Case Study Research Method in Psychology

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, Ph.D., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years experience of working in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

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Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

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Case studies are in-depth investigations of a person, group, event, or community. Typically, data is gathered from various sources using several methods (e.g., observations & interviews).

The case study research method originated in clinical medicine (the case history, i.e., the patient’s personal history). In psychology, case studies are often confined to the study of a particular individual.

The information is mainly biographical and relates to events in the individual’s past (i.e., retrospective), as well as to significant events that are currently occurring in his or her everyday life.

The case study is not a research method, but researchers select methods of data collection and analysis that will generate material suitable for case studies.

Freud (1909a, 1909b) conducted very detailed investigations into the private lives of his patients in an attempt to both understand and help them overcome their illnesses.

This makes it clear that the case study is a method that should only be used by a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist, i.e., someone with a professional qualification.

There is an ethical issue of competence. Only someone qualified to diagnose and treat a person can conduct a formal case study relating to atypical (i.e., abnormal) behavior or atypical development.

case study

 Famous Case Studies

  • Anna O – One of the most famous case studies, documenting psychoanalyst Josef Breuer’s treatment of “Anna O” (real name Bertha Pappenheim) for hysteria in the late 1800s using early psychoanalytic theory.
  • Little Hans – A child psychoanalysis case study published by Sigmund Freud in 1909 analyzing his five-year-old patient Herbert Graf’s house phobia as related to the Oedipus complex.
  • Bruce/Brenda – Gender identity case of the boy (Bruce) whose botched circumcision led psychologist John Money to advise gender reassignment and raise him as a girl (Brenda) in the 1960s.
  • Genie Wiley – Linguistics/psychological development case of the victim of extreme isolation abuse who was studied in 1970s California for effects of early language deprivation on acquiring speech later in life.
  • Phineas Gage – One of the most famous neuropsychology case studies analyzes personality changes in railroad worker Phineas Gage after an 1848 brain injury involving a tamping iron piercing his skull.

Clinical Case Studies

  • Studying the effectiveness of psychotherapy approaches with an individual patient
  • Assessing and treating mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD
  • Neuropsychological cases investigating brain injuries or disorders

Child Psychology Case Studies

  • Studying psychological development from birth through adolescence
  • Cases of learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD
  • Effects of trauma, abuse, deprivation on development

Types of Case Studies

  • Explanatory case studies : Used to explore causation in order to find underlying principles. Helpful for doing qualitative analysis to explain presumed causal links.
  • Exploratory case studies : Used to explore situations where an intervention being evaluated has no clear set of outcomes. It helps define questions and hypotheses for future research.
  • Descriptive case studies : Describe an intervention or phenomenon and the real-life context in which it occurred. It is helpful for illustrating certain topics within an evaluation.
  • Multiple-case studies : Used to explore differences between cases and replicate findings across cases. Helpful for comparing and contrasting specific cases.
  • Intrinsic : Used to gain a better understanding of a particular case. Helpful for capturing the complexity of a single case.
  • Collective : Used to explore a general phenomenon using multiple case studies. Helpful for jointly studying a group of cases in order to inquire into the phenomenon.

Where Do You Find Data for a Case Study?

There are several places to find data for a case study. The key is to gather data from multiple sources to get a complete picture of the case and corroborate facts or findings through triangulation of evidence. Most of this information is likely qualitative (i.e., verbal description rather than measurement), but the psychologist might also collect numerical data.

1. Primary sources

  • Interviews – Interviewing key people related to the case to get their perspectives and insights. The interview is an extremely effective procedure for obtaining information about an individual, and it may be used to collect comments from the person’s friends, parents, employer, workmates, and others who have a good knowledge of the person, as well as to obtain facts from the person him or herself.
  • Observations – Observing behaviors, interactions, processes, etc., related to the case as they unfold in real-time.
  • Documents & Records – Reviewing private documents, diaries, public records, correspondence, meeting minutes, etc., relevant to the case.

2. Secondary sources

  • News/Media – News coverage of events related to the case study.
  • Academic articles – Journal articles, dissertations etc. that discuss the case.
  • Government reports – Official data and records related to the case context.
  • Books/films – Books, documentaries or films discussing the case.

3. Archival records

Searching historical archives, museum collections and databases to find relevant documents, visual/audio records related to the case history and context.

Public archives like newspapers, organizational records, photographic collections could all include potentially relevant pieces of information to shed light on attitudes, cultural perspectives, common practices and historical contexts related to psychology.

4. Organizational records

Organizational records offer the advantage of often having large datasets collected over time that can reveal or confirm psychological insights.

Of course, privacy and ethical concerns regarding confidential data must be navigated carefully.

However, with proper protocols, organizational records can provide invaluable context and empirical depth to qualitative case studies exploring the intersection of psychology and organizations.

  • Organizational/industrial psychology research : Organizational records like employee surveys, turnover/retention data, policies, incident reports etc. may provide insight into topics like job satisfaction, workplace culture and dynamics, leadership issues, employee behaviors etc.
  • Clinical psychology : Therapists/hospitals may grant access to anonymized medical records to study aspects like assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans etc. This could shed light on clinical practices.
  • School psychology : Studies could utilize anonymized student records like test scores, grades, disciplinary issues, and counseling referrals to study child development, learning barriers, effectiveness of support programs, and more.

How do I Write a Case Study in Psychology?

Follow specified case study guidelines provided by a journal or your psychology tutor. General components of clinical case studies include: background, symptoms, assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Interpreting the information means the researcher decides what to include or leave out. A good case study should always clarify which information is the factual description and which is an inference or the researcher’s opinion.

1. Introduction

  • Provide background on the case context and why it is of interest, presenting background information like demographics, relevant history, and presenting problem.
  • Compare briefly to similar published cases if applicable. Clearly state the focus/importance of the case.

2. Case Presentation

  • Describe the presenting problem in detail, including symptoms, duration,and impact on daily life.
  • Include client demographics like age and gender, information about social relationships, and mental health history.
  • Describe all physical, emotional, and/or sensory symptoms reported by the client.
  • Use patient quotes to describe the initial complaint verbatim. Follow with full-sentence summaries of relevant history details gathered, including key components that led to a working diagnosis.
  • Summarize clinical exam results, namely orthopedic/neurological tests, imaging, lab tests, etc. Note actual results rather than subjective conclusions. Provide images if clearly reproducible/anonymized.
  • Clearly state the working diagnosis or clinical impression before transitioning to management.

3. Management and Outcome

  • Indicate the total duration of care and number of treatments given over what timeframe. Use specific names/descriptions for any therapies/interventions applied.
  • Present the results of the intervention,including any quantitative or qualitative data collected.
  • For outcomes, utilize visual analog scales for pain, medication usage logs, etc., if possible. Include patient self-reports of improvement/worsening of symptoms. Note the reason for discharge/end of care.

4. Discussion

  • Analyze the case, exploring contributing factors, limitations of the study, and connections to existing research.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of the intervention,considering factors like participant adherence, limitations of the study, and potential alternative explanations for the results.
  • Identify any questions raised in the case analysis and relate insights to established theories and current research if applicable. Avoid definitive claims about physiological explanations.
  • Offer clinical implications, and suggest future research directions.

5. Additional Items

  • Thank specific assistants for writing support only. No patient acknowledgments.
  • References should directly support any key claims or quotes included.
  • Use tables/figures/images only if substantially informative. Include permissions and legends/explanatory notes.
  • Provides detailed (rich qualitative) information.
  • Provides insight for further research.
  • Permitting investigation of otherwise impractical (or unethical) situations.

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’.

Because of their in-depth, multi-sided approach, case studies often shed light on aspects of human thinking and behavior that would be unethical or impractical to study in other ways.

Research that only looks into the measurable aspects of human behavior is not likely to give us insights into the subjective dimension of experience, which is important to psychoanalytic and humanistic psychologists.

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

  • Lacking scientific rigor and providing little basis for generalization of results to the wider population.
  • Researchers’ own subjective feelings may influence the case study (researcher bias).
  • Difficult to replicate.
  • Time-consuming and expensive.
  • The volume of data, together with the time restrictions in place, impacted the depth of analysis that was possible within the available resources.

Because a case study deals with only one person/event/group, we can never be sure if the case study investigated is representative of the wider body of “similar” instances. This means the conclusions drawn from a particular case may not be transferable to other settings.

Because case studies are based on the analysis of qualitative (i.e., descriptive) data , a lot depends on the psychologist’s interpretation of the information she has acquired.

This means that there is a lot of scope for Anna O , and it could be that the subjective opinions of the psychologist intrude in the assessment of what the data means.

For example, Freud has been criticized for producing case studies in which the information was sometimes distorted to fit particular behavioral theories (e.g., Little Hans ).

This is also true of Money’s interpretation of the Bruce/Brenda case study (Diamond, 1997) when he ignored evidence that went against his theory.

Breuer, J., & Freud, S. (1895).  Studies on hysteria . Standard Edition 2: London.

Curtiss, S. (1981). Genie: The case of a modern wild child .

Diamond, M., & Sigmundson, K. (1997). Sex Reassignment at Birth: Long-term Review and Clinical Implications. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine , 151(3), 298-304

Freud, S. (1909a). Analysis of a phobia of a five year old boy. In The Pelican Freud Library (1977), Vol 8, Case Histories 1, pages 169-306

Freud, S. (1909b). Bemerkungen über einen Fall von Zwangsneurose (Der “Rattenmann”). Jb. psychoanal. psychopathol. Forsch ., I, p. 357-421; GW, VII, p. 379-463; Notes upon a case of obsessional neurosis, SE , 10: 151-318.

Harlow J. M. (1848). Passage of an iron rod through the head.  Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 39 , 389–393.

Harlow, J. M. (1868).  Recovery from the Passage of an Iron Bar through the Head .  Publications of the Massachusetts Medical Society. 2  (3), 327-347.

Money, J., & Ehrhardt, A. A. (1972).  Man & Woman, Boy & Girl : The Differentiation and Dimorphism of Gender Identity from Conception to Maturity. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Money, J., & Tucker, P. (1975). Sexual signatures: On being a man or a woman.

Further Information

  • Case Study Approach
  • Case Study Method
  • Enhancing the Quality of Case Studies in Health Services Research
  • “We do things together” A case study of “couplehood” in dementia
  • Using mixed methods for evaluating an integrative approach to cancer care: a case study

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What Is a Case Study?

Weighing the pros and cons of this method of research

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

case study origin psychology

Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter.

case study origin psychology

Verywell / Colleen Tighe

  • Pros and Cons

What Types of Case Studies Are Out There?

Where do you find data for a case study, how do i write a psychology case study.

A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event. In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject's life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior. Case studies can be used in many different fields, including psychology, medicine, education, anthropology, political science, and social work.

The point of a case study is to learn as much as possible about an individual or group so that the information can be generalized to many others. Unfortunately, case studies tend to be highly subjective, and it is sometimes difficult to generalize results to a larger population.

While case studies focus on a single individual or group, they follow a format similar to other types of psychology writing. If you are writing a case study, we got you—here are some rules of APA format to reference.  

At a Glance

A case study, or an in-depth study of a person, group, or event, can be a useful research tool when used wisely. In many cases, case studies are best used in situations where it would be difficult or impossible for you to conduct an experiment. They are helpful for looking at unique situations and allow researchers to gather a lot of˜ information about a specific individual or group of people. However, it's important to be cautious of any bias we draw from them as they are highly subjective.

What Are the Benefits and Limitations of Case Studies?

A case study can have its strengths and weaknesses. Researchers must consider these pros and cons before deciding if this type of study is appropriate for their needs.

One of the greatest advantages of a case study is that it allows researchers to investigate things that are often difficult or impossible to replicate in a lab. Some other benefits of a case study:

  • Allows researchers to capture information on the 'how,' 'what,' and 'why,' of something that's implemented
  • Gives researchers the chance to collect information on why one strategy might be chosen over another
  • Permits researchers to develop hypotheses that can be explored in experimental research

On the other hand, a case study can have some drawbacks:

  • It cannot necessarily be generalized to the larger population
  • Cannot demonstrate cause and effect
  • It may not be scientifically rigorous
  • It can lead to bias

Researchers may choose to perform a case study if they want to explore a unique or recently discovered phenomenon. Through their insights, researchers develop additional ideas and study questions that might be explored in future studies.

It's important to remember that the insights from case studies cannot be used to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables. However, case studies may be used to develop hypotheses that can then be addressed in experimental research.

Case Study Examples

There have been a number of notable case studies in the history of psychology. Much of  Freud's work and theories were developed through individual case studies. Some great examples of case studies in psychology include:

  • Anna O : Anna O. was a pseudonym of a woman named Bertha Pappenheim, a patient of a physician named Josef Breuer. While she was never a patient of Freud's, Freud and Breuer discussed her case extensively. The woman was experiencing symptoms of a condition that was then known as hysteria and found that talking about her problems helped relieve her symptoms. Her case played an important part in the development of talk therapy as an approach to mental health treatment.
  • Phineas Gage : Phineas Gage was a railroad employee who experienced a terrible accident in which an explosion sent a metal rod through his skull, damaging important portions of his brain. Gage recovered from his accident but was left with serious changes in both personality and behavior.
  • Genie : Genie was a young girl subjected to horrific abuse and isolation. The case study of Genie allowed researchers to study whether language learning was possible, even after missing critical periods for language development. Her case also served as an example of how scientific research may interfere with treatment and lead to further abuse of vulnerable individuals.

Such cases demonstrate how case research can be used to study things that researchers could not replicate in experimental settings. In Genie's case, her horrific abuse denied her the opportunity to learn a language at critical points in her development.

This is clearly not something researchers could ethically replicate, but conducting a case study on Genie allowed researchers to study phenomena that are otherwise impossible to reproduce.

There are a few different types of case studies that psychologists and other researchers might use:

  • Collective case studies : These involve studying a group of individuals. Researchers might study a group of people in a certain setting or look at an entire community. For example, psychologists might explore how access to resources in a community has affected the collective mental well-being of those who live there.
  • Descriptive case studies : These involve starting with a descriptive theory. The subjects are then observed, and the information gathered is compared to the pre-existing theory.
  • Explanatory case studies : These   are often used to do causal investigations. In other words, researchers are interested in looking at factors that may have caused certain things to occur.
  • Exploratory case studies : These are sometimes used as a prelude to further, more in-depth research. This allows researchers to gather more information before developing their research questions and hypotheses .
  • Instrumental case studies : These occur when the individual or group allows researchers to understand more than what is initially obvious to observers.
  • Intrinsic case studies : This type of case study is when the researcher has a personal interest in the case. Jean Piaget's observations of his own children are good examples of how an intrinsic case study can contribute to the development of a psychological theory.

The three main case study types often used are intrinsic, instrumental, and collective. Intrinsic case studies are useful for learning about unique cases. Instrumental case studies help look at an individual to learn more about a broader issue. A collective case study can be useful for looking at several cases simultaneously.

The type of case study that psychology researchers use depends on the unique characteristics of the situation and the case itself.

There are a number of different sources and methods that researchers can use to gather information about an individual or group. Six major sources that have been identified by researchers are:

  • Archival records : Census records, survey records, and name lists are examples of archival records.
  • 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.
  • Documents : Letters, newspaper articles, administrative records, etc., are the types of documents often used as sources.
  • Interviews : Interviews are one of the most important methods for gathering information in case studies. An interview can involve structured survey questions or more open-ended questions.
  • Participant observation : When the researcher serves as a participant in events and observes the actions and outcomes, it is called participant observation.
  • Physical artifacts : Tools, objects, instruments, and other artifacts are often observed during a direct observation of the subject.

