write psychology case study

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

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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

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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.

 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

How to Write a Psychology Case Study: Expert Tips

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.

Short Description

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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Our team of skilled psychologists and wordsmiths is here to craft a masterpiece from your ideas.

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:

• 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.

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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.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

How to Write a Good Case Study in Psychology (A Step-by-Step Guide)

• March 4, 2022
• Teaching Kids

A case study psychology is a type of research that uses real-life examples to help understand psychological concepts. This type of research can be used in a variety of settings, such as business, health care, education, and social services.

Case studies are typically composed of three parts: the problem or issue, the intervention or treatment, and the outcome. The problem or issue is what caused the person to seek help, and the intervention or treatment is what was done to try to solve it. The outcome is how things changed after the intervention or treatment was implemented.

Step by step instructions on how to write an effective case study in Psychology

1. Gain Knowledge About The Topic

To write a case study in psychology, you will need to do some research on the topic you are writing about. Make sure that you read journal articles, books, a case study example, and any other reliable sources in order to get a comprehensive understanding of the topic. You will also need to find a suitable example or examples of how psychological concepts have been applied in real-life situations. For example, a psychology student might interview a friend about how she balances her time between work and studies.

2. Research the Individual or Event

In this case, you can choose either a person or an event for your case study research. If you are writing about a specific event, look for past issues that relate to it and any ongoing ones that may have a connection to it.

You may choose to write about a specific problem or situation that affected the individual in some way, such as how it relates to their psychology. For example, you may want to study a man who has been in relationships with several women within the same time period and what effects this has on them.

If you are writing about a person, obtain biographical information and look for any psychological assessments that have been done on the individual.

3. Analyze The Information

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, it is time to go through it and identify important facts that will influence your paper.

This is where you use your skills of inductive and deductive reasoning, to analyze the information that you have gathered. You will usually look for patterns within this information and draw conclusions about how it has affected or contributed to their psychology.

Summarize each point in order to make note-taking easier later on when writing your case study.

4. Draft A Plan

Once you have gathered all the relevant information, it is time to start drafting a plan for your case study. This case study format should include an introduction, body, and conclusion.

The body of the case study should be divided into different sections that will discuss different aspects of the topic. Make sure that your argument is clear and concise, and that you use data to support your ideas, rather than simply stating them as facts or personal opinions.

5. Structure Your Work

As mentioned in the previous step, the body of the case study should be divided into different sections for effective writing. The introduction should include a short paragraph about what you plan to write in the study and what the case study method will be, while the conclusion should summarize your argument and leave the reader with a sense of closure. Each section in the body should have its own heading to help the reader follow your line of argument.

6. Write The Case Study

Now that you have a plan and structure for your case study, it is time to start writing!

Even if you are writing a case study on your own, break it down into small sections and make sure you include every aspect of the topic within each section. Think about how you will present your case study and what points are essential to make in the body.

Include details, quotes, infographics or numeric data that help support your arguments and overall conclusion. This is what makes a great case study: An overview of every aspect of the topic researched within it!

7. Write a Theoretical Introduction

In this section, you will introduce your topic and explain why it is significant in relation to the area of psychology that you are studying.

In the theoretical introduction, you will write about the basic principles of human psychology and growth, then explain how you think this situation relates to your study topic.

After explaining the theoretical part in detail, state why studying this particular aspect will help psychologists understand aspects of humanity within different areas such as sociology or anthropology.

8. Describe How The Individual or Event Was Studied

Researchers in psychology write case studies to gain an in-depth understanding of specific topics pertaining to their field. For this reason, you should explain how you came across your sources of information and why this was beneficial to your research.

In describing how the individual or event was studied, you may also include information about what you discovered through your research and why it is important.

9. Write a Conclusion

In this part of your essay, bring together all key points discussed in the course of writing the case study. You should summarize what you have written and state your own conclusions based on the research that you have conducted.

10. Edit And Proofread The Case Study

Once you have finished writing the case study, it is important to edit and proofread it carefully. This will help to correct any grammatical errors that may have slipped into the writing process, and will also ensure that you are producing an accurate document. You might find it helpful to seek advice from someone who has experience in this field before sending it off for submission.

11. Submit It To The Appropriate Sources

When submitting your case study, make sure that you are sending it to the correct journal or publication. Check the submission guidelines carefully to make sure that your case study meets all the requirements.

By following these steps, you can create a well-written case study that will provide readers with a clear understanding of the topic at hand. Remember to take your time while researching and writing, and to be as thorough as possible in order to produce a high-quality document. Good luck!

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How to Write a Psychology Case Study: Definition, Types, and Helpful Tips

What Is a Case Study in Psychology?

Why are psychology case studies important, psychology case study types, academic benefits of psychology case studies, how to write a psychology case study step-by-step.

Tips for Writing a Psychology Case Study

Case Study Psychology Example

Writing a psychology case study involves examining the complexities of human behavior and cognition with a balance of precision and empathy. In this article, we'll analyze the practical aspects of the case study method in psychology. Whether you're a freshman or a senior-year student, we'll provide practical advice and examples to guide you through the process. From selecting suitable subjects and adhering to ethical standards to presenting your findings clearly, our goal is to demystify the process and help you create impactful psychology case studies. Or, as a quicker alternative, consider hiring a research paper writer right now so you can finish the article knowing your assignment is in good hands.

According to a psychology case study definition, it is a detailed examination of a particular individual, group, or phenomenon within its real-life context. Scholars utilize case studies to gain in-depth insights into unique and complex aspects of human behavior, cognition, or mental health. Unlike broader research methods, a case hones in on specific instances, allowing for a thorough exploration of the variables and interactions influencing the subject. These studies often incorporate a variety of sources, including interviews, observations, psychological assessments, and sometimes historical records, aiming to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject under investigation.

The strength of a psychology case study lies in its ability to offer a holistic perspective on the intricacies of human experiences, shedding light on individual nuances that may not be apparent in more generalized approaches. Learners can draw upon case studies to explore rare disorders, therapeutic interventions, or the interplay of various factors in shaping behavior, contributing valuable insights to the broader field of psychology.

Psychology case studies hold significant importance in the field for several compelling reasons. Firstly, they provide an opportunity to delve deeply into the intricacies of individual experiences, offering a nuanced understanding that often eludes broader research methods. By focusing on specific cases, scholars can uncover unique patterns, triggers, and responses that contribute to a richer comprehension of human behavior, cognition, and mental health.

Secondly, psychology case studies are invaluable for illustrating the practical application of theoretical concepts and therapeutic interventions. They bridge the gap between theory and real-world scenarios, showcasing how cognitive principles manifest in diverse contexts. This practical insight aids not only scholars but also students and practitioners, offering a tangible connection between academic knowledge and its real-world implications. If, at this point, it seems a bit too complicated, you can make things easier by simply asking, ‘ write my case study .’

Lastly, case studies contribute to the cumulative knowledge of the psychological community by presenting rare or unusual cases that may not be easily replicable in experimental settings. These atypical scenarios offer a chance to broaden the scope of scientific understanding, uncover new phenomena, and stimulate further inquiries. In essence, psychology case studies serve as rich repositories of information, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human behavior and fostering continuous advancement within the field.

From a technical perspective, psychology case studies can be categorized based on the research design and methodological approach employed. Here are some technical types of psychology case studies:

Descriptive Case Studies

• These focus on providing a detailed account of the individual or group under study without manipulating variables. Descriptive case studies often involve extensive observation, interviews, and the collection of qualitative findings to portray a comprehensive picture of the subject's psychological characteristics.

Exploratory Case Studies

• Employed when little is known about a particular phenomenon, exploratory case studies aim to identify key variables and generate hypotheses. They involve in-depth exploration and may use a variety of methods to uncover new insights.

