of a single subject
C) Randomized selection of participants
D) Experimental manipulation of variables
Answer: B) Long-term observations of a single subject
Explanation: Case studies often involve longitudinal observation of a subject over an extended period to gain insights into changes and developments.
30. Why are case studies valuable in understanding rare psychological disorders?
A) They allow for large sample sizes
B) They provide controlled, replicable results
C) They offer detailed, contextual information about individual experiences
D) They are based on large-scale experimental data
Answer: C) They offer detailed, contextual information about individual experiences
Explanation: Case studies provide a detailed, rich understanding of rare psychological disorders by focusing on the individual’s personal experiences and symptoms.