If you have been directed to write a case study for a psychology course, be sure to check with your instructor for any specific guidelines you need to follow. If you are writing your case study for a professional publication, check with the publisher for their specific guidelines for submitting a case study.

Here is a general outline of what should be included in a case study.

Section 1: A Case History

This section will have the following structure and content:

Background information : The first section of your paper will present your client's background. Include factors such as age, gender, work, health status, family mental health history, family and social relationships, drug and alcohol history, life difficulties, goals, and coping skills and weaknesses.

Description of the presenting problem : In the next section of your case study, you will describe the problem or symptoms that the client presented with.

Describe any physical, emotional, or sensory symptoms reported by the client. Thoughts, feelings, and perceptions related to the symptoms should also be noted. Any screening or diagnostic assessments that are used should also be described in detail and all scores reported.

Your diagnosis : Provide your diagnosis and give the appropriate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual code. Explain how you reached your diagnosis, how the client's symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for the disorder(s), or any possible difficulties in reaching a diagnosis.

Section 2: Treatment Plan

This portion of the paper will address the chosen treatment for the condition. This might also include the theoretical basis for the chosen treatment or any other evidence that might exist to support why this approach was chosen.

  • Cognitive behavioral approach : Explain how a cognitive behavioral therapist would approach treatment. Offer background information on cognitive behavioral therapy and describe the treatment sessions, client response, and outcome of this type of treatment. Make note of any difficulties or successes encountered by your client during treatment.
  • Humanistic approach : Describe a humanistic approach that could be used to treat your client, such as client-centered therapy . Provide information on the type of treatment you chose, the client's reaction to the treatment, and the end result of this approach. Explain why the treatment was successful or unsuccessful.
  • Psychoanalytic approach : Describe how a psychoanalytic therapist would view the client's problem. Provide some background on the psychoanalytic approach and cite relevant references. Explain how psychoanalytic therapy would be used to treat the client, how the client would respond to therapy, and the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
  • Pharmacological approach : If treatment primarily involves the use of medications, explain which medications were used and why. Provide background on the effectiveness of these medications and how monotherapy may compare with an approach that combines medications with therapy or other treatments.

This section of a case study should also include information about the treatment goals, process, and outcomes.

When you are writing a case study, you should also include a section where you discuss the case study itself, including the strengths and limitiations of the study. You should note how the findings of your case study might support previous research. 

In your discussion section, you should also describe some of the implications of your case study. What ideas or findings might require further exploration? How might researchers go about exploring some of these questions in additional studies?

Need More Tips?

Here are a few additional pointers to keep in mind when formatting your case study:

  • Never refer to the subject of your case study as "the client." Instead, use their name or a pseudonym.
  • Read examples of case studies to gain an idea about the style and format.
  • Remember to use APA format when citing references .

Crowe S, Cresswell K, Robertson A, Huby G, Avery A, Sheikh A. The case study approach .  BMC Med Res Methodol . 2011;11:100.

Crowe S, Cresswell K, Robertson A, Huby G, Avery A, Sheikh A. The case study approach . BMC Med Res Methodol . 2011 Jun 27;11:100. doi:10.1186/1471-2288-11-100

Gagnon, Yves-Chantal.  The Case Study as Research Method: A Practical Handbook . Canada, Chicago Review Press Incorporated DBA Independent Pub Group, 2010.

Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods . United States, SAGE Publications, 2017.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Psychology Bee

What is a Case Study in Psychology?

What is a Case Study in Psychology - (Pexels: Julia M Cameron)

A case study is a research method used in psychology to investigate an individual, group, or phenomenon in depth. It involves gathering extensive data about the subject of the study, including their background, experiences, behaviors, and attitudes. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of a case study in psychology, its history, and its importance in understanding human behavior.

History of Case Studies in Psychology

The use of case studies in psychology can be traced back to the early days of the discipline. Sigmund Freud , often considered the father of modern psychology, used case studies extensively in his work on psychoanalysis. He believed that case studies were a powerful way to understand the complex and unique nature of human behavior.

Since then, case studies have become a widely used research method in psychology, particularly in clinical psychology and counseling psychology . Case studies are also used in other fields, such as sociology, education, and business.

Importance of Case Studies in Psychology

Case studies are an important research method in psychology for several reasons. Some of the key reasons why case studies are important include:

1. In-depth Analysis

Case studies allow for an in-depth analysis of a particular individual, group, or phenomenon. By gathering extensive data about the subject of the study, researchers can gain a deep understanding of their experiences, behaviors, and attitudes.

2. Real-world Applications

Case studies have real-world applications, particularly in clinical psychology and counseling psychology. By studying the experiences of individuals with specific psychological disorders, researchers can gain insights into effective treatments and interventions.

3. Unique Perspectives

Case studies offer unique perspectives on human behavior. By studying the experiences of individuals who have had unique or unusual experiences, researchers can gain insights into how people adapt to challenging situations and overcome adversity.

4. Rich Data

Case studies provide rich data that can be used to develop theories and hypotheses about human behavior. By analyzing the data from multiple case studies, researchers can identify patterns and trends that can be used to develop new theories and test existing ones.

A case study is a research method used in psychology to investigate an individual, group, or phenomenon in depth. It has a long history in psychology and is an important research method for gaining insights into human behavior. By providing an in-depth analysis, real-world applications, unique perspectives, and rich data, case studies play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of human behavior.

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Varieties of Qualitative Research Methods pp 67–72 Cite as

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  • First Online: 02 January 2023

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Part of the Springer Texts in Education book series (SPTE)

The historical origin and strategy of case study research dates back many years in applied and natural sciences. Its roots are traceable to life sciences such as criminology, medicine, and psychology. In this regard, the case study method is recognized and widely used in social science, especially in political and cultural studies and sociology, and educational research.

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Additional Readings

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). Sage.

Harland, T. (2014). Learning about case study methodology to research higher education. Higher Education Research & Development, 33 (6), 1113–1122. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2014.911253

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Tsang, E. (2013). Case study methodology: Causal explanation, contextualization and theorizing. Journal of International Management, 19 , 195–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2012.08.004

Yin, R. K. (2017). Case study research and applications: Designs and methods (6th ed.). Sage.

Zarnadze, S., Zarnadze, I., Baramidze, L., Sikharulidze, Z., Tabidze, D., & Bakradze, T. (2018). Problem based and case study methodology in medical education. European Scientific Journal, 120–128. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2018.c5p9

Online Resources

Case Study Research. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPB3Q9cXmvs

Planning a Case Study. Part 2 of 3 on Case Studies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1JetXkFAr4

Qualitative analysis of interview data: A step-by-step guide for coding/indexing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRL4PF2u9XA

Qualitative Case Study. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhvdC4vDjts

Replication or Single Cases. Part 3 of 3 on Case Studies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5CYZRyOlys

Types of Case Study. Part 1 of 3 on Case Studies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQfoq7c4UE4

What is case study and how to conduct case study research. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kynoEFQNEq8

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Ndame, T. (2023). Case Study. In: Okoko, J.M., Tunison, S., Walker, K.D. (eds) Varieties of Qualitative Research Methods. Springer Texts in Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04394-9_11

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Psychology Dictionary

n. an in-depth assessment and investigation conducted on a target individual, family unit, or social group. It requires a researcher to collect multiple types of data that would prove to be useful in creating a complete biographical, psychological, physiological, and environmental background on the case.

What is a case study in psychology?

In psychology, a case study is a comprehensive, qualitative research of a single person or occasion that offers in-depth knowledge and insight into the subject's behavior, experiences, and thought processes. Observation, interviews, and the investigation of records, papers, and other artifacts are frequently used in case studies.

What is the purpose of a case study?

A case study in psychology is designed to produce rich, comprehensive data that can be utilized to comprehend a specific phenomenon or person in deeper detail. Researchers can use case studies to investigate the complexity of human behavior and mental processes, spot trends and themes, and develop hypotheses for more study. They are a useful tool for psychology teaching and learning because they may be used to demonstrate concepts or theories in a practical setting.

Types of psychology case studies

A case study is a method used in psychology to gather comprehensive data that would help researchers better understand a particular occurrence or individual. Case studies are a useful tool for researchers because they let them explore the complexity of human thought and behavior, identify patterns and themes, and provide hypotheses for further investigation. Because they can be used to demonstrate ideas or theories in a real-world situation, they are a helpful tool for psychology teaching and learning.

The following are the five main types of case studies in psychology:

  • Exploratory case studies: These case studies are designed to investigate new or under-researched areas within the field of psychology. The primary purpose of exploratory case studies is to generate hypotheses or initial theories, which can then be tested using more rigorous research methods .
  • Descriptive case studies: Descriptive case studies aim to provide a comprehensive account of a specific individual, event, or phenomenon.
  • Explanatory case studies: Explanatory case studies seek to identify the underlying causes or mechanisms responsible for a particular outcome or behavior. They often involve the analysis of relationships between various factors, with the goal of uncovering causal connections. These case studies may employ quantitative methods, such as statistical analyses or experiments, in addition to qualitative data collection techniques.
  • Intrinsic case studies: Intrinsic case studies focus on a unique, rare, or unusual case that is of particular interest to the researcher. The primary goal of this type of case study is to gain a deep understanding of the specific individual or event, rather than generalizing the findings to a broader population.
  • Instrumental case studies: Instrumental case studies use a specific case as a means to gain insight into a broader issue or to support or challenge a theory. In this type of case study, the focus is not on the individual case itself, but on the wider implications it has for understanding psychological phenomena.
  • Phineas Gage : Phineas Gage was a railroad construction worker who survived a catastrophic brain injury in 1848 and is a well-known case study in the history of psychology. His example has been utilized to examine the connection between brain make-up and personality as well as the function of the frontal lobes in social cognition and judgment.
  • Little Hans: Little Hans, a 5-year-old boy, was the subject of a psychoanalytic case study by Sigmund Freud in the early 20th century. The study aimed to explore the development of anxiety and phobias in children and provided support for some of Freud's theories on psychosexual development and the Oedipus complex.
  • Genie: Genie was a young girl who was discovered in 1970 after being locked in isolation for most of her life. Her case has been used to study the effects of extreme social isolation on cognitive and linguistic development, as well as the critical period hypothesis in language acquisition .

References:

Baxter, P., & Jack, S. (2008). Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice Researchers. The Qualitative Report, 13(4), 544-559. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2008.1573

Creswell, J.W. and Poth, C.N. (2018) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design Choosing among Five Approaches. 4th Edition, SAGE Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks. https://www.scirp.org/(S(lz5mqp453edsnp55rrgjct55))/reference/ReferencesPapers.aspx?ReferenceID=2155979

Hollweck, T. (2016). Robert K. Yin. (2014). Case Study Research Design and Methods (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. 282 pages. The Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation , 30, 108. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.30.1.108

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How to Write a Psychology Case Study: Expert Tips

case study origin psychology

Have you ever heard of Phineas Gage, a man whose life story became a legendary case study in the annals of psychology? In the mid-19th century, Gage, a railroad construction foreman, survived a near-fatal accident when an iron rod pierced through his skull, severely damaging his brain. What makes this tale truly remarkable is that, despite his physical recovery, Gage's personality underwent a dramatic transformation. He went from being a mild-mannered and responsible individual to becoming impulsive and unpredictable. This remarkable case marked the dawn of psychology's fascination with understanding the intricate workings of the human mind. Case studies, like the one of Phineas Gage, have been a cornerstone of our understanding of human behavior ever since.

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In this article, we'll unravel the secrets of case study psychology as the powerful tool of this field. We will explore its essence and why these investigations are so crucial in understanding human behavior. Discover the various types of case studies, gain insights from real-world examples, and uncover the essential steps and expert tips on how to craft your very own compelling study. Get ready to embark on a comprehensive exploration of this invaluable research method.

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What Is a Case Study in Psychology

A case study psychology definition can be compared to a magnifying glass turned toward a single individual, group, or phenomenon. According to our paper writer , it's a focused investigation that delves deep into the unique complexities of a particular subject. Rather than sifting through mountains of data, a case study allows us to zoom in and scrutinize the details, uncovering the 'whys' and 'hows' that often remain hidden in broader research.

A psychology case study is not about generalizations or sweeping theories; it's about the intricacies of real-life situations. It's the detective work of the field, aiming to unveil the 'story behind the data' and offering profound insights into human behavior, emotions, and experiences. So, while psychology as a whole may study the forest, a case study takes you on a journey through the trees, revealing the unique patterns, quirks, and secrets that make each one distinct.

The Significance of Psychology Case Studies

Writing a psychology case study plays a pivotal role in the world of research and understanding the human mind. Here's why they are so crucial, according to our ' do my essay ' experts:

how to write psychology case study

  • In-Depth Exploration: Case studies provide an opportunity to explore complex human behaviors and experiences in great detail. By diving deep into a specific case, researchers can uncover nuances that might be overlooked in broader studies.
  • Unique Perspectives: Every individual and situation is unique, and case studies allow us to capture this diversity. They offer a chance to highlight the idiosyncrasies that make people who they are and situations what they are.
  • Theory Testing: Case studies are a way to test and refine psychological theories in real-world scenarios. They provide practical insights that can validate or challenge existing hypotheses.
  • Practical Applications: The knowledge gained from case studies can be applied to various fields, from clinical psychology to education and business. It helps professionals make informed decisions and develop effective interventions.
  • Holistic Understanding: Case studies often involve a comprehensive examination of an individual's life or a particular phenomenon. This holistic approach contributes to a more profound comprehension of human behavior and the factors that influence it.

Varieties of a Psychology Case Study

When considering how to write a psychology case study, you should remember that it is a diverse field, and so are the case studies conducted within it. Let's explore the different types from our ' write my research paper ' experts:

  • Descriptive Case Studies: These focus on providing a detailed description of a particular case or phenomenon. They serve as a foundation for further research and can be valuable in generating hypotheses.
  • Exploratory Case Studies: Exploratory studies aim to investigate novel or scarcely explored areas within psychology. They often pave the way for more in-depth research by generating new questions and ideas.
  • Explanatory Case Studies: These delve into the 'why' and 'how' of a particular case, seeking to explain the underlying factors or mechanisms that drive a particular behavior or event.
  • Instrumental Case Studies: In these cases, the individual or situation under examination is instrumental in testing or illustrating a particular theory or concept in psychology.
  • Intrinsic Case Studies: Contrary to instrumental case studies, intrinsic ones explore a case for its own unique significance, aiming to understand the specific details and intricacies of that case without primarily serving as a tool to test broader theories.
  • Collective Case Studies: These studies involve the examination of multiple cases to identify common patterns or differences. They are helpful when researchers seek to generalize findings across a group.
  • Longitudinal Case Studies: Longitudinal studies track a case over an extended period, allowing researchers to observe changes and developments over time.
  • Cross-Sectional Case Studies: In contrast, cross-sectional case studies involve the examination of a case at a single point in time, offering a snapshot of that particular moment.