Explanatory Case Studies

• With a focus on understanding cause-and-effect relationships, explanatory case studies delve into why certain psychosomatic phenomena occur. Students use these studies to establish connections between variables and elucidate the underlying mechanisms at play.

Instrumental Case Studies

• In instrumental case studies, the individual or group is studied in-depth because they serve as a means to gain insights into a broader issue or theory. The focus is on understanding how the case can provide instrumental knowledge for addressing larger intellectual questions.

Intrinsic Case Studies

• In contrast to instrumental case studies, intrinsic case studies focus on the uniqueness of the individual or group itself. The aim is not to generalize findings but to deeply understand the specific case for its inherent value.

Holistic Case Studies

• Holistic case studies consider the individual or phenomenon as a whole, taking into account multiple aspects of their psychology. This approach captures the complexity and interdependence of various factors influencing behavior or mental processes.

Longitudinal Case Studies

• These studies involve the collection of material over an extended period, allowing students to track changes and developments in an individual or group over time. Longitudinal case studies are valuable for understanding developmental processes and long-term psychological effects.

Cross-Sectional Case Studies

• In contrast to longitudinal studies, cross-sectional case studies collect data at a single point in time. These studies provide a snapshot of the psychic characteristics or behaviors of the individual or group under investigation.

The choice of how to write a psychology case study depends on the question, objectives, and the nature of the phenomenon being studied. Learners must carefully consider their goals and the practical constraints of their work when selecting the appropriate technical approach.

Psychology case studies offer numerous academic benefits, serving as invaluable tools for educators and students alike. Firstly, case studies provide a bridge between theoretical concepts and real-world applications within the field of psychology. By dissecting individual experiences, you can illustrate how abstract theories manifest in concrete human behaviors, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of cognitive principles.

Secondly, case studies offer an opportunity for in-depth exploration and analysis. In academia, the depth and detail provided by case studies allow for a comprehensive examination of specific cerebral phenomena. This richness of information enables you to draw nuanced conclusions and uncover intricate patterns that may be overlooked in more generalized academic approaches.

In addition, psychology case studies serve as invaluable teaching tools. Educators can utilize real-world examples to illustrate theoretical concepts, making the material more relatable and engaging for students. Case studies provide a practical application of classroom learning, allowing students to see how psychological theories and interventions play out in diverse and authentic settings.

Finally, case studies contribute to the cumulative knowledge of the discipline. As researchers publish their findings, case studies become a shared resource that enriches the broader academic community. They provide a platform for the dissemination of unique insights, rare occurrences, and innovative approaches to psychological practice.

Need Help with Your Case Study?

Our psychology paper writers are open to a new task right now.

In the upcoming section, we'll explore a set of valuable tips to guide you through the process of crafting a compelling psychology case. From choosing the right subject to presenting your findings with clarity, these insights aim to enhance your ability to create an impactful and well-crafted narrative.

STEP 1 – Select an Intriguing Subject

Choosing a subject for your psychology case study is a critical first step. The selected subject should not only align with your educational goals but also be captivating and complex enough to warrant a thorough investigation. Consider individuals facing unique subliminal challenges, groups navigating specific circumstances, or phenomena requiring in-depth exploration.

It's imperative to assess the feasibility of accessing relevant information and obtaining informed consent, ensuring that ethical considerations guide your selection process. A well-chosen subject sets the stage for analysis that not only engages readers but also contributes meaningfully to the field of psychology by shedding light on unique aspects of human behavior and mental processes.

In addition to personal interest, researchers should evaluate the practicality of data collection and the potential impact of the study on the broader field. By selecting a subject with depth and complexity, you can lay the foundation for a case that goes beyond surface-level analysis, offering valuable insights into the nuances of psychological phenomena.

STEP 2 – Conduct a Comprehensive Literature Review

Conducting a comprehensive literature review is a crucial preparatory step before delving into your case study. This process involves a thorough examination of existing knowledge on your chosen topic, including key studies, theories, and any gaps in knowledge. The literature review serves to contextualize your work within the broader field of psychology, ensuring that your work contributes something novel and relevant to the existing body of knowledge. Pay close attention to the methodological approaches used in previous case studies, as they can provide valuable insights into best practices and potential pitfalls.

As you review the literature, consider how others have approached similar topics and the methodologies they employed. This examination helps refine your questions, ensuring they address gaps or unanswered aspects identified in the literature. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, you not only build a strong foundation for your case study but also position your research within the larger academic discourse, demonstrating its significance and potential contribution to the field of psychology.

STEP 3 – Define Your Research Questions and Objectives

Once you have a clear understanding of how to write a psychology case study using existing literature, articulate specific and focused research questions and objectives. Your topic questions should serve as the guiding force behind your case, directing the information collection and analysis. These questions need to be realistic and feasible, aligning with the purpose of your question.

Concurrently, define clear objectives that outline the outcomes you intend to achieve. This step provides a roadmap, ensuring that every aspect of your case study contributes directly to answering your questions and achieving your predefined objectives.

In refining your research questions and objectives, consider how they relate to the broader goals of psychology and how they might address gaps identified in the literature review. Clarity in your points and objectives is fundamental to maintaining focus and purpose throughout your investigation.

STEP 4 – Choose Your Research Methodology

Selecting a suitable research methodology is a pivotal decision in the case study process. Depending on your questions and objectives, decide whether a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approach is most appropriate. Qualitative methods, such as interviews and observations, are often suitable for exploring subjective experiences and providing rich, in-depth insights.

Quantitative methods involving numerical data are more appropriate for measurable outcomes and statistical analyses. Mixed methods allow for a comprehensive approach, combining the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Ensure that your chosen methodology aligns with the nature of your exploration and provides a robust framework for collecting and analyzing data.

Consider the ethical implications of your chosen methodology and whether it allows for a nuanced understanding of the psychological phenomena under investigation. Your methodology should be well-justified, reflecting a deliberate choice based on the specific requirements of your case.

STEP 5 – Gather Data Methodically

With your methodology in place, methodically gather data from various sources. Depending on your chosen approach, this may involve conducting interviews, observing behaviors, administering psychological assessments, or analyzing relevant documents.

Ensure that your evidence-collection methods align with your research questions and maintain a focus on ethical considerations. Develop a systematic plan for data collection, documenting procedures meticulously to foster transparency and reproducibility. By approaching data collection methodically, you lay the groundwork for a robust and reliable dataset that will serve as the basis for your subsequent analysis.

As you gather evidence, consider the potential biases or limitations associated with your chosen methods and make adjustments accordingly. Thoughtful and systematic data collection enhances the credibility of your case study, ensuring that the information you acquire is both accurate and relevant to your research objectives.

STEP 6 – Analyze Your Data

Once you have collected your data, employ rigorous analysis techniques to derive meaningful insights. For qualitative data, this may involve thematic or content analysis, identifying recurring patterns and themes. Quantitative data, on the other hand, may undergo statistical analysis to reveal patterns, relationships, or significant differences. The chosen analysis method should align with your research questions and provide a clear interpretation of the data.

Transparency in your analysis process enhances the credibility of your findings. Clearly document your analytical approach, detailing any coding schemes, statistical tests, or software used in the process. The goal is to present your results in a clear, organized manner, ensuring that your analysis is robust, replicable, and contributes directly to addressing your research questions.

STEP 7 – Construct a Coherent Narrative

Crafting a coherent narrative is essential to communicating your case study effectively. Structure your work with a clear outline that includes background information, methodology, results, and discussion. Begin by introducing your subject and providing the necessary context for readers to understand the significance of your writing.

Detail your methodology, explaining how you gathered and analyzed facts. Present your results objectively, using visuals such as tables or graphs if applicable. In the discussion section, interpret your findings in relation to your questions, acknowledging limitations and suggesting avenues for future research. A well-constructed narrative ensures that your case study is accessible, engaging, and effectively conveys the importance of your exploration. To do this right, consult our APA research paper outline guide that every psychology student should know.

A coherent narrative goes beyond summarizing your findings; it weaves together the various elements of your case study into a compelling story. Consider how each section contributes to the overall message and significance of your work. By presenting a clear and organized narrative, you enhance the accessibility of your case and facilitate a deeper understanding of your research.

STEP 8 – Draw Conclusions and Implications

Summarize your key findings and draw conclusions based on your analysis. Discuss how your results contribute to the existing body of knowledge in psychology and whether they support or challenge existing theories. Address the implications of your findings for the broader field, considering practical applications, policy implications, or recommendations for future research. This step ensures that your case study transcends mere description, offering valuable insights and contributing meaningfully to the ongoing discourse in psychology.

By drawing robust conclusions and discussing broader implications, your case study becomes a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and educators alike. Consider how your findings might inform therapeutic interventions, influence public policy, or contribute to advancements in the understanding of human behavior. Articulating clear conclusions and implications solidifies the impact of your contribution and positions it as a meaningful contribution to the field of psychology.

5 Helpful Tips for Writing a Psychology Case Study

Writing a psychology case study requires a thoughtful approach to ensure clarity, depth, and accuracy. Here are five helpful tips to guide you:

Clearly Define the Purpose and Scope

• Begin by outlining the purpose of your case study.
• Clearly state what you aim to achieve and the specific psychological phenomena you intend to explore.
• Define the topical scope to ensure a focused and concise analysis.
• This will help you stay on track and provide a clear direction for your research.

Use a Structured Format

• Organize your case study using a structured format to enhance readability and understanding.
• A typical structure includes an introduction, background information, presenting the problem, theoretical framework, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Consult our guide on how to write an article to get more practical insights regarding this point.

Incorporate Relevant Psychological Theories and Concepts

• Demonstrate your understanding of psychological theories and concepts by integrating them into your case study.
• Relate the observed behavior or phenomenon to established psychological frameworks.
• This not only adds depth to your analysis but also showcases your knowledge of relevant theories, contributing to the academic rigor of your case study.

Include Rich and Detailed Descriptions

• Provide thorough descriptions of the individuals involved, the environment, and the circumstances surrounding the case.
• Use rich, vivid language to paint a detailed picture of the psychological aspects under examination.
• Including direct quotes and specific examples adds depth to your analysis and helps readers connect with the case on a more personal level.

Discuss Implications and Possible Interventions

• Conclude your case study by discussing the broader implications of your findings.
• Consider how the insights gained from the case could be applied in real-world scenarios.
• If applicable, suggest potential interventions or strategies based on your analysis. This demonstrates your ability to not only understand psychological phenomena but also to consider their practical implications and applications.

Remember to cite relevant sources and literature to support your analysis and provide a solid foundation for your case study. Always adhere to ethical guidelines when conducting and reporting on psychological case studies.

As we’ve covered all the tips, chances are high that you’re already eager to get down to writing, right? Hold on a second, as we’d like to show you an example of a similar assignment written by one of our psychology case study writers .

"Exploring the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Attachment: A Case Study"

Introduction

This case study investigates the psychological consequences of childhood trauma on adult attachment styles. The participant, referred to as "Sarah," has volunteered to share her experiences in the hope of contributing to the understanding of the long-term effects of childhood adversity on interpersonal relationships.

Background Information

Sarah is a 32-year-old female with a history of significant childhood trauma. She experienced physical abuse from her father and witnessed frequent domestic violence between her parents. The traumatic events persisted until her parents' divorce when she was 12 years old. Since then, Sarah has struggled with forming and maintaining stable relationships.

Presenting the Problem

Sarah has reported difficulty trusting others, maintaining close relationships, and expressing her emotions. She often experiences fear of abandonment and exhibits avoidant behaviors when someone tries to get close to her. This case study aims to explore the connection between Sarah's childhood trauma and her current attachment patterns.

Theoretical Framework

This case study is grounded in attachment theory, particularly focusing on the impact of early experiences on adult attachment styles. Attachment patterns, as proposed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, will be used to understand Sarah's interpersonal dynamics and emotional regulation.

Methodology

A combination of qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and standardized attachment assessments, will be employed to gather information from Sarah. Additionally, collateral information from relevant sources, such as therapy records and historical documents, will be used to triangulate the data.

Preliminary findings suggest that Sarah exhibits a predominantly avoidant attachment style, characterized by a fear of intimacy and a tendency to withdraw emotionally. The interviews reveal a deep-seated fear of vulnerability and a reluctance to trust others. Standardized attachment assessments support these observations, indicating a clear pattern of avoidance in interpersonal relationships.

The case study highlights the enduring impact of childhood trauma on adult attachment patterns. The findings align with attachment theory, emphasizing the importance of early experiences in shaping individuals' ability to form and maintain relationships. Implications for therapeutic interventions, such as trauma-focused therapy and attachment-based interventions, will be discussed.

This case study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles. Further research is needed to generalize these findings and explore the efficacy of specific interventions in addressing the long-term consequences of early adversity on attachment. The study contributes to the broader understanding of the psychological processes involved in overcoming the impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships.

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Methodology

• 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.

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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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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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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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Tips for Writing Psychology Papers

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

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

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Writing in psychology is formal, concise, and straightforward. When writing a psychology paper, avoid using metaphors, anecdotes, or narrative. Your paper should be well-cited and the point should be clear. In almost all cases, you will need to structure your paper in a specific way and follow the rules of APA format. 

Learn more about writing in psychology and how to write a psychology paper.

The Importance of Writing in Psychology

Writing is important in psychology because the study and practice of psychology involves complex concepts. Writing is an important way to note observations, communicate new ideas, and support theories.

Most psychology courses require a significant amount of writing, including essays, case studies, research reports, and other papers . Start by viewing each class assignment as an opportunity to learn and practice. Check out resources offered by your school, such as tutors or writing labs, and learn more about the different types of psychology writing.

The following resources offer tips, guidelines, and advice on how to write psychology papers. If you are struggling with writing a psychology paper, following some of the guidelines below may help.

Basic Tips for Writing a Psychology Paper

If you have never written a psychology paper before, you need to start with the basics. Psychology writing is much like other types of writing, but most instructors will have special requirements for each assignment.

When writing a psychology paper, you will be expected to follow a few specific style guidelines. Some important tips to keep in mind include:

• Back up your words and ideas with evidence. Your work should be well-cited using evidence from the scientific literature. Avoid expressing your opinion or using examples from your own life.
• Use clear, concise language. Get directly to the point and make sure you are making logical connections between your arguments and conclusions and the evidence you cite.
• Avoid literary devices. Metaphors, anecdotes, and other literary devices you may have used in other types of writing aren't appropriate when you are writing a psychology paper.
• Use the correct format. Most psychology writing uses APA style, but your instructor may have additional formatting requirements.
• Check the rubric. Before you start a psychology paper, you'll need to learn more about what you should write about, how you should structure your paper, and what type of sources you should use. Always check the grading rubric for an assignment before you begin writing and brush up on the basics.

Types of Psychology Writing

There are a few different types of psychology papers you may be asked to write. Some examples and how to write them are listed below.

How to Write a Psychology Case Study

Students taking courses in abnormal psychology , child development , or psychotherapy will often be expected to write a case study on an individual—either real or imagined. Case studies vary somewhat, but most include a detailed history of the client, a description of the presenting problem, a diagnosis, and a discussion of possible treatments.

This type of paper can be both challenging and interesting. You will get a chance to explore an individual in great depth and find insights into their behaviors and motivations. Before you begin your assignment, learn more about how to write a psychology case study .

How to Write a Psychology Lab Report

Lab reports are commonly assigned in experimental or research-based psychology courses. The structure of a lab report is very similar to that of a professional journal article, so reading a few research articles is a good way to start learning more about the basic format of a lab report.