The Advantages of Psychology Case Studies

Learning how to write a case study offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable research method in the field. Here are some of the advantages:

  • Rich Insights: Case studies provide in-depth insights into individual behavior and experiences, allowing researchers to uncover unique patterns, motivations, and complexities.
  • Holistic Understanding: By examining a case in its entirety, researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence human behavior, including psychological, environmental, and contextual aspects.
  • Theory Development: Case studies contribute to theory development by providing real-world examples that can validate or refine existing psychological theories.
  • Personalized Approach: Researchers can tailor their methods to fit the specific case, making it a flexible approach that can adapt to the unique characteristics of the subject.
  • Application in Practice: The knowledge gained from case studies can be applied in various practical settings, such as clinical psychology, education, and organizational management, to develop more effective interventions and solutions.
  • Real-World Relevance: Psychology case studies often address real-life issues, making the findings relevant and applicable to everyday situations.
  • Qualitative Data: They generate qualitative data, which can be rich in detail and context, offering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
  • Hypothesis Generation: Case studies can spark new research questions and hypotheses, guiding further investigations in psychology.
  • Ethical Considerations: In some cases, case studies can be conducted in situations where experimental research may not be ethical, providing valuable insights that would otherwise be inaccessible.
  • Educational Value: Case studies are commonly used as teaching tools, helping students apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and encouraging critical thinking.

How to Write a Psychology Case Study

Crafting a psychology case study requires a meticulous approach that combines the art of storytelling with the precision of scientific analysis. In this section, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to create an engaging and informative psychology case study, from selecting the right subject to presenting your findings effectively.

Step 1: Gathering Information for Subject Profiling

To create a comprehensive psychology case study, the first crucial step is gathering all the necessary information to build a detailed profile of your subject. This profile forms the backbone of your study, offering a deeper understanding of the individual or situation you're examining.

According to our case study writing service , you should begin by collecting a range of data, including personal history, demographics, behavioral observations, and any relevant documentation. Interviews, surveys, and direct observations are common methods to gather this information. Ensure that the data you collect is relevant to the specific aspects of the subject's life or behavior that you intend to investigate.

By meticulously gathering and organizing this data, you'll lay the foundation for a robust case study that not only informs your readers but also provides the context needed to make meaningful observations and draw insightful conclusions.

Step 2: Selecting a Case Study Method

Once you have gathered all the essential information about your subject, the next step in crafting a psychology case study is to choose the most appropriate case study method. The method you select will determine how you approach the analysis and presentation of your findings. Here are some common case study methods to consider:

  • Single-Subject Case Study: This method focuses on a single individual or a particular event, offering a detailed examination of that subject's experiences and behaviors.
  • Comparative Case Study: In this approach, you analyze two or more cases to draw comparisons or contrasts, revealing patterns or differences among them.
  • Longitudinal Case Study: A longitudinal study involves tracking a subject or group over an extended period, observing changes and developments over time.
  • Cross-Sectional Case Study: This method involves analyzing subjects at a specific point in time, offering a snapshot of their current state.
  • Exploratory Case Study: Exploratory studies are ideal for investigating new or underexplored areas within psychology.
  • Explanatory Case Study: If your goal is to uncover the underlying factors and mechanisms behind a specific behavior or phenomenon, the explanatory case study is a suitable choice.

Step 3: Gathering Background Information on the Subject

In the process of learning how to write a psychology case study, it's essential to delve into the subject's background to build a complete and meaningful narrative. The background information serves as a crucial context for understanding the individual or situation under investigation.

To gather this information effectively:

  • Personal History: Explore the subject's life history, including their upbringing, family background, education, and career path. These details provide insights into their development and experiences.
  • Demographics: Collect demographic data, such as age, gender, and cultural background, as part of your data collection process. These factors can be influential in understanding behavior and experiences.
  • Relevant Events: Identify any significant life events, experiences, or transitions that might have had an impact on the subject's psychology and behavior.
  • Psychological Factors: Assess the subject's psychological profile, including personality traits, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being, if applicable.
  • Social and Environmental Factors: Consider the subject's social and environmental context, including relationships, living conditions, and cultural influences.

Step 4: Detailing the Subject's Challenges

While writing a psychology case study, it is crucial to provide a thorough description of the subject's symptoms or the challenges they are facing. This step allows you to dive deeper into the specific issues that are the focus of your study, providing clarity and context for your readers.

To effectively describe the subject's symptoms or challenges, consider the following from our psychology essay writing service :

  • Symptomatology: Enumerate the symptoms, behaviors, or conditions that the subject is experiencing. This could include emotional states, cognitive patterns, or any psychological distress.
  • Onset and Duration: Specify when the symptoms or challenges began and how long they have persisted. This timeline can offer insights into the progression of the issue.
  • Impact: Discuss the impact of these symptoms on the subject's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Consider their functional impairment and how it relates to the observed issues.
  • Relevant Diagnoses: If applicable, mention any psychological or psychiatric diagnoses that have been made in relation to the subject's symptoms. This information can shed light on the clinical context of the case.

Step 5: Analyzing Data and Establishing a Diagnosis

Once you have gathered all the necessary information and described the subject's symptoms or challenges, the next critical step is to analyze the data and, if applicable, establish a diagnosis.

To effectively analyze the data and potentially make a diagnosis:

  • Data Synthesis: Organize and synthesize the collected data, bringing together all the relevant information in a coherent and structured manner.
  • Pattern Recognition: Identify patterns, themes, and connections within the data. Look for recurring behaviors, triggers, or factors that might contribute to the observed symptoms or challenges.
  • Comparison with Diagnostic Criteria: If the study involves diagnosing a psychological condition, compare the subject's symptoms and experiences with established diagnostic criteria, such as those found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
  • Professional Consultation: It is advisable to consult with qualified professionals, such as clinical psychologists or psychiatrists, to ensure that the diagnosis, if applicable, is accurate and well-informed.
  • Thorough Assessment: Ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the data, considering all possible factors and nuances before reaching any conclusions.

Step 6: Choosing an Intervention Strategy

Choosing an appropriate intervention approach is a pivotal phase in case study psychology, especially if your subject's case involves therapeutic considerations. Here's how to navigate this step effectively:

  • Review Findings: Revisit the data and analysis you've conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject's symptoms, challenges, and needs.
  • Consultation: If you're not a qualified mental health professional, it's advisable to consult with experts in the field, such as clinical psychologists or psychiatrists. They can offer valuable insights and recommendations for treatment.
  • Tailored Approach: Select a treatment approach that is tailored to the subject's specific needs and diagnosis, if applicable. This could involve psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of interventions.
  • Goal Setting: Clearly define the goals and objectives of the chosen treatment approach. What do you hope to achieve, and how will progress be measured?
  • Informed Consent: If the subject is involved in the decision-making process, ensure they provide informed consent and are fully aware of the chosen treatment's details, potential benefits, and risks.
  • Implementation and Monitoring: Once the treatment plan is established, put it into action and closely monitor the subject's progress. Make necessary adjustments based on their responses and evolving needs.
  • Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of ethical standards and maintain the subject's confidentiality and well-being throughout the treatment process.

Step 7: Explaining Treatment Objectives and Procedures

In the final phases of your psychology case study, it's essential to provide a clear and detailed description of the treatment goals and processes that have been implemented. This step ensures that your readers understand the therapeutic journey and its intended outcomes.

Here's how to effectively describe treatment goals and processes:

  • Specific Goals: Outline the specific goals of the chosen treatment approach. What are you aiming to achieve in terms of the subject's well-being, symptom reduction, or overall improvement?
  • Interventions: Describe the therapeutic interventions that have been employed, including psychotherapeutic techniques, medications, or other strategies. Explain how these interventions are intended to address the subject's challenges.
  • Timelines: Specify the expected timeline for achieving treatment goals. This may include short-term and long-term objectives, as well as milestones for assessing progress.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Discuss the methods used to monitor and evaluate the subject's response to treatment. How are you measuring progress or setbacks, and how frequently are assessments conducted?
  • Adjustments: Explain how the treatment plan is adaptable as you would in a persuasive essay . If modifications to the goals or interventions are required, clarify the decision-making process for making such adjustments.
  • Collaboration: If relevant, highlight any collaboration with other professionals involved in the subject's care, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach for comprehensive treatment.
  • Patient Involvement: If the subject is actively engaged in their treatment, detail their role, responsibilities, and any tools or resources provided to support their participation.

Step 8: Crafting the Discussion and Concluding Remarks

In the final phase of your psychology case study, the discussion section is where you interpret the findings, reflect on the significance of your study, and offer insights into the broader implications of the case. Here's how to effectively write this section:

  • Interpretation: Begin by interpreting the data and analysis you've presented in your case study. What do the findings reveal about the subject's psychology, behavior, or experiences?
  • Relevance to Research Questions: Discuss how your findings align with or deviate from the initial research questions or hypotheses you set out to investigate.
  • Comparison with Literature: Compare your findings with existing literature and research in the field of psychology. Highlight any consistencies or disparities and explain their significance.
  • Clinical Considerations: If your case study has clinical or practical relevance, address the implications for therapeutic approaches, interventions, or clinical practices.
  • Generalizability: Evaluate the extent to which the insights from your case study can be generalized to a broader population or other similar cases.
  • Strengths and Limitations: Be candid about the strengths and limitations of your case study. Acknowledge any constraints or biases and explain how they might have influenced the results.
  • Future Research Directions: Suggest areas for future research or additional case studies that could build on your findings and deepen our understanding of the subject matter.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the key takeaways from your case study and provide a concise conclusion that encapsulates the main findings and their significance.

5 Helpful Tips for Crafting a Psychology Case Study

Much like learning how to write a synthesis essay , writing a compelling case study involves careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some essential guidelines to help you in the process:

  • Consider Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize the importance of cultural diversity and sensitivity in your case study. Take into account the cultural background of your subject and its potential impact on their behavior and experiences.
  • Use Clear Citations: Properly cite all sources, including previous research, theories, and relevant literature. Accurate citations lend credibility to your case study and acknowledge the work of others.
  • Engage in Peer Discussion: Engage in discussions with peers or colleagues in the field throughout the case study process. Collaborative brainstorming and sharing insights can lead to a more well-rounded study.
  • Be Mindful of Ethics: Continuously monitor and reassess the ethical considerations of your case study, especially when it involves sensitive topics or individuals. Prioritize the well-being and rights of your participants.
  • Practice Patience and Persistence: Case studies can be time-consuming and may encounter setbacks. Exercise patience and persistence to ensure the quality and comprehensiveness of your research.

Case Study Psychology Example

In this psychology case study example, we delve into a compelling story that serves as a window into the fascinating realm of psychological research, offering valuable insights and practical applications.

Final Outlook

As we conclude this comprehensive writing guide on how to write a psychology case study, remember that every case holds a unique story waiting to be unraveled. The art of crafting a compelling case study lies in your hands, offering a window into the intricate world of the human mind. We encourage you to embark on your own investigative journeys, armed with the knowledge and skills acquired here, to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of psychology.

Ready to Unravel the Mysteries of the Human Mind?

Our team of psychologists and researchers is adept at transforming complex concepts into engaging stories, ensuring that when you request us to ' write my case study for me ,' your unique vision is effectively brought to life.

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  • What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

Published on May 8, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 20, 2023.

A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research.

A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods , but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing , comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem .

Table of contents

When to do a case study, step 1: select a case, step 2: build a theoretical framework, step 3: collect your data, step 4: describe and analyze the case, other interesting articles.

A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case.

Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation . They keep your project focused and manageable when you don’t have the time or resources to do large-scale research.

You might use just one complex case study where you explore a single subject in depth, or conduct multiple case studies to compare and illuminate different aspects of your research problem.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Once you have developed your problem statement and research questions , you should be ready to choose the specific case that you want to focus on. A good case study should have the potential to:

  • Provide new or unexpected insights into the subject
  • Challenge or complicate existing assumptions and theories
  • Propose practical courses of action to resolve a problem
  • Open up new directions for future research

TipIf your research is more practical in nature and aims to simultaneously investigate an issue as you solve it, consider conducting action research instead.

Unlike quantitative or experimental research , a strong case study does not require a random or representative sample. In fact, case studies often deliberately focus on unusual, neglected, or outlying cases which may shed new light on the research problem.

Example of an outlying case studyIn the 1960s the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low rates of heart disease compared to the US average. It became an important case study for understanding previously neglected causes of heart disease.

However, you can also choose a more common or representative case to exemplify a particular category, experience or phenomenon.

Example of a representative case studyIn the 1920s, two sociologists used Muncie, Indiana as a case study of a typical American city that supposedly exemplified the changing culture of the US at the time.

While case studies focus more on concrete details than general theories, they should usually have some connection with theory in the field. This way the case study is not just an isolated description, but is integrated into existing knowledge about the topic. It might aim to:

  • Exemplify a theory by showing how it explains the case under investigation
  • Expand on a theory by uncovering new concepts and ideas that need to be incorporated
  • Challenge a theory by exploring an outlier case that doesn’t fit with established assumptions

To ensure that your analysis of the case has a solid academic grounding, you should conduct a literature review of sources related to the topic and develop a theoretical framework . This means identifying key concepts and theories to guide your analysis and interpretation.

There are many different research methods you can use to collect data on your subject. Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews , observations , and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g., newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data.

Example of a mixed methods case studyFor a case study of a wind farm development in a rural area, you could collect quantitative data on employment rates and business revenue, collect qualitative data on local people’s perceptions and experiences, and analyze local and national media coverage of the development.

The aim is to gain as thorough an understanding as possible of the case and its context.

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case study origin psychology

In writing up the case study, you need to bring together all the relevant aspects to give as complete a picture as possible of the subject.

How you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing. Some case studies are structured like a standard scientific paper or thesis , with separate sections or chapters for the methods , results and discussion .

Others are written in a more narrative style, aiming to explore the case from various angles and analyze its meanings and implications (for example, by using textual analysis or discourse analysis ).

In all cases, though, make sure to give contextual details about the case, connect it back to the literature and theory, and discuss how it fits into wider patterns or debates.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

  • Normal distribution
  • Degrees of freedom
  • Null hypothesis
  • Discourse analysis
  • Control groups
  • Mixed methods research
  • Non-probability sampling
  • Quantitative research
  • Ecological validity

Research bias

  • Rosenthal effect
  • Implicit bias
  • Cognitive bias
  • Selection bias
  • Negativity bias
  • Status quo bias

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McCombes, S. (2023, November 20). What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods. Scribbr. Retrieved February 22, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/case-study/

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Case studies are very detailed investigations of an individual or small group of people, usually regarding an unusual phenomenon or biographical event of interest to a research field. Due to a small sample, the case study can conduct an in-depth analysis of the individual/group.

Evaluation of case studies:

- Case studies create opportunities for a rich yield of data, and the depth of analysis can in turn bring high levels of validity (i.e. providing an accurate and exhaustive measure of what the study is hoping to measure).

- Studying abnormal psychology can give insight into how something works when it is functioning correctly, such as brain damage on memory (e.g. the case study of patient KF, whose short-term memory was impaired following a motorcycle accident but left his long-term memory intact, suggesting there might be separate physical stores in the brain for short and long-term memory).

- The detail collected on a single case may lead to interesting findings that conflict with current theories, and stimulate new paths for research.

- There is little control over a number of variables involved in a case study, so it is difficult to confidently establish any causal relationships between variables.

- Case studies are unusual by nature, so will have poor reliability as replicating them exactly will be unlikely.

- Due to the small sample size, it is unlikely that findings from a case study alone can be generalised to a whole population.

- The case study’s researcher may become so involved with the study that they exhibit bias in their interpretation and presentation of the data, making it challenging to distinguish what is truly objective/factual.