There are some basic rules to follow when writing a psychology lab report. Your report should provide a clear and concise overview of the experiment, research, or study you conducted. Before you begin working on your paper, read more about how to write a psychology lab report .

How to Write a Psychology Critique Paper

Psychology critique papers are often required in psychology courses, so you should expect to write one at some point in your studies. Your professor may expect you to provide a critique on a book, journal article , or psychological theory .

Students sometimes find that writing a critique can actually be quite challenging. How can you prepare for this type of assignment? Start by reading these tips and guidelines on how to write a psychology critique paper .

Remember to Edit Your Psychology Paper

Before you turn in any type of psychology writing, it is vital to proofread and edit your work for errors, typos, and grammar. Do not just rely on your computer's spellchecker to do the job! Always read thoroughly through your paper to remove mistakes and ensure that your writing flows well and is structured logically.

Finally, always have another person read your work to spot any mistakes you may have missed. After you have read something so many times, it can become difficult to spot your own errors. Getting a fresh set of eyes to read through it can be very helpful. Plus, your proofreader can ask questions and point out areas that might not be clear to the reader.

Know the Rules of APA Format

Not learning APA format is a mistake that costs points for many students. APA format is the official style of the American Psychological Association and is used in many different types of science writing, especially the social sciences. Before you hand in any writing assignment, always double-check your page format, in-text citations, and references for correct APA format. If you need directions or examples, check out this guide to APA format .

A Word From Verywell

Writing psychology papers is an important part of earning a degree in psychology. Even non-majors often find themselves writing such papers when taking general education psychology classes. Fortunately, paying attention to the directions provided by your instructor, familiarizing yourself with APA style, and following some basic guidelines for different types of psychology papers can make the process much easier.

Levitt HM. Reporting qualitative research in psychology: How to meet APA style journal article reporting standards . American Psychological Association; 2020. doi:10.1037/0000179-000

Willemsen J, Della Rosa E, Kegerreis S. Clinical case studies in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic treatment . Front Psychol . 2017;8:108. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00108

Klein RM, Saint-Aubin J. What a simple letter-detection task can tell us about cognitive processes in reading . Curr Dir Psychol Sci . 2016;25(6):417-424. doi:10.1177/0963721416661173

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

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Psychology Case Study Guide: Writing Tips and Tricks

Ever wondered how to craft a compelling psychology case study that not only captures the essence of the subject but also holds the reader’s attention from start to finish? You’re in the right place. Psychology case studies are a cornerstone of psychological research and education, providing in-depth insights into human behavior, thought processes, and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Whether you’re a student, educator, or professional, mastering the art of writing a psychology case study is a valuable skill.

Table of Contents

What Makes a Great Psychology Case Study?

At its core, a great psychology case study is informative, engaging, and insightful. It not only presents facts but also tells a story, inviting readers into the complex world of psychological inquiry. The key elements include a clear focus, detailed observation, and an analytical approach to unravel the intricacies of human psychology.

Choosing Your Case Study Subject

Selecting the right subject is the first step towards writing an effective case study. Look for cases that are unique, have a clear psychological significance, or offer new insights into psychological phenomena.

Structure and Format

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the subject and the main psychological phenomena or problem being explored.
• Background Information: Provide context about the subject’s history, psychological background, and any relevant details.
• Case Presentation: Describe the case in detail, including observations, psychological assessment, and any interventions undertaken.
• Outcomes and Analysis: Discuss the outcomes of the case, including the effectiveness of any interventions and an analysis of the case in relation to psychological theory.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key findings and their implications for psychological theory and practice.

Research and Data Collection

Gathering reliable and relevant data is crucial for a psychology case study. This involves detailed record-keeping, interviews, psychological assessments, and sometimes, direct observation. Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of your data is paramount.

Helpful Hint:

When collecting data, always consider ethical guidelines and obtain consent from your subject or their guardian. Protecting the privacy and well-being of your subject should be your top priority.

Writing with Clarity and Precision

Writing a psychology case study requires a balance between scientific rigor and narrative engagement. Use clear, concise language to describe complex psychological concepts and ensure your analysis is thorough and evidence-based.

Utilize psychological theories and previous research to frame your case study. This not only adds depth to your analysis but also situates your work within the broader psychological discourse.

Ethical Considerations in Case Study Research

Conducting a psychology case study goes beyond academic rigor; it demands a high ethical standard. Ethical considerations include ensuring confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and presenting the case study in a way that respects the subject’s dignity and privacy.

Always anonymize your subject’s identity unless you have explicit permission to use their real name. Furthermore, consider the impact of your case study on their well-being and future privacy.

Integrating Theoretical Frameworks

The strength of a psychology case study often lies in its theoretical underpinning. Integrating relevant psychological theories and frameworks not only provides a lens through which to interpret the case but also anchors your findings in the broader scientific community.

• Choose theories that align closely with your case’s themes and issues.
• Use these frameworks to guide your analysis and interpretation of the data.
• Discuss how your case study contributes to or challenges existing theories.

Analysis and Interpretation

Analysis is where your case study comes to life. This involves dissecting the collected data to uncover patterns, insights, and contradictions. Interpretation, on the other hand, is about making sense of these findings in the context of psychological theories and previous research.

• Highlight key observations and their implications.
• Use direct quotes and examples from your data to illustrate your points.
• Consider alternative explanations and view your findings from multiple perspectives.

Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion of your case study should succinctly summarize the key findings, reflect on the theoretical and practical implications, and suggest areas for future research. It’s also an opportunity to ponder the broader questions raised by your study and its contribution to psychology.

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, case studies contribute to approximately 20% of published psychological research, highlighting their importance in advancing our understanding of human behavior.

Peer Review and Publication

Sharing your case study with the academic community can be immensely rewarding. Consider submitting your work to psychological journals or presenting at conferences. Peer review can provide valuable feedback and help refine your study for publication.

Before submission, ensure your case study meets the publication’s formatting and ethical guidelines. Getting a mentor or colleague to review your work can also offer new insights and improvements.

Pros and Cons of Writing Psychology Case Studies

• Deepens understanding of psychological theories through practical application.
• Enhances analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Improves research and data collection abilities.
• Promotes empathy and ethical sensitivity towards subjects.
• Offers a unique insight into individual behaviors and patterns.
• Time-consuming due to in-depth research and analysis requirements.
• Potential ethical dilemmas and privacy concerns for subjects.
• Can be challenging to maintain objectivity and avoid biases.
• Limited by the single case’s context, reducing generalizability.

Wrapping Up

Writing a psychology case study is a meticulous process that requires a blend of scientific rigor and narrative skill. From selecting a compelling subject to presenting detailed analyses, each step offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of human psychology. By adhering to ethical guidelines, employing critical thinking, and weaving an engaging narrative, you can create a case study that not only contributes to academic knowledge but also captivates the reader. Remember, the aim is to illuminate the complexities of the human mind and behavior, providing valuable insights that can inform both theory and practice.

Additional Resources

• American Psychological Association (APA) : Access guidelines and resources for writing psychology case studies.
• Psychology Today : Explore articles and insights on psychology research and case study writing.

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Psychology Case Study: Guide to Follow

By: Henrique Bertulino

If you’re studying psychology at the college or university, you’ll most likely deal with such an assignment as the case study . It is a common task for schools that combine theoretical education with the practice one. On the one hand, it requires a lot of time and effort, so many students don’t appreciate such assignments. On the other hand, it helps you develop the necessary skills to build a successful career.

Assignment Purposes

Cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic, interpretative phenomenological analysis, grounded theory, advantages of case studies, disadvantages of case studies, types of psychology case studies, quantitative research, qualitative research, identifying the key issues, describing the solution, where to look for information, college student with a sleep disorder, jill price's amazing memory abilities, the woman with suicidal thoughts, tell a story, use appropriate language, approach it as a challenge, don’t be biased, seek for help.

One thing you should understand is that there is nothing impossible. You may have never heard about this assignment before, but once you finish this article, you’ll be able to come up with a perfect paper. Or at least you’ll know that you may count on our support whenever you need it. If you don’t have enough time or desire to submit the case study on yourself, just rely on our professional authors.

What is The Psychology Case Study?

Let’s start with a case study definition . It is an in-depth investigation of an individual, group of people, community, or event. Typically, psychologists gather data from different sources and use some other methods for this purpose. This one is often used in clinical cases when it is not practical or even possible to conduct lab research.

Speaking about students, you may deal with real individuals, imagined individuals, characters from books, movies, TV shows, etc. It depends on the features of your educational program, as well as on your knowledge and experience. For example, first-year students may not be allowed to be real psychology patients. They can only observe the process and make notes. But if you have a particular background, you can define diagnosis and suggest your treatment.

Most students learn better from examples than from theoretical material. The real world is often different from the class, so case studies are a beneficial technique.

Case studies are used not in psychology only, they are also common for medical schools, law schools, business schools, etc. They can be used anywhere if the professors want students to apply their knowledge to real situations. Most case tasks require researchers to provide a solution to problems that can arise in their work routine. There is no one correct answer because different psychologists have different methods, strategies, approaches. The main objective is to teach bachelors of science how they can develop an action plan and decide.

Psychological Approaches You May Use

Using this approach, you focus on the person as a whole. It means you should look at one’s behavior not only as a therapist but through the eyes of the subject you study as well. This approach helps to evolve and put a treatment plan into place due to the patient’s self-image and feelings.

This approach is suitable for patients with mood, eating, and other disorders, e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Working on a case, the future therapist should consider the patient’s habits, thoughts, beliefs. Sometimes it is necessary to observe patient behavior during a particular period to understand how one reacts to different events, interacts with other people, etc.

Sigmund Freud developed this approach. He championed that the mind is often unconscious, and this part affects people’s behavior.

Adherents of this theory focus on individuals or groups of people and analyze how they make sense of some events and their personal significance.

Using this approach, you should first collect the data about the subject or events you study, and only then you integrate them into broader categories. Then you’re looking for a relationship between them to understand the issues better and develop a treatment.

The case method has a lot of advantages, both for instructors and students. It is an excellent opportunity to engage the class in real projects by abstracting from the theoretical questions. This assignment develops your skills in:

• Problem-understanding and solving;
• Analytical thinking;
• Research methods using;
• Handling with ambiguities;
• Stress resistance.

The huge advantage is that students find case studies exciting. They spend years in the classroom, and now they have an opportunity to touch the real psychologist’s daily routine. It is a perfect chance to show yourself, to do something creative, and make your suggestions.

Although case studies have enough advantages, there are some limitations as well. Firstly, this tool lacks scientific rigor. You can’t use raw data only, and your subjective feeling may affect the final result. It is also challenging to replicate. Because you deal with a particular person or a group, other students may not receive the same effect as the other community even if one is using the same tools. A lot of things depend on your interpretation, not on the data as it is.

Besides, case studies take a lot of time and effort since you can’t just sit in front of your laptop working on the project. You need to meet people, communicate with them, to analyze a lot of information. And the last task is to prepare a well-structured text to organize your thoughts and provide the main insights.

These disadvantages show that case studies can’t be used as only a psychological approach. However, they are still handy for the community and educational purposes as well.

2 Essential Methods of Case Study

There are two main methods that you may use to submit a piece:

• The prospective one is when you observe a person or a group of people to determine outcomes. For example, you want to understand how the disease progresses and gather a group to watch over it.
• The retrospective tool is the one where you look at historical information. It means that you start with an outcome, e.g., a disease. You work your way backward to analyze the person’s life and determine risk factors that may affect the illnesses’ development.
• Collective. Using this type, you study the behavior of the group of people in a particular setting.
• Descriptive. It goes about observing the subjects and comparing them to the pre-existing theory.
• Explanatory. This case paper type is often used for causal investigations. You study factors that may cause some things you’re interested in.
• Exploratory. If you’re going to conduct further and more in-depth research, you use the exploratory case study to start with. It helps you to gather more data before you state your research questions and hypotheses.
• Instrumental. It occurs when the person or group allows you to understand more than what was initially apparent.
• Intrinsic. You may use this type when you have a personal interest in the case. For example, when you observe your relatives contribute to the psychological theory development.

4 Steps You Need to Write a Psychology Case Study

Working on your student’s assignments, try to understand your next steps. It will show you how much time you should devote to and where to start.

Before you start working on an assignment, you should construct an efficient methodology. You need to know how to gather the data, answer the research issue, and find trustworthy sources.

Defining the best strategy, you should think about these questions:

• What issue do you want to address in your case study?
• Who is your target audience?
• Are you going to study an individual, a group, an organization?
• Do you have a particular period to explore? Is this the current state? Maybe you want to explore some events that have changed over time?
• Where is your research issue taking place?

You should know that there are two main types of research methods. You can follow one of them to prepare your psychology case study.

This type is focused more on quantity than on quality. You gather data and present it in the form of hard cold facts, stats analysis, numbers. This research approach requires you to deploy math frameworks to question the data quantity. There are also several sub-methods you may follow:

• Survey. Researchers utilize polls of questions, questionnaires, interviews to understand how subjects behave in particular situations. You may use chat, email, phone, and other ways to conduct a successful survey.
• Correlation. This quantitative research type is intended to test and analyze two variables and their interconnection. You may use it to understand an occurrence.
• Experiment. This type is a platform for many studies. You have hypotheses, and you need to confirm it or to refute it.

The qualitative research has another direction. Your task is not just to provide the data you’ve gathered. You need to present it in detail. Your text will include reviews, interviews, opinions, and other sources you may use to support evidence.

There are also some sub-methods future psychologists should be familiar with:

• Ethnographic. Working on research, you explore the particular culture, its features. Is there any motivation to keep it going? How this community affects the participants?
• Grounded theory. This type is quite different from other research models. You already have data on a particular topic, and now you need to move towards developing the new concept.
• Case study. Researchers define one target and focus on it. They collect data using various resources, including literature, concepts, theories, interviews, etc.

As you can see, the case study itself is a qualitative research tool. However, you may gather and analyze data using quantitative methods as well.

One of the essential steps of writing a case study is to explain the issue you’re going to research. It defines the purpose of the whole project and the scenario you’ll follow along the way.

If you can see various issues or challenges, write all of them down. Your task is to assess them and identify the most important ones. Try to describe each of them in a couple of sentences, providing their effect and consequences. You will see what matters and what you are interested in. Further, working on the issue, you should also explain the reasons for its occurrence. Remember that you have to address these issues within the real-life context.

The next step important for a good grade is the description of the possible solution. Now you know the roots and causes of the problem, so it's time to think about the hypotheses you had and their results. What worked out? What not? You should provide a detailed description to fulfill the purpose.

It is not enough just to write about the solution. A good case is intended to teach people something, to give them knowledge and insights. If you know the causes and reasons of the research issue, you should write about them. Other researchers may use your data for their projects. Besides, you need the analysis to understand your strong and weak sides. Working on this section, you’ll see that some explanations are evidence-based, while others are just your assumptions.

There are a lot of various sources that you can use to gather data about a person or a group. You can use one of these essential sources:

• Archival records. You can use archives to find necessary name lists, survey records, census records, etc.
• Documents. It goes about administrative notes, newspaper articles, letters, and other papers.
• Interviews. It is one of the essential sources to gather information about individuals or groups. You can communicate with subjects, using different psychology questions to ask , such as survey-type or open-ended questions.
• Direct observation. Researchers observe the subject in different settings, often in a natural one.
• Participant observation. You can gather information serving as a participant in different events, observing the actions and outcomes.
• Physical artifacts. You observe the subject in any way you may find tools, instruments, objects, and other artifacts useful for your research.