  • Case Studies

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15 Famous Experiments and Case Studies in Psychology

psychology theories, explained below

Psychology has seen thousands upon thousands of research studies over the years. Most of these studies have helped shape our current understanding of human thoughts, behavior, and feelings.

The psychology case studies in this list are considered classic examples of psychological case studies and experiments, which are still being taught in introductory psychology courses up to this day.

Some studies, however, were downright shocking and controversial that you’d probably wonder why such studies were conducted back in the day. Imagine participating in an experiment for a small reward or extra class credit, only to be left scarred for life. These kinds of studies, however, paved the way for a more ethical approach to studying psychology and implementation of research standards such as the use of debriefing in psychology research .

Case Study vs. Experiment

Before we dive into the list of the most famous studies in psychology, let us first review the difference between case studies and experiments.

  • It is an in-depth study and analysis of an individual, group, community, or phenomenon. The results of a case study cannot be applied to the whole population, but they can provide insights for further studies.
  • It often uses qualitative research methods such as observations, surveys, and interviews.
  • It is often conducted in real-life settings rather than in controlled environments.
  • An experiment is a type of study done on a sample or group of random participants, the results of which can be generalized to the whole population.
  • It often uses quantitative research methods that rely on numbers and statistics.
  • It is conducted in controlled environments, wherein some things or situations are manipulated.

See Also: Experimental vs Observational Studies

Famous Experiments in Psychology

1. the marshmallow experiment.

Psychologist Walter Mischel conducted the marshmallow experiment at Stanford University in the 1960s to early 1970s. It was a simple test that aimed to define the connection between delayed gratification and success in life.

The instructions were fairly straightforward: children ages 4-6 were presented a piece of marshmallow on a table and they were told that they would receive a second piece if they could wait for 15 minutes without eating the first marshmallow.

About one-third of the 600 participants succeeded in delaying gratification to receive the second marshmallow. Mischel and his team followed up on these participants in the 1990s, learning that those who had the willpower to wait for a larger reward experienced more success in life in terms of SAT scores and other metrics.

This case study also supported self-control theory , a theory in criminology that holds that people with greater self-control are less likely to end up in trouble with the law!

The classic marshmallow experiment, however, was debunked in a 2018 replication study done by Tyler Watts and colleagues.

This more recent experiment had a larger group of participants (900) and a better representation of the general population when it comes to race and ethnicity. In this study, the researchers found out that the ability to wait for a second marshmallow does not depend on willpower alone but more so on the economic background and social status of the participants.

2. The Bystander Effect

In 1694, Kitty Genovese was murdered in the neighborhood of Kew Gardens, New York. It was told that there were up to 38 witnesses and onlookers in the vicinity of the crime scene, but nobody did anything to stop the murder or call for help.

Such tragedy was the catalyst that inspired social psychologists Bibb Latane and John Darley to formulate the phenomenon called bystander effect or bystander apathy .

Subsequent investigations showed that this story was exaggerated and inaccurate, as there were actually only about a dozen witnesses, at least two of whom called the police. But the case of Kitty Genovese led to various studies that aim to shed light on the bystander phenomenon.

Latane and Darley tested bystander intervention in an experimental study . Participants were asked to answer a questionnaire inside a room, and they would either be alone or with two other participants (who were actually actors or confederates in the study). Smoke would then come out from under the door. The reaction time of participants was tested — how long would it take them to report the smoke to the authorities or the experimenters?

The results showed that participants who were alone in the room reported the smoke faster than participants who were with two passive others. The study suggests that the more onlookers are present in an emergency situation, the less likely someone would step up to help, a social phenomenon now popularly called the bystander effect.

3. Asch Conformity Study

Have you ever made a decision against your better judgment just to fit in with your friends or family? The Asch Conformity Studies will help you understand this kind of situation better.

In this experiment, a group of participants were shown three numbered lines of different lengths and asked to identify the longest of them all. However, only one true participant was present in every group and the rest were actors, most of whom told the wrong answer.

Results showed that the participants went for the wrong answer, even though they knew which line was the longest one in the first place. When the participants were asked why they identified the wrong one, they said that they didn’t want to be branded as strange or peculiar.

This study goes to show that there are situations in life when people prefer fitting in than being right. It also tells that there is power in numbers — a group’s decision can overwhelm a person and make them doubt their judgment.

4. The Bobo Doll Experiment

The Bobo Doll Experiment was conducted by Dr. Albert Bandura, the proponent of social learning theory .

Back in the 1960s, the Nature vs. Nurture debate was a popular topic among psychologists. Bandura contributed to this discussion by proposing that human behavior is mostly influenced by environmental rather than genetic factors.

In the Bobo Doll Experiment, children were divided into three groups: one group was shown a video in which an adult acted aggressively toward the Bobo Doll, the second group was shown a video in which an adult play with the Bobo Doll, and the third group served as the control group where no video was shown.

The children were then led to a room with different kinds of toys, including the Bobo Doll they’ve seen in the video. Results showed that children tend to imitate the adults in the video. Those who were presented the aggressive model acted aggressively toward the Bobo Doll while those who were presented the passive model showed less aggression.

While the Bobo Doll Experiment can no longer be replicated because of ethical concerns, it has laid out the foundations of social learning theory and helped us understand the degree of influence adult behavior has on children.

5. Blue Eye / Brown Eye Experiment

Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, third-grade teacher Jane Elliott conducted an experiment in her class. Although not a formal experiment in controlled settings, A Class Divided is a good example of a social experiment to help children understand the concept of racism and discrimination.

The class was divided into two groups: blue-eyed children and brown-eyed children. For one day, Elliott gave preferential treatment to her blue-eyed students, giving them more attention and pampering them with rewards. The next day, it was the brown-eyed students’ turn to receive extra favors and privileges.

As a result, whichever group of students was given preferential treatment performed exceptionally well in class, had higher quiz scores, and recited more frequently; students who were discriminated against felt humiliated, answered poorly in tests, and became uncertain with their answers in class.

This study is now widely taught in sociocultural psychology classes.

6. Stanford Prison Experiment

One of the most controversial and widely-cited studies in psychology is the Stanford Prison Experiment , conducted by Philip Zimbardo at the basement of the Stanford psychology building in 1971. The hypothesis was that abusive behavior in prisons is influenced by the personality traits of the prisoners and prison guards.

The participants in the experiment were college students who were randomly assigned as either a prisoner or a prison guard. The prison guards were then told to run the simulated prison for two weeks. However, the experiment had to be stopped in just 6 days.

The prison guards abused their authority and harassed the prisoners through verbal and physical means. The prisoners, on the other hand, showed submissive behavior. Zimbardo decided to stop the experiment because the prisoners were showing signs of emotional and physical breakdown.

Although the experiment wasn’t completed, the results strongly showed that people can easily get into a social role when others expect them to, especially when it’s highly stereotyped .

7. The Halo Effect

Have you ever wondered why toothpastes and other dental products are endorsed in advertisements by celebrities more often than dentists? The Halo Effect is one of the reasons!

The Halo Effect shows how one favorable attribute of a person can gain them positive perceptions in other attributes. In the case of product advertisements, attractive celebrities are also perceived as intelligent and knowledgeable of a certain subject matter even though they’re not technically experts.

The Halo Effect originated in a classic study done by Edward Thorndike in the early 1900s. He asked military commanding officers to rate their subordinates based on different qualities, such as physical appearance, leadership, dependability, and intelligence.

The results showed that high ratings of a particular quality influences the ratings of other qualities, producing a halo effect of overall high ratings. The opposite also applied, which means that a negative rating in one quality also correlated to negative ratings in other qualities.

Experiments on the Halo Effect came in various formats as well, supporting Thorndike’s original theory. This phenomenon suggests that our perception of other people’s overall personality is hugely influenced by a quality that we focus on.

8. Cognitive Dissonance

There are experiences in our lives when our beliefs and behaviors do not align with each other and we try to justify them in our minds. This is cognitive dissonance , which was studied in an experiment by Leon Festinger and James Carlsmith back in 1959.

In this experiment, participants had to go through a series of boring and repetitive tasks, such as spending an hour turning pegs in a wooden knob. After completing the tasks, they were then paid either $1 or $20 to tell the next participants that the tasks were extremely fun and enjoyable. Afterwards, participants were asked to rate the experiment. Those who were given $1 rated the experiment as more interesting and fun than those who received $20.

The results showed that those who received a smaller incentive to lie experienced cognitive dissonance — $1 wasn’t enough incentive for that one hour of painstakingly boring activity, so the participants had to justify that they had fun anyway.

Famous Case Studies in Psychology

9. little albert.

In 1920, behaviourist theorists John Watson and Rosalie Rayner experimented on a 9-month-old baby to test the effects of classical conditioning in instilling fear in humans.

This was such a controversial study that it gained popularity in psychology textbooks and syllabi because it is a classic example of unethical research studies done in the name of science.

In one of the experiments, Little Albert was presented with a harmless stimulus or object, a white rat, which he wasn’t scared of at first. But every time Little Albert would see the white rat, the researchers would play a scary sound of hammer and steel. After about 6 pairings, Little Albert learned to fear the rat even without the scary sound.

Little Albert developed signs of fear to different objects presented to him through classical conditioning . He even generalized his fear to other stimuli not present in the course of the experiment.

10. Phineas Gage

Phineas Gage is such a celebrity in Psych 101 classes, even though the way he rose to popularity began with a tragic accident. He was a resident of Central Vermont and worked in the construction of a new railway line in the mid-1800s. One day, an explosive went off prematurely, sending a tamping iron straight into his face and through his brain.

Gage survived the accident, fortunately, something that is considered a feat even up to this day. He managed to find a job as a stagecoach after the accident. However, his family and friends reported that his personality changed so much that “he was no longer Gage” (Harlow, 1868).

New evidence on the case of Phineas Gage has since come to light, thanks to modern scientific studies and medical tests. However, there are still plenty of mysteries revolving around his brain damage and subsequent recovery.

11. Anna O.

Anna O., a social worker and feminist of German Jewish descent, was one of the first patients to receive psychoanalytic treatment.

Her real name was Bertha Pappenheim and she inspired much of Sigmund Freud’s works and books on psychoanalytic theory, although they hadn’t met in person. Their connection was through Joseph Breuer, Freud’s mentor when he was still starting his clinical practice.

Anna O. suffered from paralysis, personality changes, hallucinations, and rambling speech, but her doctors could not find the cause. Joseph Breuer was then called to her house for intervention and he performed psychoanalysis, also called the “talking cure”, on her.

Breuer would tell Anna O. to say anything that came to her mind, such as her thoughts, feelings, and childhood experiences. It was noted that her symptoms subsided by talking things out.

However, Breuer later referred Anna O. to the Bellevue Sanatorium, where she recovered and set out to be a renowned writer and advocate of women and children.

12. Patient HM

H.M., or Henry Gustav Molaison, was a severe amnesiac who had been the subject of countless psychological and neurological studies.

Henry was 27 when he underwent brain surgery to cure the epilepsy that he had been experiencing since childhood. In an unfortunate turn of events, he lost his memory because of the surgery and his brain also became unable to store long-term memories.

He was then regarded as someone living solely in the present, forgetting an experience as soon as it happened and only remembering bits and pieces of his past. Over the years, his amnesia and the structure of his brain had helped neuropsychologists learn more about cognitive functions .

Suzanne Corkin, a researcher, writer, and good friend of H.M., recently published a book about his life. Entitled Permanent Present Tense , this book is both a memoir and a case study following the struggles and joys of Henry Gustav Molaison.

13. Chris Sizemore

Chris Sizemore gained celebrity status in the psychology community when she was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder, now known as dissociative identity disorder.

Sizemore has several alter egos, which included Eve Black, Eve White, and Jane. Various papers about her stated that these alter egos were formed as a coping mechanism against the traumatic experiences she underwent in her childhood.

Sizemore said that although she has succeeded in unifying her alter egos into one dominant personality, there were periods in the past experienced by only one of her alter egos. For example, her husband married her Eve White alter ego and not her.

Her story inspired her psychiatrists to write a book about her, entitled The Three Faces of Eve , which was then turned into a 1957 movie of the same title.

14. David Reimer

When David was just 8 months old, he lost his penis because of a botched circumcision operation.

Psychologist John Money then advised Reimer’s parents to raise him as a girl instead, naming him Brenda. His gender reassignment was supported by subsequent surgery and hormonal therapy.

Money described Reimer’s gender reassignment as a success, but problems started to arise as Reimer was growing up. His boyishness was not completely subdued by the hormonal therapy. When he was 14 years old, he learned about the secrets of his past and he underwent gender reassignment to become male again.

Reimer became an advocate for children undergoing the same difficult situation he had been. His life story ended when he was 38 as he took his own life.

15. Kim Peek

Kim Peek was the inspiration behind Rain Man , an Oscar-winning movie about an autistic savant character played by Dustin Hoffman.

The movie was released in 1988, a time when autism wasn’t widely known and acknowledged yet. So it was an eye-opener for many people who watched the film.

In reality, Kim Peek was a non-autistic savant. He was exceptionally intelligent despite the brain abnormalities he was born with. He was like a walking encyclopedia, knowledgeable about travel routes, US zip codes, historical facts, and classical music. He also read and memorized approximately 12,000 books in his lifetime.

This list of experiments and case studies in psychology is just the tip of the iceberg! There are still countless interesting psychology studies that you can explore if you want to learn more about human behavior and dynamics.

You can also conduct your own mini-experiment or participate in a study conducted in your school or neighborhood. Just remember that there are ethical standards to follow so as not to repeat the lasting physical and emotional harm done to Little Albert or the Stanford Prison Experiment participants.

Asch, S. E. (1956). Studies of independence and conformity: I. A minority of one against a unanimous majority. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 70 (9), 1–70. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0093718

Bandura, A., Ross, D., & Ross, S. A. (1961). Transmission of aggression through imitation of aggressive models. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 63 (3), 575–582. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0045925

Elliott, J., Yale University., WGBH (Television station : Boston, Mass.), & PBS DVD (Firm). (2003). A class divided. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Films.

Festinger, L., & Carlsmith, J. M. (1959). Cognitive consequences of forced compliance. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 58 (2), 203–210. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0041593

Haney, C., Banks, W. C., & Zimbardo, P. G. (1973). A study of prisoners and guards in a simulated prison. Naval Research Review , 30 , 4-17.

Latane, B., & Darley, J. M. (1968). Group inhibition of bystander intervention in emergencies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 10 (3), 215–221. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0026570

Mischel, W. (2014). The Marshmallow Test: Mastering self-control. Little, Brown and Co.

Thorndike, E. (1920) A Constant Error in Psychological Ratings. Journal of Applied Psychology , 4 , 25-29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0071663

Watson, J. B., & Rayner, R. (1920). Conditioned emotional reactions. Journal of experimental psychology , 3 (1), 1.

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CASE REPORT article

Exploring the connection between childhood trauma, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder in forensic psychiatry: a comprehensive case study.