Ensure your sources are trustworthy because you can’t just copy information from the Facebook post or the email subscription. It is vital to use authorized journals, official notes, observations, and so on. Ask your professor where you can find the necessary information. One may provide you with access to secured databases.

Psychology's Famous Case Studies to Get Inspired By

A simple case search will help you find the most famous case studies that affected psychology as a science and provided researchers with powerful insights. We’ve compiled a list with some interesting cases for your inspiration.

Gerry was a regular 21-year-old college student with an outstanding academic performance. Everything was okay until Geery realized that he can’t sleep as usual. Thoughts did not leave his head during the nights. Suddenly Gerry began demanding his friends’ attention regardless of the time at the watch. He’d always been respectful, so such behavior wasn’t normal at all. But the further the worse. A couple of days later, the student said that his roommates were spying on him.

After visiting the counselor, Gerry was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy helped him to prevent relapse.

Jill Price has a diagnosis that many people could dream of. She has hyperthymesia, in other words, an incredible memory that stores many details of her life. Jill can easily remember what her dinner was like 20 years ago. But if you are in a hurry to learn how to acquire such a superpower, we will disappoint you. The patient did not feel happy at all. In addition to important information and pleasant moments in life, she remembers all the derogatory remarks and traumatic events in the smallest detail.

Jill Price is 54 years old now, and she is still involved in psychological case studies that try to understand her brain's characteristics. The gathered evidence points to a rare offshoot of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Jessica worked in a large hospital as a medical resident. She woke up on the wrong side of the evil one day, but she couldn’t shake it. Her favorite job seemed stupid and useless, and the previously responsible Jessica began to ignore her shifts simply. She has similar problems at home with her husband and children. One day she even found herself wishing she was dead. These thoughts appeared in her head more often, but the woman continued to convince her husband that nothing was wrong. Fortunately, she worked in a hospital, so her coworkers understood that it was not. They convinced their colleague to seek help. Jessica was diagnosed with a major depressive disorder.

A Fem More Case Study Tips to Succeed

Of course, the case study is primarily a psychology task that requires particular knowledge and experience. However, the final result depends on your writing skills, as well. And if you know how to write an essay , it will simplify the whole process. The case study also has a particular structure, requires you to formulate thoughts clear and understandable, attract readers’ attention in the introduction, and provide evidence-based facts. Here are some tips that will help you to come up with a great case study!

Though the case study is an academic assignment, it is a paper about someone’s life. And life is always a story. Think about the paper’s scenario using these questions:

• When has everything started?
• What were the first events?
• How the patient felt?
• What was the reaction of the surrounding?
• Were there some confusing, funny, exciting events?
• How did one ask for help?
• What was the reason for conducting this study?
• How have you developed the solution?
• What are your significant insights?

Reading case study examples , you’ll see that they keep you on your toes. It is almost a book or a TV show, just for psychologists.

Writing a case study, you should consider your target audience all the time. If it is just an academic assignment, you may use the terms and expressions you use in the class. However, if you want to publish your paper, it is crucial to think about readers who are not as familiar with psychology science as you’re. When you’re writing that the patient has bipolar disorder, explain what it means. You can create a particular chapter with definitions and explanations, or use them exactly in the text. Is it dangerous? Which symptoms it has? Imagine that your readers know nothing and use appropriate language to explain your data.

The case study is a common task for different majors, not psychology only. For example, students who are pursuing a business degree, deal with it as well. Of course, they work under other circumstances, but the final goal is to understand the causes and reasons for some events.

You may take their approach to succeed with your paper. Imagine that you have some business goals, and your work defines whether you’ll get the profit. If you come up with a perfect solution, describing the case study, your readers will benefit from the job you’ve done.

Working with people, it is not so easy to forget about your emotions and personal opinion. Most psychologists have feelings for their patients, but particular ethical norms are developed to regulate the behavior.

As a student, you may have some difficulties with the moving part of the case study. Your work not with an object, but with a real person. It is vital to stay professional in the paper, to show evidence-based facts only, without biased content. Consult your professor or discuss this issue with fellow students if you need any advice.

In samples that we’ve used above, people asked for professional help since they could not solve the problem independently. You may find yourself in a similar situation when you have many assignments on different subjects and don’t know how to cope with all of them. You can always hire a professional author who will help you organize your thoughts in a structured paper or provide you with a custom case study. Use this opportunity to free yourself time and to impress your professor! And if you need to buy psychology paper online — you know where to go!

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• Academic Writing Guides

Learn to Write Psychology Case Studies and Get an A+ Grade!

Psychology case studies are a unique method for studying human behavior and mental processes. These in-depth case studies allow students to uncover complex aspects of human nature and understand how various factors influence people’s psychological states.

Case studies provide insight into unique life situations that highlight individual characteristics, challenges, and coping strategies.

This research method becomes especially valuable in psychotherapy, as one can gain deep insight into the human psyche through the practical aspects of treatment and client interaction. In this article, we will look at the significance of psychological case studies, talk about their types, and share tips on how to write a case study.

Rules for Writing Psychological Case Studies

Writing psychology case studies requires a careful and systematic approach to demonstrate the complexities of a particular person’s psychological experience. Below, we will guide how to write a quality psychology case study that will succeed:

• Select the appropriate case. The first step is to select a psychology case that is interesting and relevant to your field. Try looking at real-life situations that highlight psychological phenomena.
• Write a strong introduction. Next, you need to briefly describe the case you will discuss, including background information about the person and the reason for choosing this case. Remember to clearly state the purpose of the study so that readers do not have additional questions.
• Describe the case you have chosen. Here, it is worth providing a detailed description of the person, including demographics, relevant medical history, and any relevant environmental factors. Try to give information on the client’s current situation and their problems.
• Create a theoretical framework. After describing the situation, it is essential to integrate relevant psychological theories that help explain the person’s behavior and experiences. Here, you can discuss how these theories help you understand the situation.
• Carry out a diagnosis and provide an assessment. Describe the methods used to assess personality, including psychological tests, interviews, or observations.
• Create a treatment plan. Create a comprehensive treatment plan once you have all the information you need. Here, you can talk about therapeutic interventions, counseling techniques, etc.
• Describe the implementation of the plan. Explain the sessions, interventions, and any changes made based on the client’s progress.
• Evaluate the result of the work done. This section should address client behavior, emotions, or cognition changes.
• Write a conclusion. Try to summarize the critical points of the psychology case study. In addition, highlight the contributions he makes to the field of psychology and suggest areas for future research.
• Create a list of references used. Cite all sources and references in your case study using appropriate citation style.

With these rules, you can create a quality document that will be successful. However, to better understand what this should look like, you can check out the case study in psychology example, which will help you create a clear structure and strong content.

What Is a Case Study Psychology?

Before moving on to writing, it is essential to find out what is a case study psychology. Many students wonder what the purpose of this document is and what it should look like, but everything is much simpler than it might seem at first glance. A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific person, group, event, or situation in psychology.

The main goal of psychology case studies is to comprehensively study the subject, focusing on various aspects such as behavior, emotions, cognitive processes, and environmental factors. This method is commonly used in clinical psychology, counseling, and other applied areas of psychology.

Importance of Psychology Case Study

Psychology case studies are essential for several reasons, as they significantly contribute to understanding and developing psychological knowledge. Below, we list the critical reasons for the meaning of case study in psychology:

• In-depth research. Case studies provide a detailed and in-depth study of specific people, groups, or situations.
• Application of theory to practice. Researchers can apply psychological theories and concepts to real-life situations through case studies.
• Illustration of psychological concepts. Case studies serve as illustrative examples of psychological concepts and theories.
• Analysis of unique cases. Unusual or rare cases can provide insights that lead to the development of new theories or improvements to existing ones.
• Rich contextual information. Case study psychology often includes much contextual information, such as the person’s background, history, and environmental factors.
• They are informing clinical practice. In clinical psychology and counseling, case studies provide information about specific mental health problems, treatment outcomes, and therapeutic approaches.
• Teaching and learning tool. Case studies are valuable for educational purposes because they provide students with real-life examples that enhance their understanding of psychological concepts and principles.

Having familiarized yourself with the definition of case study in psychology, you can understand that it has its strengths, such as depth and richness, making it a valuable and integral part of scientific research in psychology.

Main Types of Case Studies in Psychology

There are several case studies in psychology, each serving different purposes and research objectives. Below, you can see several common types that are the most popular:

• Descriptive examples. These case studies aim to provide a detailed and comprehensive description of a specific person, group, or phenomenon.
• Preliminary case studies. They are conducted when researchers want to understand a new or complex problem better.
• Explanatory examples. This type of research is designed to explore the causes or explanations of a specific phenomenon.
• Internal case studies. They focus on a case that is inherently interesting and valuable in its own right.
• Instrumental examples. Instrumental psychology case studies are conducted to understand a problem or phenomenon vital in a more extensive study.
• Collaborative case studies. This type of research involves examining multiple cases that share common characteristics.
• Longitudinal case studies. They involve observation and analysis of a case over a long period.
• Analysis of critical cases. Critical case studies focus on a specific event or turning point in a person’s life.
• Comparative case studies. These studies involve analyzing two or more cases to identify similarities and differences.

To choose one of the methods of case study in psychology, you need to familiarize yourself with the research question, the purpose, and the nature of the phenomenon being studied. Most researchers choose the type that best suits their goals and the depth of understanding they seek to achieve.

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Pros of psychology case studies.

Cases of study in psychology have several advantages, making them a valuable research method in this field. Below, we list the key benefits of using such research:

• Deep understanding.
• Rich descriptive data.
• Real Application.
• Holistic view.
• Study of unique cases.
• Identification of patterns and trends.
• Longitudinal analysis.
• Generation of hypotheses.
• Integration of theory and practice.
• Educational tool.
• Ethical considerations.

Despite all these advantages, it is essential to recognize that each case study method has its limitations, including problems of generalizability, potential biases, and issues of establishing cause-and-effect relationships. Researchers often use several methods to complement and enhance the overall study design.

Tips on How to Write a Case Study Psychology

Most students ask questions about how to write a case study psychology. It is important to remember that writing a paper like this requires attention to detail, ethical considerations, and a clear understanding of the subject. Below, you can learn some actionable tips that will help you complete your writing assignment successfully:

• First of all, it is essential to understand your target audience.
• Next, you should choose an interesting case to study that will attract the reader’s attention.
• Make sure your case study follows ethical guidelines.
• Offer enough context and background information to help readers understand the person being studied.
• Clearly state the psychological problem or issue you are addressing in the case study.
• Integrate psychological theories or concepts that are relevant to your case study.
• Use descriptive language.
• Describe the methods used to assess an individual and provide an appropriate case study sample for psychology.
• Present your findings objectively and without bias.
• Write a comprehensive treatment plan based on your examination and diagnosis.
• Describe the implementation of the treatment plan and evaluate its results.
• Draw a compelling conclusion by summarizing the key points of the case study.
• Before completing the example psychology case study, carefully proofread the document for grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors.

By following these tips, you can create a well-structured, informative, and ethical psychology study that will significantly contribute to the understanding of psychology.

Steps to Write a Psychology Case Study

Writing psychology case studies involves a structured process that ensures a thorough and meaningful examination of a particular subject. Below, we will provide step-by-step instructions that will help you write a quality document:

• Choose an interesting and relevant case.
• Clearly describe the purpose and select the required psychology case study format.
• Obtain informed consent from those involved.
• Collect all the necessary information about the person.
• Identify a specific problem.
• Conduct a literature review.
• Develop a theoretical framework.
• Describe the methods you will use to evaluate the property.
• Implement your chosen assessment methods and collect data.
• Analyze the data and formulate a diagnosis.
• Develop a treatment plan.
• Implement your treatment plan.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
• Refer to existing literature.
• Have a complete discussion.
• Write a conclusion.
• Cite sources and references.
• Edit and proofread.

Following these steps, you can easily create a successful psychology case study to reveal the essence and provide an in-depth personality analysis.

Qualitative Psychology Case Study Examples

Case studies involve an in-depth study of individuals or groups, often using interviews, observations, and document analysis. Some psychology case study examples help you understand what this should look like.

Parenting styles and children’s behavior

A case study examining the relationship between parenting style and child behavior. Researchers can use qualitative interviews with parents and observations of parent-child interactions to explore how different parenting approaches affect a child’s psychological well-being.

Workplace stress and coping strategies

A case study examining how employees in a specific workplace cope with stress. Qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups can be used to identify everyday stressors, coping mechanisms, and the impact of organizational culture on employee well-being.

The impact of social media on body image

A case study examining the impact of social media on body image perception, especially among youth. Qualitative methods such as interviews and content analysis of social media posts can be used to examine how exposure to idealized body images influences self-perception.

These examples illustrate the diversity of qualitative psychology case studies, highlighting how researchers can use qualitative methods to better understand the complexities of human behavior, experience, and mental health in different contexts.

Psychological case studies in psychology are essential for expanding the understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Case studies provide a unique opportunity for in-depth analysis of individual scenarios, enriching students’ knowledge and shedding light on various aspects of psychology.

They demonstrate the application of theories in practice and help generate hypotheses for future research. In summary, case studies are crucial in developing psychological science by providing unique contexts for discussing and understanding human nature.

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Case Examples

Examples of recommended interventions in the treatment of depression across the lifespan.

Children/Adolescents

A 15-year-old Puerto Rican female

The adolescent was previously diagnosed with major depressive disorder and treated intermittently with supportive psychotherapy and antidepressants. Her more recent episodes related to her parents’ marital problems and her academic/social difficulties at school. She was treated using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Chafey, M.I.J., Bernal, G., & Rossello, J. (2009). Clinical Case Study: CBT for Depression in A Puerto Rican Adolescent. Challenges and Variability in Treatment Response. Depression and Anxiety , 26, 98-103.  https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20457

Sam, a 15-year-old adolescent

Sam was team captain of his soccer team, but an unexpected fight with another teammate prompted his parents to meet with a clinical psychologist. Sam was diagnosed with major depressive disorder after showing an increase in symptoms over the previous three months. Several recent challenges in his family and romantic life led the therapist to recommend interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents (IPT-A).

Hall, E.B., & Mufson, L. (2009). Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A): A Case Illustration. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 38 (4), 582-593. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374410902976338

© Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (Div. 53) APA, https://sccap53.org/, reprinted by permission of Taylor & Francis Ltd, http://www.tandfonline.com on behalf of the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (Div. 53) APA.

General Adults

Mark, a 43-year-old male

Mark had a history of depression and sought treatment after his second marriage ended. His depression was characterized as being “controlled by a pattern of interpersonal avoidance.” The behavior/activation therapist asked Mark to complete an activity record to help steer the treatment sessions.

Dimidjian, S., Martell, C.R., Addis, M.E., & Herman-Dunn, R. (2008). Chapter 8: Behavioral activation for depression. In D.H. Barlow (Ed.) Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (4th ed., pp. 343-362). New York: Guilford Press.

Reprinted with permission from Guilford Press.

Denise, a 59-year-old widow

Denise is described as having “nonchronic depression” which appeared most recently at the onset of her husband’s diagnosis with brain cancer. Her symptoms were loneliness, difficulty coping with daily life, and sadness. Treatment included filling out a weekly activity log and identifying/reconstructing automatic thoughts.