Claudia Scognamiglio

  • 1 Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
  • 2 Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
  • 3 Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy

This case study examines the complex relationship between childhood trauma, dissociation, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) within the context of forensic psychiatry. It focuses on a young murder defendant named “Paul,” who has experienced various traumatic events, including childhood maltreatment and domestic violence. These experiences have led to dissociative states marked by high emotional intensity, particularly of an aggressive nature, and impaired impulse control, resulting in violent behavior during dissociative episodes. The study employs advanced assessment tools like Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III), and the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) to gain a comprehensive understanding of Paul’s psychopathological condition, risk factors, and rehabilitation needs. The LS/CMI assessment highlights a high risk of recidivism, mainly influenced by family relationships, educational challenges, interpersonal connections, and aggressive tendencies. To address the multifaceted needs of individuals like Paul, the study emphasizes the importance of using transdiagnostic models for trauma and dissociation. This approach informs tailored treatment programs that include processing past traumatic experiences, improving self-identity, nurturing healthy relational patterns, and enhancing emotional regulation. Although this study is based on a single case, it serves as a model for integrating assessment tools and theoretical-clinical models in the field of forensic psychiatry. Understanding the intricate dynamics of childhood trauma, dissociation, and BPD is crucial for making informed decisions, conducting risk assessments, and developing rehabilitation programs within the justice system. Future research should expand the scope of cases and further validate assessment tools to advance our understanding of this complex relationship.

Introduction

Data collected from research on inmates found an interesting link between trauma and criminal behavior ( Welfare and Hollin, 2015 ; Peltonen et al., 2020 ) highlighting how childhood trauma could be part of the trajectory toward the later use of violence. Childhood trauma, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, is prevalent among individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) ( Dadomo et al., 2022 ; Tate et al., 2022 ; Leichsenring et al., 2023 ); thus, it is also considered a potential environmental causative factor in the development of BPD ( Ball and Links, 2009 ). The enduring consequences of early adversities give rise to specific internal object relations, which shape the individual’s psyche. These internal object relations, as explained by Nemeroff (2012) , align closely with the Karpman’s Drama Triangle ( Karpman, 1968 ), in which individuals can unconsciously switch between three distinct roles (i.e., the victim, the abuser, and the rescuer), influencing the individual’s mental state and behavioral patterns. Understanding the connection between childhood adversity and BPD involves considering affective lability and alexithymia as key factors ( Edwards et al., 2021 ). Individuals who have greater difficulties identifying their emotions are more likely to exhibit signs of a personality disorder, with specific reference to BPD ( Berenbaum, 1996 ). Recent research conducted by Pourmohammad et al. (2021) found that individuals with BPD had significant difficulty recognizing and expressing their feelings compared to a healthy control group. This “blind spot” in emotional awareness is particularly pronounced in individuals who have endured childhood psychological trauma. Within the Development-Based Trauma Framework, psychological trauma is categorized into multiple types ( Kira et al., 2013 ; Kira, 2022 ). While type I trauma (e.g., a traffic accident) can cause the development of PTSD, type II trauma (e.g., repeated sexual abuse over time) and type III (i.e., ongoing complex trauma) can cause the development of complex PTSD (cPTSD). cPTSD in the ICD-11 is a broader diagnosis that includes the core PTSD symptoms plus an additional set of “disturbances in self-organization” (DSO) symptoms ( Hyland et al., 2018 ). Exposure to prolonged and repeated multiple traumatic experiences over the course of childhood might also have deleterious effects on children in terms of their potential for violent conduct ( Zettler, 2021 ; Craig et al., 2023 ).

In the realm of forensic psychiatry, the assessment of criminal responsibility, the risk of recidivism, and social dangerousness takes center stage. The criteria for the insanity defense may vary, yet there is a consensus that an impaired mental state can substantially affect an individual’s accountability for criminal acts and their potential to pose a threat to society ( Meynen, 2013 ; Mandarelli et al., 2019 ; Hartvigsson, 2023 ). A recent meta-analysis, focusing on defendants’ characteristics, found that a clinical judgment of not criminally responsible is predominantly associated with a psychiatric history and the presence of a psychotic disorder ( Kois and Chauhan, 2018 ). Conversely, individuals deemed socially dangerous are more frequently affected by disorders within the schizophrenia spectrum or personality disorders such as BPD and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). Understanding the implications of these personality disorders on criminal responsibility and social dangerousness is of paramount importance.

The symptomatology of BPD can be frequently exacerbated by the presence of dissociative symptoms. According to Al-Shamali et al. (2022) , a lack of emphasis on dissociation in BPD assessment may lead to incorrect diagnoses or an underestimation of significant comorbidities. Dissociative symptoms include memory loss (amnesia) for significant events or time periods events, and people; experiences of depersonalization or derealization; misperception of people and things as distorted and unreal; blurred sense of identity; and hearing voices (which stem from various dissociative parts of the personality) ( Mosquera and Steele, 2017 ; Al-Shamali et al., 2022 ). Dissociation, as a complex mental process arising in response to traumatic experiences or extreme stress, disrupts the typical integration of various aspects of consciousness ( American Psychiatric Association, 2022 ). It is well known that experiencing multiple traumatic events during childhood can prompts children to develop dissociation as a self-regulatory mechanism, significantly affecting their mental and behavioral functioning ( Sharma et al., 2021 ). The profound impact of dissociation on individuals’ mental states and their potential for violent or criminal behavior should not be underestimated.

Researches have provided evidence for the connection between early traumatic experiences, antisocial behavior, aggression, and dissociation ( Spitzer et al., 2001 , 2003 ; Ruiz et al., 2008 ; Zavattini et al., 2017 ). Individuals diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) may experience distinct personality states (i.e., ‘alters’) some of which may exhibit dangerous or criminal behaviors. Dissociative amnesia (DA), a common feature of DID, can lead individuals to forget their actions in crimes, raising significant questions about their criminal responsibility.

Moreover, childhood trauma, along with other historical and situational factors, can interact with brain development ( Masson et al., 2015 ; Cross et al., 2017 ). The immaturity, dysfunction, or damage of certain brain areas, such as the prefrontal cortex, can substantially affect an individual’s ability to control emotions, think ahead, and learn from their actions. This understanding is particularly relevant in the context of juvenile offenders, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of brain development on behavior ( Lewis et al., 2004 ).

The assessment of criminal responsibility, social dangerousness, and the risk of recidivism necessitating ongoing examination ( Gkotsi and Gasser, 2016 ). With individual freedom at stake, it is imperative to enhance the precision of our judgments, given the profound implications for public safety and the rehabilitation of individuals in the justice system.

This study aimed to assess a young murder defendant with a history of multiple traumas, focusing on his criminal responsibility, recidivism risk, and social dangerousness. We considered various factors, both static and dynamic, to provide psychiatric insights into his past and future criminal behavior.

Participant and procedure

In this study, we present the case report of a defendant for the murder of a man unknown to him. The case (referred to using the pseudonym Paul) was an 18-years old boy without previous official criminal record. When questioned about the crime, he states that he does not remember anything that happened.

The assessment procedure took place in a private room of the prison. The evaluation was provided by a forensic psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in the field of legal reporting. It consisted of four session of interviews and psychological testing allowed by the judge. We ensured the internal validity through the use of standardized assessment tools ( Perrella and Russo, 2018 ). Additionally, we established a discussion group consisting of four experienced professionals in the field of correctional psychology, providing valuable insights and perspectives and then enhancing the overall validity of the assessment process.

Case report

Family history.

Paul’s family history is characterized by numerous traumatic events. His parents separated shortly after his birth. He never had any relationship with his father, who has been in prison for a violent offense since Paul was a child. His mother was an alcoholic and has psychiatric health problems. She manifested disconcerting and ambivalent behaviors throughout his entire childhood, conceivably contributing to the development of a disorganized attachment type. Presently, she is under the care of a public health facility and is receiving anti-psychotic therapy. Because of his father’s imprisonment and the mother’s mental health issues, Paul was raised by his grandparents before being turned over to social services and put in a juvenile residential facility. During adolescence, he returned to the family home with his mother. The woman was aggressive, often escalating to physical violence toward him. His mother’s romantic relationships with men were dysfunctional and involved domestic violence.

Paul was held back twice due to absences and low grades. He discontinued his studies during his third year of high school due to his incarceration. As regard to his relationships with peers, Paul reports a complete absence of a social support network.

Clinical history

Since early childhood, Paul showed frequent episodes of aggressive behavior toward peers, his mother, and her partners. His aggressive conduct has determined four compulsory health treatments during adolescence. Paul arbitrarily terminated the prescribed psychiatric therapy.

Incarceration

While in prison, Paul engaged in self-harming behavior for instrumental purposes. He has formed positive relationships with the correctional staff. However, within a short span, two instances of aggression occurred toward fellow inmates, one of whom seemingly without any apparent reason.

Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM; Raven, 1936 ; Raven et al., 2000 ) is a standard measure for intelligence. The SPM consists of 60 items divided into 5 sets of 12 items each. Each item requires completing a series of figures by identifying the missing element in relation to the presented model, following a criterion of increasing difficulty. The final score reflects an individual’s age-related intellectual abilities, irrespective of their level of education. The outcome provides insights into the strategic utilization of logical processes in an attempt to achieve secondary gains (i.e., malingering).

The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III; Millon, 2006 ) is psychological assessment tool designed to evaluate and diagnose various psychological and psychiatric disorders in adults. The MCMI-III consists of 24 clinical scales: 14 personality disorder scales and 10 clinical syndrome scales. It provides information on several axes, including personality styles, clinical syndromes, and severe personality pathology, making it valuable in clinical and forensic settings for diagnosing mental health conditions and guiding treatment decisions.

The Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI, Andrews et al., 2004 ) is a semi-structured interview about the offender’s risk factors, criminogenic needs, and degree of responsiveness, but it is also a comprehensive case management tool ( Bonta and Wormith, 2013 ). LS/CMI consists of 11 sections. The first section allows the identification of the subject’s level of reoffending through the assessment of eight sub-components (criminal history, education/employment, family/marriage, leisure time, companions, alcohol/drug problems, pro-criminal attitude and orientation, antisocial personality pattern). Despite the Italian validation study of the tool is still in progress, the Italian translation of LS/CMI was approved by the authors and publisher Multi-Health Systems Inc. (MHS), then was used to evaluate the subject of the present research.

Mental state evaluation

Throughout the forensic evaluation, Paul displayed a high degree of cooperation. Paul’s emotional state’s expression was moderate and effectively managed during the interviews. His emotional state fluctuated depending on the topic of conversation. He exhibited noticeable tremors in his hands and face, particularly intensifying during discussions related to his family and the offense. He reported experiencing anxiety-related tachycardia. In contrast, he was calm and relaxed when discussing his positive relationship with a correctional staff member. No perceptual disturbances were observed. Paul’s thought process appeared logical and coherent, with no disturbances in thought form. His mnemonic abilities remained intact in terms of orientation in time and space. Despite this, he is unable to describe a specific episode of his mother’s aggressive behaviors; moreover, he has no recollection of the offense or of the violent conduct in prison. In summary, Paul’s psychodynamics appear to be characterized by dissociative mental states triggered by emotional hyperactivation, often of an aggressive nature. This condition seems to impair significantly his impulse control.

Raven’s standard progressive matrices

Paul achieved an SPM score of 66, which places his IQ within the 1st percentile with a 95% confidence interval. In other words, there is a 95% probability that his IQ falls between the extreme lower level and the below-average level compared to individuals in his age group (See Table 1 ).

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Table 1 . Raven’s progressive matrices.

Millon clinical multiaxial inventory – III

Paul’s MCMI-III profile (See Figure 1 ) revealed several noteworthy findings. There was a clinically significant elevation (i.e., BR ≥ 75), on Scale X (= 78) and Scale Z (= 80). This elevation suggests a propensity for scoring higher on MCMI-III scales compared to the patient’s clinical status.

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Figure 1 . MCMI-III profile.

In terms of personality pattern scales, Paul exhibited clinically significant elevations on the following: Scales 2A (Avoidant; BR = 84); and, 8A (Negativistic - Passive-Aggressive; BR = 75).

Turning to the Clinical Syndrome Scale, Paul scored significantly high on Scale H (Somatoform; BR = 78), and Scale N (Bipolar-maniac; BR = 82). In the category of Severe Clinical Syndrome, his scores were clinically significant on Scale CC (Major Depression; BR = 80).

Furthermore, pervasive scores (i.e., BR ≥ 85), were observed on the following clinical personality patterns: Scale 2B (Depressive; BR = 96); Scale 3 (Dependent; BR = 96); and Scale 7 (Compulsive; BR = 91). Additionally, Paul displayed a pervasive score in the category of severe personality pathology, particularly on Scale C (Borderline; BR = 87).

Regarding the Clinical Syndrome Scale, Paul exhibited pervasive scores on Scale A (Anxiety; BR = 93), and Scale D (Dysthymia; BR = 87).

Level of service/case management inventory – Section 1

Criminal history (ch).

Paul has no previous criminal records. While incarcerated, he carried out two aggression toward fellow inmates. CH subcomponent scores 1: very low risk (See Table 2 ).

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Table 2 . Risk/need profile of level of service/case management inventory (LS/CMI; Andrews et al., 2004 ).

Education/Employment (EE)

Paul has no employment history and discontinued his education in his third year of high school due to low academic performance and non-attendance. His education was permanently interrupted due to his incarceration. His interactions with schoolmates were marked by isolation, bullying, and discrimination. EE subcomponent scores 7: high risk.

Family/Marital (FM)

His father has a criminal record for a violent crime. His mother suffering from chronic psychosis. Paul was exposed to domestic violence due to his mother partners. Maternal grandparents are no longer living. The relationship with his sister is described as “cold”. FM subcomponents scores 4: high risk.

Leisure/Recreation (LR)

Although Paul maintains a clean-living space and engages in recreational activities such as strategy games, music, drawing, and watching “anime” TV series he does not participate in organized activities within the prison, suggesting he could make better utilization of his time. LR subcomponent scores 2: high risk.

Companions (CO)

While in prison, Paul is in contact with individuals involved in criminal activities. He claims to have no friendships. He reports familiarity with fellow inmates but does not consider them friends. CO subcomponent scores 3: high risk.

Alcohol/drug problem (ADP)

Paul’s mother was an alcoholist. He recalls consuming alcohol in her presence, but he asserts that he never developed an addiction and never used drugs. ADP subcomponent scores 2: low risk.

Procriminal Attitude/Orientation (PA)

Paul expresses feelings of guilt for his actions but claims no recollection of the moment of the attack on the victim. He acknowledges the importance of societal conventions and the need to work but did not consistently attend school, engage in work, or participate in social group activities. PA subcomponent scores 1: low risk.

Antisocial pattern (AP)

Paul was diagnosed with BPD, characterized by poor self-control and violent behaviors during emotional dysregulation. His family background includes parental mental health problems and involvement in the criminal justice system. He experienced adjustment difficulties during adolescence and faced numerous compulsory health treatments due to family quarrels. He has records of aggressions. AP component scores 3: high risk.

The overall risk assessment conducted using the LS/CMI yielded a high risk of recidivism (LS/CMI = 23). The subcomponents associated with the highest risk levels are education/employment (EE), family/marital (FM), and companions (CO), as illustrated in Figure 2 .

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Figure 2 . Histogram with the eight subcomponents of LS\CMI.

Through forensic assessment, Paul received a diagnosis of BPD and DA. People with BPD may experience loss of reality when confronted with stressors ( Mosquera and Steele, 2017 ). Paul’s psychopathological manifestations are rooted in his complex life history, marked by childhood maltreatment, relational traumas, and domestic violence.

As a result of the evaluation, Paul was assessed as not criminally responsible. Legal precedents, such as Supreme Court Judgments No. 9163/2005 and No. 188/2020, 1 have established that personality disorders can result in incapacity when there is a demonstrable link between the mental disorder and the offense ( Fornari, 2006 ; Perrella and Russo, 2018 ).

The risk assessment was carried out using the LS/CMI model, adhering to the principles of Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR; Andrews et al., 1990 , 2011 ; Wormith and Bonta, 2020 ; Sorge et al., 2022 ). It showed that the main risk factors for reoffending are Paul’s family relationships (FM), school and work-related challenges (EE), the absence of a friendship network (CO), and his heightened aggression with limited frustration tolerance (AP). These factors indicated a high risk of recidivism, particularly given the occurrence of heterodirected aggressive acts during dissociative states. On the positive side, he displayed an absence of a criminal history (CH), and no substance abuse (ADP). Moreover, Paul reported a sense of belonging attributed to his positive relationship with certain prison officers. It highlights the significant role that connections with prison staff can play in the process of rehabilitation ( Sorge et al., 2021 ).

Given the complex psychopathological framework, it is crucial to employ transdiagnostic models of trauma and dissociative symptoms to comprehensively comprehend the clinical dynamics and develop tailored treatment plans. For instance, the DBTF model by Kira et al. (2013) and Kira (2022) underscores the significance of identifying the type of trauma to inform precise interventions.

Concerning dissociative symptoms, the 4-Dimension model (4-D; Frewen and Lanius, 2014 ; Lanius, 2015 ) categorizes traumatic stress symptoms into Time, Thought, Body, and Emotion dimensions, encompassing both normal and trauma-related altered states of consciousness (TRASC). TRASC is relevant for understanding trauma-related disorders and factors contributing to the development and persistence of trauma-related symptoms ( Bækkelund et al., 2018 ).

By employing these models, it becomes feasible to conceptualize Paul’s psychopathological condition, establish a precise diagnosis, and formulate appropriate re-educational and treatment recommendations. It is worth noting that while the primary diagnosis is BPD, there exists substantial clinical variability in the disorder, further complicated by the comorbidity with DA. Given the risk factors identified through the LS/CMI assessment (EE, FM, AP, CO), particularly in the context of dissociation, it is essential to work on improving Paul’s interpersonal relationships within the family, school, and friendships. Enhancing study skills, and imparting self-control and anger management techniques is crucial. Addressing Paul’s attachment-related adverse experiences, which severely impact mentalization, brain development, and stress response systems, is equally paramount. These traumas, experienced repetitively over time, constitute complex trauma, exacerbating his post-traumatic symptomatology, which is expressed through TRASC manifestations. To design an effective individualized rehabilitation intervention, interpreting results from valid instruments through these theoretical-clinical models is essential. This approach restores individual subjectivity and aligns with the RNR model. To enhance interpersonal relationships, clinical intervention should focus on processing past traumatic experiences, strengthening self-identity, fostering healthy relational patterns, and improving the ability to recognize one’s mental and emotional states, regulate emotions, and build resilience in the face of stress. Developing insight into one’s mental and physical states can help Paul implement functional coping strategies during moments of heightened stress. The union of an individualized re-educational intervention with clinical work is pivotal to managing the risk of reoffending, particularly concerning the regulation of behavior and emotions during dissociative states. Paul should also assess his improved emotional management in school and work contexts, and in the context of his attachment figure relationships. In summary, the data gathered through the assessment procedure offered valuable insights into Paul’s clinical and psychosocial condition, facilitating a precise risk assessment and the formulation of a rehabilitation program.

Study limitations

The current study has several significant limitations that need to be considered. Firstly, it focused on a single case of BPD and DA, which cannot comprehensively represent the whole clinical population. While individual cases provide valuable insights into clinical practice, it is important to acknowledge methodological constraints. Nevertheless, we presented an assessment procedure that can be replicated.

It is worth noting that, despite numerous studies demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability of the LS/CMI, the validation process is still ongoing in Italy. However, the tool is already accessible in most other countries. Future research should aim to address this limitation by presenting data from a larger sample, and reinforcing the connection between Trauma, BPD, and criminal responsibility. Proposing qualitative investigations could be valuable, considering the uniqueness of the clinical condition ( Saita et al., 2022 ).

The evaluation of criminal responsibility and the potential for social dangerousness in cases involving BPD holds significant importance within the realm of forensic psychiatry. The link between BPD and childhood trauma often results in dissociative symptoms that disrupt the integration of consciousness states. This, in turn, may exposes individuals to aggressive or criminal behaviors triggered by stressors that reactivate trauma-related memories.

The complexity of psychodynamics showcased in the present case study underscores the necessity of integrating assessment and case management tools with theoretical-clinical models informed by the latest scientific literature. This integration aims to establish a foundational protocol for psychodynamic assessment procedures in the field of forensic psychiatry, as currently, there are no well-defined and legally established practices.

Future directions

Acknowledging the study’s limitations, several recommendations for future research are delineated. Firstly, integrating additional case studies that explore variations in trauma experiences, symptomatology, and risk factors is proposed to augment the generalizability of findings. Secondly, the ongoing validation process of the LS/CMI in Italy highlights the need to spread the use of assessment tools more widely. Finally, the suggestion to undertake longitudinal studies for insights into long-term trajectories, along with collaboration with legal and ethical experts to establish precise guidelines, is advanced. These proposed directions collectively aim to refine interventions, elevate evidence-based practices, and establish comprehensive protocols within the field of forensic psychiatry.

Data availability statement

The data analyzed in this study is subject to the following licenses/restrictions: the authors cannot share the raw data that underpins our conclusions because it is bound by privacy restrictions related to the protection of the subject. Requests to access these datasets should be directed to [email protected] .

Ethics statement

Written informed consent was not obtained from the individual(s) for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article. This is because, in adherence to ethical guidelines and in accordance with legal requirements, the assessment in this study was conducted with the explicit permission of the presiding judge overseeing the case under evaluation. This judicial authorization ensured that the assessment was carried out in a lawful and ethical manner, respecting the rights and due process of the individuals involved. No written statement of informed consent was obtained. To protect their privacy, any sensitive data is omitted. In this way, their identity cannot be traced.

Author contributions

CS: Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. AS: Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. GB: Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. RP: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Supervision, Writing – review & editing. ES: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Methodology, Supervision, Writing – review & editing.

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. GB’s research activities has been supported by funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan - NRRP to Guglielmo Marconi University - PhD Program in Human Sciences (PhD scholarship assigned Giovanni Borrelli ex DM [351/2022]; CUP [C87G22000670001]; scholarship unique ID [1786]). CS’s research activities has been supported by funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan - NRRP to Guglielmo Marconi University - PhD Program in Human Sciences (PhD scholarship assigned to Claudia Scognamiglio ex DM [118/2023]; CUP [C85C23002540001]; scholarship unique ID [7962]).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Keywords: childhood trauma, dissociation, borderline personality disorder, forensic psychiatry, risk assessment, rehabilitation

Citation: Scognamiglio C, Sorge A, Borrelli G, Perrella R and Saita E (2024) Exploring the connection between childhood trauma, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder in forensic psychiatry: a comprehensive case study. Front. Psychol . 15:1332914. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1332914

Received: 03 November 2023; Accepted: 30 January 2024; Published: 23 February 2024.

Reviewed by:

Copyright © 2024 Scognamiglio, Sorge, Borrelli, Perrella and Saita. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Antonia Sorge, [email protected]

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Scientists Discuss How to Study the Psychology of Collectives, Not Just Individuals

  • APS News - Observer
  • Intergroup Relations
  • Neuroscience
  • Observer Departments
  • Perspectives on Psychological Science
  • Social Groups

case study origin psychology

Launched by the Association for Psychological Science in 2006,  Perspectives on Psychological Science  is a bimonthly journal publishing an eclectic mix of provocative reports and articles, including broad integrative reviews, overviews of research programs, meta-analyses, theoretical statements, and articles on topics such as the philosophy of science, opinion pieces about major issues in the field, autobiographical reflections of senior members of the field, and even occasional humorous essays and sketches.  Perspectives  contains both invited and submitted articles.

In an era of increasing radicalization and polarization, psychologists are looking beyond the individual mind to understand how groups think and behave. In a set of articles appearing in Perspectives on Psychological Science , an international array of scientists discusses how the study of neighborhoods, work units, activist groups, and other collectives can help us better understand and respond to societal changes.  

“Psychologists must go beyond the traditional focus on the individual mind,” David Garcia, Mirta Galesic, and Henrik Olsson of the Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Austria, write in an introduction to the article collection. “This is even more pressing given the pace of the digital transformation of our society, as new information and communication technologies reshape how we interact, create new networked e structures of humans and machines, and provide a digital breeding ground for new kinds of collective behavior.”  

The authors cover the topic from a number of angles, including collective memory, group intelligence, and crowd behavior. Among other factors, they highlight how: 

  • groups form and evolve 
  • collectives can amplify or dampen individual emotions, beliefs, and decisions  
  • individuals can misperceive the accuracy of their group’s knowledge  

The contributing authors also discuss the need to integrate their research with their peers in other disciplines, such as anthropology, economics, neuroscience, and sociology. Some of the authors propose new approaches and perspectives for studying collectives.  

Topics discussed in the collection of 19 articles include collective intelligence, emotions, knowledge, and performance. The list of articles is below: 

The Psychology of Collectives David Garcia, Mirta Galesic, and Henrik Olsson 

Group Formation and the Evolution of Human Social Organization Carsten K. W. De Dreu, Jörg Gross, and Angelo Romano 

Polarization and the Psychology of Collectives Simon A. Levin and Elke U. Weber 

Understanding Collective Intelligence: Investigating the Role of Memory, Attention, and Reasoning Processes Anita Williams Woolley and Pranav Gupta  

The Emerging Science of Interacting Minds Thalia Wheatley, Mark Thornton, Arjen Stolk, and Luke Chang 

Struggling With Change: The Fragile Resilience of Collectives Frank Schweitzer, Christian Zingg, and Giona Casiraghi 

Motivated Cognition in Cooperation Susann Fiedler, Hooman Habibnia, Alina Fahrenwaldt, and Rima-Maria Rahal 

The Spread of Beliefs in Partially Modularized Communities Robert Goldstone, Marina Dubova, Rachith Aiyappa, and Andy Edinger 

Individuals, Collectives, and Individuals in Collectives: The Ineliminable Role of Dependence Ulrike Hahn 

Communities Of Knowledge in Trouble Nathaniel Rabb, Mugur Geana, and Steven Sloman 

A Network Approach to Investigate the Dynamics of Individual and Collective Beliefs: Advances and Applications of the BENDING Model Madalina Vlasceanu, Ari M. Dyckovsky, and Alin Coman 

Maintaining Transient Diversity Is a General Principle for Improving Collective Problem Solving Paul E. Smaldino, Cody Moser, Alejandro Pérez Velilla, and Mikkel Werling 

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Crowds to Address Global Problems   Stephen B. Broomell and Clinton P. Davis-Stober 

Crowds Can Identify Misinformation at Scale Cameron Martel, Jennifer Allen, Gordon Pennycook, and David G. Rand 

What Makes Groups Emotional Amit Goldenberg 

New Forms of Collaboration Between the Social and Natural Sciences Could Become Necessary for Understanding Rapid Collective Transitions in Social Systems Stefan Thurner 

Toward Understanding of the Social Hysteresis:  Insights From Agent-Based Modeling Katarzyna Sznajd-Weron, Arkadiusz Jędrzejewski, and Barbara Kamińska 

Human Crowds as Social Networks: Collective Dynamics of Consensus and Polarization William H. Warren, J. Benjamin Falandays, Kei Yoshida, Trenton D. Wirth, and Brian A. Free  

A Cognitive Computational Approach to Social and Collective Decision-Making Alan N. Tump, Dominik Deffner, Timothy J. Pleskac, Pawel Romanczuk, and Ralf H. J. M. Kurvers 

Featured Research from Perspectives on Psychological Science

Eight hands hold puzzle pieces together

How Science Can Reward Cooperation, Not Just Individual Achievement

Two social scientists propose a different approach to scientific recognition and rewards: shifting the focus away from individual scientists and toward the larger groups in which scientists are embedded.

case study origin psychology

Guilty as Charged: How We Contribute to Polarizing Content on Social Media

Podcast: Steven Rathje (New York University) and APS’s Özge G. Fischer-Baum explore the implications for societal change, in-group and out-group behavior, and emotional choices on internet usage. 

case study origin psychology

Artificial Intelligence Systems Excel at Imitation, but Not Innovation 

While children and adults alike can solve problems by finding novel uses for everyday objects, AI systems often lack the ability to view tools in a new way, researchers explain in this study.

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case study origin psychology

Student Notebook: Beginning Your Collaborative Writing Journey 

Nidhi Sinha explores the benefits of collaborative writing for graduate students: “The more people you involve in your research, the better experience, productivity, and research satisfaction you will receive in the long run.”

case study origin psychology

Sword From the Stone: Developing Leadership Across the Ages

Other than a handful of modern monarchs and heirs to proverbial corporate thrones, most leaders aren’t born, they’re developed. Researchers are just beginning to investigate how individuals of all ages learn to take the reins.

case study origin psychology

Religion and the Development of a More Contextually Responsive Discipline: The Case of Indonesian Psychology 

Growing interest in studying the transformative aspects of local religions and religiosity is not only important for the development of psychological science in Indonesia but also sociologically meaningful.

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Case study definition

case study origin psychology

Case study, a term which some of you may know from the "Case Study of Vanitas" anime and manga, is a thorough examination of a particular subject, such as a person, group, location, occasion, establishment, phenomena, etc. They are most frequently utilized in research of business, medicine, education and social behaviour. There are a different types of case studies that researchers might use:

• Collective case studies

• Descriptive case studies

• Explanatory case studies

• Exploratory case studies

• Instrumental case studies

• Intrinsic case studies

Case studies are usually much more sophisticated and professional than regular essays and courseworks, as they require a lot of verified data, are research-oriented and not necessarily designed to be read by the general public.

How to write a case study?

It very much depends on the topic of your case study, as a medical case study and a coffee business case study have completely different sources, outlines, target demographics, etc. But just for this example, let's outline a coffee roaster case study. Firstly, it's likely going to be a problem-solving case study, like most in the business and economics field are. Here are some tips for these types of case studies:

• Your case scenario should be precisely defined in terms of your unique assessment criteria.

• Determine the primary issues by analyzing the scenario. Think about how they connect to the main ideas and theories in your piece.

• Find and investigate any theories or methods that might be relevant to your case.

• Keep your audience in mind. Exactly who are your stakeholder(s)? If writing a case study on coffee roasters, it's probably gonna be suppliers, landlords, investors, customers, etc.

• Indicate the best solution(s) and how they should be implemented. Make sure your suggestions are grounded in pertinent theories and useful resources, as well as being realistic, practical, and attainable.

• Carefully proofread your case study. Keep in mind these four principles when editing: clarity, honesty, reality and relevance.

Are there any online services that could write a case study for me?

Luckily, there are!

We completely understand and have been ourselves in a position, where we couldn't wrap our head around how to write an effective and useful case study, but don't fear - our service is here.

We are a group that specializes in writing all kinds of case studies and other projects for academic customers and business clients who require assistance with its creation. We require our writers to have a degree in your topic and carefully interview them before they can join our team, as we try to ensure quality above all. We cover a great range of topics, offer perfect quality work, always deliver on time and aim to leave our customers completely satisfied with what they ordered.

The ordering process is fully online, and it goes as follows:

• Select the topic and the deadline of your case study.

• Provide us with any details, requirements, statements that should be emphasized or particular parts of the writing process you struggle with.

• Leave the email address, where your completed order will be sent to.

• Select your payment type, sit back and relax!

With lots of experience on the market, professionally degreed writers, online 24/7 customer support and incredibly low prices, you won't find a service offering a better deal than ours.

psychology

A case study is a research method that extensively explores a particular subject, situation, or individual through in-depth analysis, often to gain insights into real-world phenomena or complex issues. It involves the comprehensive examination of multiple data sources, such as interviews, observations, documents, and artifacts, to provide a rich and holistic understanding of the subject under investigation.

Case studies are conducted to:

  • Investigate a specific problem, event, or phenomenon
  • Explore unique or atypical situations
  • Examine the complexities and intricacies of a subject in its natural context
  • Develop theories, propositions, or hypotheses for further research
  • Gain practical insights for decision-making or problem-solving

A typical case study consists of the following components:

  • Introduction: Provides a brief background and context for the study, including the purpose and research questions.
  • Case Description: Describes the subject of the case study, including its relevant characteristics, settings, and participants.
  • Data Collection: Details the methods used to gather data, such as interviews, observations, surveys, or document analysis.
  • Data Analysis: Explains the techniques employed to analyze the collected data and derive meaningful insights.
  • Findings: Presents the key discoveries and outcomes of the case study in a logical and organized manner.
  • Discussion: Interprets the findings, relates them to existing theories or frameworks, discusses their implications, and addresses any limitations.
  • Conclusion: Summarizes the main findings, highlights the significance of the research, and suggests potential avenues for future investigations.

Case studies offer several benefits, including:

  • Providing a deep understanding of complex and context-dependent phenomena
  • Generating detailed and rich qualitative data
  • Allowing researchers to explore multiple perspectives and factors influencing the subject
  • Offering practical insights for professionals and practitioners
  • Allowing for the examination of rare or unique occurrences that cannot be replicated in experimental settings

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Industrial and Organizational Psychology

  • Getting Started
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Business Case Studies

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Business Case Studies in Library Databases:

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To limit your search to case studies or business case studies in Business Source Elite, use the Advanced Search and then use the "Document Type"  limiter:

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To limit your search to case studies in Emerald Management, use the Advanced Search and then check the "Case Studies"  box above the search box.

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To limit your search to case studies or business case studies in ProQuest OneBusiness, use the Advanced Search and then use the "Document Type"  limiter:

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Open Access Business Case Studies:

A number of universities and organizations provide access to free business case studies.  Below are some of the best known sources.

  • Acadia Institute of Case Studies (archived link) The Acadia Institute of Case Studies is a non-profit centre in the School of Business Administration, Acadia University. The Institute's focus is on entrepreneurship and small business operations.
  • Arthur Andersen Case Studies in Business Ethics (Carnegie Mellon) From 1987-1994, Arthur Andersen funded a $5 million joint project with 525 universities to raise awareness of business ethics. This collection of 90 case studies is one product of that effort. All participating universities (includes BU) have license to use these materials and reproduce them as needed for instructional purposes.
  • Case Centre Case Centre offers a wide range of free cases produced by many prominent schools and organizations across the globe. You must be registered and logged into the website to access free cases. Once logged in, you can use "show only items in the free case collection" tick box in the product search to search all free cases.
  • Case Studies in Business, Industry and Government Statistics: CSBIGS High-quality case studies in modern data analysis ready to use for instruction, training or self-study. (Societe Francaise de Statistique, Toulouse School of Economics, France)
  • Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative - Anderson School of Management Online library of simple, straightforward business cases focused on principle-based ethics.
  • Enduring Legacies Native Cases: Business and Management Enduring Legacies Native Cases Initiative develop and widely disseminate culturally relevant curriculum and teaching resources in the form of case studies on key issues in Indian Country.
  • Ethics Unwrapped - McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin More than 50 case studies match ethics concepts to real world situations. From journalism to performing arts to foreign policy to scientific research to social work, these cases explore a range of current and historic ethical dilemmas, their motivating biases, and their consequences. Each case includes discussion questions, related videos, and a bibliography for further reading.
  • IBIMA Business Review Peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes publishing quality Case Studies in all business fields that significantly contribute to practice and support continuous learning efforts in organizations.
  • INSEAD Publishing: Cases Currently provides access to 15 free case studies. Registration is required to access the cases.
  • Internet Archive Access hundreds of digitized books that include business case studies on a wide variety of topics.
  • Ivey Business School (UWO) free cases Ivey is well known for its case method of learning and is a top publisher of business cases worldwide. Approximately 20 free cases are available.
  • Journal of Business Cases and Applications Goal is to share cases and exercises developed for classroom use in any area of business education. Subjects include Accounting, Business Administration, Business Law, E-Commerce, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Ethics, Decision Sciences, Finance, Information Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Teaching and Business Education, etc.
  • Journal of Business Case Studies (JBCS) Publishes papers that significantly contribute to the understanding of teaching business courses using case studies.
  • Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University: Ethics Cases Case studies and scenarios on a variety of fields in applied ethics (including business and leadership).
  • MIT Sloan - Case Studies Collection of teaching case studies developed by MIT Sloan faculty and students. May be downloaded, copied, distributed free of charge by anyone through creative commons license. Topics include entrepreneurship, leadership and ethics, operations management, strategy, sustainability, and system dynamics.
  • Nanyang Technopreneurship Case Centre Includes 27 free cases covering technopreneurship topics.
  • oikos International Cases Currently consists of over 80 peer-reviewed cases on sustainability in management and entrepreneurship.
  • Portland State University: Social Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship Case studies from The School of Business at PSU about Social Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship.
  • Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations From Rutgers' Curriculum Library for Employee Ownership Collection. Includes Free Case Studies of employee owned companies.
  • Society of Human Resources Management Case studies are available for HR faculty and instructors to use in HR classrooms at universities, as expressed in the Terms of Use for Faculty. Teaching notes are often included with each.
  • SSRN: Boston University Questrom School of Business Research Paper Series Includes research papers written by Questrom faculty. A small number of cases are included.
  • SSRN: Management Educator: Courses, Cases & Teaching eJournal "Promotes innovative approaches to curricular development, course content and delivery systems, student learning, and other educational issues that are important to management faculty to meet the growing demand for discussions, research and analysis on teaching management."
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business - free cases Click on "Narrow your results" and then under Availability select "Available to download at no charge."
  • Sustainable Development Goals case series-Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University 17 open access cases are currently included.
  • Ted Rogers Leadership Centre, Ryerson University: Case Study Collection Cases developed by Ted Rogers Leadership Centre for classroom use.
  • University of British Columbia: Open Case Studies Many of the UBC case studies focus on topics in sustainability, but cases on other topics such as business and economics are also included.
  • World Business Council for Sustainable Development Case Studies WBCSD is a global, CEO-led organization of over 200 leading businesses working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world.
  • Yale School of Management - Free Cases

Video Case Studies:

  • Kanopy Business Case Studies

To limit your search to case studies in PsycINFO, use the Advanced Search and then use the "Methodology"  limiter:

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Processing Therapy

What Is Case History In Psychology

Table of Contents

What does a case study mean in psychology?

A file containing pertinent information about a specific client or group is referred to as a case history in general. A wide range of professional organizations, including those in the fields of social work, psychology, healthcare, and psychiatry, maintain case histories. A case study is a type of research methodology that focuses on an individual, a team, or an event. A case study’s supporting documentation is referred to as a case history. A case study and a case history differ primarily in this way.The case study method frequently consists of merely observing what occurs to or rewriting the case history of a single participant or group of individuals (such as a school class or a particular social group), i.In psychology, the term case study refers to the use of a descriptive research methodology to produce an in-depth analysis of a subject, a group, or a phenomenon. Numerous methods, such as in-person interviews, direct observation, psychometric tests, and archival records, may be used.A life history, which tells the story of one particular person, is an illustration of a qualitative case study. A case study can be used to draw attention to a particular problem by focusing on the experiences of one person or one group.A case study can be illustrative, exploratory, cumulative, or critical within each of these types.

What is a well-known instance of a case study?

Famous case studies include Sigmund Freud’s Little Hans and The Rat Man, as well as John Martin Marlow’s analysis of Phineas Gage, the victim of a railway spike through the head. To shed light on unusual situations, case studies are frequently used in psychology. A case study is a research strategy that is employed to produce a thorough, multifaceted understanding of a complex issue in its actual setting. It is a well-known research strategy that is widely applied across a wide range of academic fields, particularly in the social sciences.Case studies are in-depth analyses of a single person, family, situation, or other entity. For instance, to comprehend a person’s history, relationships, and behavior, various types of data (psychological, physiological, biographical, and environmental) are put together.Document review and fieldwork are the two principal methods for gathering data when using the case study method. Literature review, the procedure by which the researcher gathers all the information accessible through historical documents, is also included in a case study in research methodology.A research method known as a historical case study uses data to show how certain cases, events, or programs changed over time and developed (Krull, 2007; Widdersheim, 2018).

Which two categories do case histories fall under?

It is possible to conduct instrumental case studies when a person or group enables researchers to learn more than what is initially apparent to observers. Case studies that involve an intrinsic motivation on the part of the researcher are referred to as intrinsic case studies. Three primary types of case studies have been helpfully identified by him: intrinsic, instrumental, and collective[8].According to Yin (1994) the case study design must have five components: the research question(s), its propositions, its unit(s) of analysis, a determination of how the data are linked to the propositions and criteria to interpret the findings.Types of Case Studies Researchers may examine an entire community or a group of people in a particular setting.Within these types, a case study may take four different forms: illustrative, exploratory, cumulative, and critical.For example, psychologists might explore how access to resources in a community has affected the collective mental well-being of those living there.

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Interview highlights

How alabama's ruling that frozen embryos are 'children' could impact ivf.

Ailsa Chang

Headshot of Alejandra Marquez Janse.

Alejandra Marquez Janse

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Justine Kenin

case study origin psychology

The decision stems from a case brought by three couples that had pursued in vitro fertilization treatment. Sang Tan/AP hide caption

The decision stems from a case brought by three couples that had pursued in vitro fertilization treatment.

Frozen embryos are people and you can be held legally responsible if you destroy them, according to a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court on Friday .

The decision could have wide-ranging implications for in vitro fertilization clinics and for hopeful parents.

All Things Considered host Ailsa Chang speaks to UC Davis Professor of Law Mary Ziegler, who breaks down the possible downstream legal implication for how IVF is performed.

Abortion pills that patients got via telehealth and the mail are safe, study finds

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Abortion pills that patients got via telehealth and the mail are safe, study finds.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Interview high lights

Ailsa Chang: Before we get to the actual ruling, can you just briefly explain the situation that led to the lawsuit, which was eventually brought to the state supreme court in Alabama?

Mary Ziegler: Absolutely. There were three couples that had pursued in vitro fertilization treatment at a clinic in Mobile, Alabama. And at a point in 2020, a hospital patient — the hospital was operated by the same clinic — entered the place where frozen embryos were stored, handled some of the embryos, burned his hand, dropped the embryos and destroyed them. And this led to a lawsuit from the three couples. They had a variety of theories in the suit, one of which was that the state's "wrongful death of a minor" law treated those frozen embryos as children or persons. And the Alabama Supreme Court agreed with them in this Friday decision.

Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children' under state law

Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children' under state law

Chang: It's worth noting that this lawsuit, it was a wrongful death lawsuit, meaning it was brought by couples who are mourning the accidental destruction of the embryos and wanting to hold someone responsible for that destruction. That said, what do you see as the wider-ranging or perhaps unintended consequences for IVF clinics in Alabama?

Ziegler: Well, if embryos are persons under this ruling, that could have pretty profound downstream complications for how IVF is performed. So, in IVF, generally more embryos are created than are implanted — they're stored, sometimes they're donated or destroyed, depending on the wishes of the people pursuing IVF. If an embryo is a person, it's obviously not clear that it's permissible to donate that embryo for research, or to destroy it. It may not even be possible to create embryos you don't implant in a particular IVF cycle.

So in other words, some anti-abortion groups argue that if an embryo was a person, every single embryo created has to be implanted, either in that person who's pursuing IVF, or some other person who "adopts the embryo." So as a result of that, it may radically change how IVF works, how cost effective it is, and how effective it is in allowing people to achieve their dream of parenthood.

'Something needs to change.' Woman denied abortion in South Carolina challenges ban

'Something needs to change.' Woman denied abortion in South Carolina challenges ban

Chang: Can you offer some examples, some expectations that you think we might see in how IVF providers in Alabama might change the way they operate?

Ziegler: Well, if Alabama IVF providers feel obligated to implant every embryo they create, that's likely to both reduce the chances that any IVF cycle will be successful. It also might make it a lot more expensive. IVF is already very expensive. I think the average being between about $15,000 and $20,000 per IVF cycle. Many patients don't succeed with IVF after one cycle. But if you were not allowed to create more than one embryo per cycle, that's likely to make IVF even more financially out of reach for people who don't have insurance coverage, and who struggle to pay that hefty price tag.

Chang: And what is the likelihood of this case heading to the U.S. Supreme Court?

Ziegler: It's pretty low, because of the way the Alabama Supreme Court framed its decision. It grounded very firmly in Alabama state constitutional law. And so I think this is the kind of ruling that could eventually have some reverberation at the U.S. Supreme Court, but it's very unlikely to be appealed directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Bayer makes a deal on popular contraceptive with Mark Cuban's online pharmacy

Bayer makes a deal on popular contraceptive with Mark Cuban's online pharmacy

Chang: If the ruling in this case was very much confined to Alabama state law, as you describe, what are the wider implications of this ruling for people who don't live in Alabama? What do you see?

Ziegler: I think there's been a broader strategy — the sort of next Roe v. Wade , if you will — for the anti-abortion movement. It is a recognition that a fetus or embryo is a person for all purposes, particularly for the purposes of the federal constitution. And while this isn't a case about the federal constitution, I think you'll see the anti-abortion movement making a gradual case that the more state courts — the more state laws — recognize a fetus or embryo as a person for different circumstances and reasons, the more compelling they can say is the case for fetal personhood under the constitution. The more compelling is their argument that a fetus is a rights holder and that liberal abortion laws or state abortion rights are impermissible.

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Watch CBS News

Judge in Trump's New York fraud case orders him to pay $354 million in penalties, plus millions more in interest

By Graham Kates, Melissa Quinn

Edited By Stefan Becket, Paula Cohen

Updated on: February 16, 2024 / 8:37 PM EST / CBS News

Former President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization must pay $354 million in fines — a total that jumps to $453.5 million when pre-judgment interest is factored in — a judge ruled Friday in their New York  civil fraud case . The long-awaited ruling also bars them from seeking loans from financial institutions in New York for a period of three years, and includes a three-year ban on Trump serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation.

Judge Arthur Engoron handed down his judgment in a 92-page decision on Friday. The ruling is one of the largest corporate sanctions in New York history. Trump has vowed to appeal. 

The judge's ruling also blocks Allen Weisselberg , the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, and Jeffrey McConney, former corporate controller, from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or other legal entity in the state for three years, and permanently bans them from serving in the "financial control function" of any New York corporation.

"The evidence is overwhelming that Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney cannot be entrusted with controlling the finances of any business," Engoron's order states.

In addition to imposing limits on Trump's business activities, the order bans his two oldest sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump, Jr., from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or legal entity for two years.

The two, who serve as executive vice presidents at the Trump Organization, must also pay more than $4 million apiece, including interest. Weisselberg is ordered to pay a $1 million penalty. 

Speaking outside Mar-a-Lago after the ruling, Trump called the judge "crooked" and insisted the case was a "witch hunt."

"We will get back to work. It's a ridiculous award — a fine of $355 million for doing a perfect job," Trump said.

"Complete lack of contrition"

Engoron issued a scathing rebuke of Trump, his two adult sons, Weisselberg and McConney in his decision, writing that they refused to admit error even after four years of investigation and litigation.

"Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological," he wrote. "They are accused only of inflating asset values to make more money. The documents prove this over and over again."

The judge determined that Trump, top officials at the Trump Organization, and his companies submitted "blatantly false financial data" to accountants in order to borrow more money at more favorable interest rates.

"When confronted at trial with the statements, defendants' fact and expert witnesses simply denied reality, and defendants failed to accept responsibility or to impose internal controls to prevent future recurrences," Engoron wrote.

He said the frauds in the case "leap off the page and shock the conscience."

New York Attorney General Letitia James cheered the decision as a victory for the state, the country and those who believe in an even playing field.

"There simply cannot be different rules for different people," she said in a statement. "Now, Donald Trump is finally facing accountability for his lying, cheating, and staggering fraud. Because no matter how big, rich, or powerful you think you are, no one is above the law."

Alina Habba, one of Trump's attorneys who also serves as his spokeswoman, denounced the decision and confirmed the former president will appeal Engoron's judgment.

"This verdict is a manifest injustice — plain and simple. It is the culmination of a multi-year, politically fueled witch hunt that was designed to 'take down Donald Trump,' before Letitia James ever stepped foot into the Attorney General's office," she said in a statement. "Countless hours of testimony proved that there was no wrongdoing, no crime, and no victim."

She continued: "Let me make one thing perfectly clear: this is not just about Donald Trump — if this decision stands, it will serve as a signal to every single American that New York is no longer open for business."

A spokesperson for the Trump Organization also defended the company's financial dealings, calling the ruling a "gross miscarriage of justice."

"If the Attorney General is permitted to retroactively insert herself into private commercial transactions between sophisticated parties, no business transaction entered into in the State of New York will be beyond the attorney general's purview," the spokesperson said. "Every member of the New York business community, no matter the industry, should be gravely concerned with this gross overreach and brazen attempt by the attorney general to exert limitless power where no private or public harm has been established."

James brought the civil suit in 2022, asking the judge to bar Trump from doing business in the state and seeking a penalty of $250 million, a figure her office increased to $370 million by the end of the trial. 

Trump and his legal team long expected a defeat, with the former president decrying the case as "rigged" and a "sham" and his lawyers laying the groundwork for an appeal before the judgment was even issued. 

Even before Friday's ruling, the judge had largely affirmed James' allegations that Trump and others at his company inflated valuations of his properties by hundreds of millions of dollars over the course of a decade, and misrepresented his wealth by billions. The scheme , the state said, was meant to trick banks and insurers into offering more favorable deal terms.

Engoron ruled in September that Trump and the other defendants were liable for fraud , based on the evidence presented through pretrial filings.

The trial, which began in October  and wrapped up in January , focused on other aspects of the lawsuit related to alleged falsification of business records, issuing false financial statements, insurance fraud and conspiracy.

The financial penalty James sought, known as disgorgement, is meant to claw back the amount Trump and his company benefited from the scheme. (Under New York law, disgorgement cases are decided by a judge, not a jury .) 

Ivanka Trump, the former president's daughter and once an executive at the Trump Organization, was originally named as a defendant in the suit, but an appellate court later dismissed allegations against her, citing the state's statute of limitations.

What were the Trumps accused of?

The lawsuit laid out seven causes of actions — the claims of illegal conduct that James' office said entitled the state to claw back ill-gotten profits and warranted severe sanctions against the defendants:

  • Persistent and Repeated Fraud
  • Falsifying Business Records
  • Conspiracy to Falsify Business Records
  • Issuing False Financial Statements
  • Conspiracy to Falsify False Financial Statements
  • Insurance Fraud
  • Conspiracy to Commit Insurance Fraud

The claims revolve around financial statements given by Trump and his company to banks and insurers.  The statements were prepared by accounting firms using spreadsheets of underlying data that included vast inflations of Trump property valuations.

The defendants lost on the first claim, persistent and repeated fraud, before the trial even started.

While Trump can appeal, the judgment will take a toll on his finances in the process.

"Trump may have a shot at reducing the damages on appeal, but to appeal he has to post an appeal bond of $350 million in this case and $83 million in E. Jean Carroll's case . That will be costly," John Coffee, a Columbia University law professor and an expert on corporate governance and white collar crime, told CBS News .

The Sept. 26 fraud ruling

Engoron agreed in September with James' office that it was beyond dispute, based on evidence presented through pretrial filings, that Trump and his company provided banks with financial statements that misrepresented his wealth by billions.

"The documents here clearly contain fraudulent valuations that defendants used in business," Engoron wrote in the Sept. 26 ruling.

Engoron found as fact in that ruling that Trump and the company overstated the valuations of many properties by hundreds of millions of dollars. He cited the Palm Beach Assessor valuation of Trump's Mar-a-Lago club at between $18 million and $28 million for each year between 2011 and 2021 — the values for which he paid local property taxes. During those years, Trump valued the property at between $328 million and $714 million on his annual statements of financial conditions.

Trump seized on the Mar-a-Lago valuation, complaining about it frequently during public appearances, in social media posts, and in his own defense at trial.

Trump's testimony at the trial

Donald Trump and three of his children testified during the trial, which began on Oct. 2 and ran for more than three months. 

Ivanka Trump and her brothers said they couldn't recall many of the interactions at the center of the case, including deliberations related to efforts to secure financing and insurance for Trump property developments. Eric and Donald Trump Jr. both sought to pin blame on the company's accountants, claiming they had little involvement in the preparation of financial statements that misrepresented the values of company properties.

But Engoron determined that there was "sufficient evidence" that Eric and Donald Trump Jr. "intentionally falsified business records." He found that Eric Trump "intentionally" gave McConney "knowingly false and inflated valuations" for the Seven Springs estate, a Trump-owned property in Westchester County, New York.

The former president took the stand on Nov. 6 , stopping to address the media on his way into court. "It's a very sad situation for our country," he said.

Under oath, he gave long-winded answers, seeming to test the judge's patience. At one point Engoron addressed Trump's lawyers, saying, "We got another speech," and urging them to "control him if you can."

As questioning continued, Trump defended the valuations of various Trump Organization properties said the company's statements of financial condition included a disclaimer that absolved him of responsibility for inaccuracies.

Engoron's order criticized Trump for failing to answer many questions, which the judge said damaged his credibility.

"Overall, Donald Trump rarely responded to the questions asked, and he frequently interjected long, irrelevant speeches on issues far beyond the scope of the trial. His refusal to answer the questions directly, or in some cases, at all, severely compromised his credibility."

Lawyers for the Trumps argued that the financial statements were accurate and well done, and also that valuations are subjective. They said that documents James' lawyers called evidence of fraud were actually evidence of Trump's "genius." Any misrepresentations or breaks with accepted accounting practices were his accountants fault, they said.

The former president himself also blamed his accountants, but maintained that his financial statements actually undervalued his properties and net worth.

"I'm worth more than the numbers in the statement," Trump said.

Jake Rosen and Aimee Picchi contributed reporting.

  • The Trump Organization
  • Donald Trump
  • Letitia James

Graham Kates is an investigative reporter covering criminal justice, privacy issues and information security for CBS News Digital. Contact Graham at [email protected] or [email protected]

More from CBS News

Trump's civil fraud judgment is officially over $450 million, and climbing

Judge in Trump fraud case denies bid to pause $354 million judgment

Jury finds Wayne LaPierre, NRA liable in corruption civil case

Trump claims immunity in move to dismiss classified documents case

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  1. Case Study Research Method in Psychology

    In psychology, case studies are often confined to the study of a particular individual. The information is mainly biographical and relates to events in the individual's past (i.e., retrospective), as well as to significant events that are currently occurring in his or her everyday life.

  2. Case Study: Definition, Examples, Types, and How to Write

    A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event. In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject's life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior. Case studies can be used in many different fields, including psychology, medicine, education, anthropology, political science, and social work.

  3. The Case Study Perspective on Psychological Research.

    The case study approach has a rich history in psychology as a method for observing the ways in which individuals may demonstrate abnormal thinking and behavior, for collecting evidence concerning the circumstances and consequences surrounding such disorders, and for providing data to generate and test models of human behavior. Nevertheless, the most typical methods for scientifically studying ...

  4. Case Study Methodology of Qualitative Research: Key Attributes and

    Introduction A case study is one of the most extensively used strategies of qualitative social research. Over the years, its application has expanded by leaps and bounds, and is now being employed in several disciplines of social science such as sociology, management, anthropology, psychology and others.

  5. What is a Case Study in Psychology?

    1. In-depth Analysis Case studies allow for an in-depth analysis of a particular individual, group, or phenomenon. By gathering extensive data about the subject of the study, researchers can gain a deep understanding of their experiences, behaviors, and attitudes. 2. Real-world Applications

  6. Case Study

    1 Citations Part of the Springer Texts in Education book series (SPTE) Abstract The historical origin and strategy of case study research dates back many years in applied and natural sciences. Its roots are traceable to life sciences such as criminology, medicine, and psychology.

  7. (PDF) A Case Study Primer: Origins and basic Principles ...

    "The case study approach allows researchers to focus in-depth on a case and to retain holistic and real-world perspectives" (Yin, 2018, p. 5). In addition, the case study method was especially ...

  8. The strange case of the Freudian case history: the role of long case

    Sigmund Freud's five long case histories have been the focus of seemingly endless fascination and criticism. This article examines how the long case-history genre developed and its impact on the professionalization of psychoanalysis.

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    Summary. The case study approach has a rich history in psychology as a method for observing the ways in which individuals may demonstrate abnormal thinking and behavior, for collecting evidence concerning the circumstances and consequences surrounding such disorders, and for providing data to generate and test models of human behavior (see Yin ...

  10. Case study (psychology)

    Case study in psychology refers to the use of a descriptive research approach to obtain an in-depth analysis of a person, group, or phenomenon. A variety of techniques may be employed including personal interviews, direct-observation, psychometric tests, and archival records.

  11. What is CASE STUDY? definition of CASE STUDY (Psychology Dictionary)

    C CASE STUDY By N., Sam M.S. n. an in-depth assessment and investigation conducted on a target individual, family unit, or social group. It requires a researcher to collect multiple types of data that would prove to be useful in creating a complete biographical, psychological, physiological, and environmental background on the case. Contents

  12. Psychology's 10 Greatest Case Studies

    The "Wild boy of Aveyron" - named Victor by the physician Jean-Marc Itard - was found emerging from Aveyron forest in South West France in 1800, aged 11 or 12, where's it's thought he had been living in the wild for several years.

  13. What Is a Case, and What Is a Case Study?

    What Is a Case, and What Is a Case Study? - Hervé Dumez, 2015. Qu'est-ce qu'un cas et qu'est-ce qu'une étude cas ? L'étude de cas est largement pratiquée dans les sciences sociales (gestion, psychologie, sciences de l'éducation, science politique, sociologie). Beaucoup de travaux méthodologiques y ont été consacrés.

  14. Case Study Psychology: A Comprehensive Writing Guide

    A case study psychology definition can be compared to a magnifying glass turned toward a single individual, group, or phenomenon. ... Personal History: Explore the subject's life history, including their upbringing, family background, education, and career path. These details provide insights into their development and experiences.

  15. What Is a Case Study?

    Step 1: Select a case Step 2: Build a theoretical framework Step 3: Collect your data Step 4: Describe and analyze the case Other interesting articles When to do a case study A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject.

  16. Case Studies

    Psychology Reference Study Notes Case Studies Case studies are very detailed investigations of an individual or small group of people, usually regarding an unusual phenomenon or biographical event of interest to a research field. Due to a small sample, the case study can conduct an in-depth analysis of the individual/group.

  17. PDF WRITING A PSYCHIATRIC CASE HISTORY

    Most case histories are under 10 pages (size 10 font). Number of pages do not necessarily translate to a better mark. Reading this model case history, one will have an excellent understanding of the patient's history, development, current situation and presentation. It also has an excellent diagnostic formulation and exhaustive management plan.

  18. How To Write a Psychology Case Study in 8 Steps (Plus Tips)

    A psychology case study is a thorough study of a single person, community or event that relies on observations, facts and experiments to gather information. Psychologists collect information for a case study through psychometric testing, observation, interviews, experiments and case study archives.

  19. 15 Famous Experiments and Case Studies in Psychology

    Famous Experiments in Psychology 1. The Marshmallow Experiment Psychologist Walter Mischel conducted the marshmallow experiment at Stanford University in the 1960s to early 1970s. It was a simple test that aimed to define the connection between delayed gratification and success in life.

  20. Frontiers

    1 Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy; 2 Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy; 3 Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy; This case study examines the complex relationship between childhood trauma, dissociation, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) within the context of ...

  21. Scientists Discuss How to Study the Psychology of Collectives, Not Just

    Launched by the Association for Psychological Science in 2006, Perspectives on Psychological Science is a bimonthly journal publishing an eclectic mix of provocative reports and articles, including broad integrative reviews, overviews of research programs, meta-analyses, theoretical statements, and articles on topics such as the philosophy of science, opinion pieces about major issues in the ...

  22. Best Case Study Writing Service

    The ordering process is fully online, and it goes as follows: • Select the topic and the deadline of your case study. • Provide us with any details, requirements, statements that should be emphasized or particular parts of the writing process you struggle with. • Leave the email address, where your completed order will be sent to.

  23. Case Study

    A case study is a research method that extensively explores a particular subject, situation, or individual through in-depth analysis, often to gain insights into real-world phenomena or complex issues. ... Understanding the Meaning Behind Them. February 16, 2024 Discover the intriguing world of dreams involving your ex-girlfriend. Unravel the ...

  24. Case Studies

    Psychology Case Studies. PsycINFO This link opens in a new window. The PsycINFO®, database, American Psychological Association's (APA) renowned resource for abstracts of scholarly journal articles, book chapters, books, and dissertations, is the largest resource devoted to peer-reviewed literature in behavioral science and mental health. ...

  25. What Is Case History In Psychology

    A case study is a type of research methodology that focuses on an individual, a team, or an event. A case study's supporting documentation is referred to as a case history. A case study and a case history differ primarily in this way.The case study method frequently consists of merely observing what occurs to or rewriting the case history of ...

  26. The abortion pill case on its way to the Supreme Court cites a

    The study was cited three times by a federal judge who ruled against mifepristone last spring. That case, which could limit access to mifepristone throughout the country, will soon be heard in the ...

  27. How Alabama's ruling that frozen embryos are 'children' could ...

    Frozen embryos are people and you can be held legally responsible if you destroy them, according to the Alabama Supreme Court. The decision could have wide-ranging implications for IVF clinics.

  28. Judge in Trump's New York fraud case orders him to pay $354 million in

    Trump fined $354M in civil fraud case, cannot do business in New York for 3 years 33:42. Former President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization must pay $354 million in fines — a total that ...