Young, J.E., Rygh, J.L., Weinberger, A.D., & Beck, A.T. (2008). Chapter 6: Cognitive therapy for depression. In D.H. Barlow (Ed.) Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (4th ed., pp. 278-287). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Nancy, a 25-year-old single, white female

Nancy described herself as being “trapped by her relationships.” Her intake interview confirmed symptoms of major depressive disorder and the clinician recommended cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

Persons, J.B., Davidson, J. & Tompkins, M.A. (2001). A Case Example: Nancy. In Essential Components of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy For Depression (pp. 205-242). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/10389-007

While APA owns the rights to this text, some exhibits are property of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy, which has granted the APA permission for use.

Luke, a 34-year-old male graduate student

Luke is described as having treatment-resistant depression and while not suicidal, hoped that a fatal illness would take his life or that he would just disappear. His treatment involved mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which helps participants become aware of and recharacterize their overwhelming negative thoughts. It involves regular practice of mindfulness techniques and exercises as one component of therapy.

Sipe, W.E.B., & Eisendrath, S.J. (2014). Chapter 3 — Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy For Treatment-Resistant Depression. In R.A. Baer (Ed.), Mindfulness-Based Treatment Approaches (2nd ed., pp. 66-70). San Diego: Academic Press.

Reprinted with permission from Elsevier.

Sara, a 35-year-old married female

Sara was referred to treatment after having a stillbirth. Sara showed symptoms of grief, or complicated bereavement, and was diagnosed with major depression, recurrent. The clinician recommended interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for a duration of 12 weeks.

Bleiberg, K.L., & Markowitz, J.C. (2008). Chapter 7: Interpersonal psychotherapy for depression. In D.H. Barlow (Ed.) Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: a treatment manual (4th ed., pp. 315-323). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Peggy, a 52-year-old white, Italian-American widow

Peggy had a history of chronic depression, which flared during her husband’s illness and ultimate death. Guilt was a driving factor of her depressive symptoms, which lasted six months after his death. The clinician treated Peggy with psychodynamic therapy over a period of two years.

Bishop, J., & Lane , R.C. (2003). Psychodynamic Treatment of a Case of Grief Superimposed On Melancholia. Clinical Case Studies , 2(1), 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534650102239085

Several case examples of supportive therapy

Winston, A., Rosenthal, R.N., & Pinsker, H. (2004). Introduction to Supportive Psychotherapy . Arlington, VA : American Psychiatric Publishing.

Older Adults

Several case examples of interpersonal psychotherapy & pharmacotherapy

Miller, M. D., Wolfson, L., Frank, E., Cornes, C., Silberman, R., Ehrenpreis, L.…Reynolds, C. F., III. (1998). Using Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in a Combined Psychotherapy/Medication Research Protocol with Depressed Elders: A Descriptive Report With Case Vignettes. Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research , 7(1), 47-55.

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Everything You Need To Know About Writing A Psychology Case Study

Writing a psychology case study can seem to be an onerous task. Not only do you have to worry about the quality of your writing, but also the various sources, types, diagnosis and theoretical approaches as well. But never fear – as here is our step by step guide to help you understand exactly what is necessary.

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What is a psychology case study.

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Sources for a psychology case study, how we can help, theoretical approaches, types of psychology case study, psychology case study: strength and limitations.

In most cases, a psychology case study focuses on one individual.  However, there are also times when it can be necessary to include multiple cases.  In the case of undergraduate study, it is very common for case study writing to center around a character from a book or a film – for example, the character Hannibal Lecter.

By analyzing and discussing all aspects of your subject’s life, behavior, thought processes and history, it is possible to discover any patterns and possible causes as to why they exhibit the morals, rituals and other aspects that deviate from what is considered accepted behavior.

Throughout history psychological case studies have been accepted as the most accurate way of investigating individuals who show psychiatric and psychological abnormalities that deviate from what we consider being ‘normal’ human behavior.  Looking back at, probably, the most famous of all examples – Freud’s work and theories that we still use to this day were very much developed via his use of in-depth case studies.

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•  Remember that every type of medical case study will not only focus on one set of symptoms.  The human psyche is huge and complex subject, and before you begin to formulate any diagnosis it will be necessary to study the complete case file, and understand how the different symptoms portrayed all interlink for that particular study.  This is extremely important, because all quality case study writing only comes to diagnosis after analyzing all the facts.

• The nature of this kind of study means that your subjects might not always tell the truth.  Failure to spot this can result in false diagnosis.  However, lies in themselves are a powerful diagnostic tool, and you will need to develop a healthy skepticism to be able to understand the underlying information these untruths can provide.

• Use all possible information to formulate your diagnosis.  This should include the case history, patient interview/s along with any relevant information you can find in books or on the Internet.

•  Finally, you not only need to acknowledge any symptoms that are consistent throughout the study, but also note any inconsistencies.  These can be used to add weight to your final diagnosis.

What is important to understand about how to write a case study of this type, is that the study itself is not a research method.  The case study is literally the result of bringing together of all the information necessary to come to diagnosis. In order to produce a psychology case study that is as in-depth and accurate as possible, first you should gather a comprehensive profile.  The information you’ll need to collect will include:

– Official records. This should include any accessible records such as employment, school and medical records, along with any test results that may have been carried out.

– Any personal notes they might have written such as a diary or letters, photographs and official documentation such as their clinical notes and other professional appraisal reports.

– One of the most effective methods of finding out more about your study is the interview .  Along with a direct interview, also consider speaking to the person’s family, friends, work colleagues, teachers, employers and anybody who knows the person well.  Plan your questions in advance, and try to use open questions, rather than closed or rhetorical ones.  This way it allows the answers you receive to give you a genuine insight into the person, rather than hearing anything that you may have already pre-conceived about them.

– Observation. Watching the person – when they are unaware of scrutiny – is an excellent way of gaining a psychological profile.  This can be performed by an individual, but it is more common for direct observation to take place by a group of people.

If you gather your information that way, it will give credence to your eventual diagnosis.

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Even if you’ve realized it’s due in as soon as tomorrow, then we can help.  Because  P rof E ssays.com provides an emergency 8-hour service to write your case study, ensuring that it is completed to our exacting standards.  This means simply that your study is guaranteed to be one of a kind, plagiarism free and will never, ever be sold or printed at any point in the future.  Period!  So no matter how late you’ve left it, get in touch and order your case study now.

Once you have covered all the background for your case study – the background, description and diagnosis, it is necessary to move onto various interventions that could be used to help the person.

This analysis can be made using different theoretical approaches.  You might be instructed to use just one of the theoretical approaches, or you might need to examine and analyze the benefits of multiple approaches.  You should take into account the type of case study you’re writing.  For instance, a schizophrenia case study may benefit from different theories than other studies of a different psychological cause.

The following are the commonly known and used theoretical approaches to producing various interventions that can be used to treat the patient.

•           Humanistic approach

This approach emphasizes the study of the person as a whole. Therefore the study looks at the behavior of the person not only through the therapists (or case study writers) eyes, but also attempts to look at it through the eyes of the case study subject as well. By determining the patients feelings and self-image, a treatment plan can be evolved and put into place.

•           Cognitive-behavioral approach

This approach is very often used by therapists who treat patients with disorders such as mood and eating disorders, along with other conditions such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. It will be necessary to take into account the patients personal musings – such as diary entries, beliefs and how they react to various events and interaction with others in order to find the best approach to treatment.

•           Psychoanalytic approach

Freud championed this particular approach, which takes a look at how the unconscious mind has an influence on behavior, and how this can be used to determine appropriate treatment.

•           Interpretative phenomenological analysis

This theory has a focus on how your case study individual or group makes sense of a particular phenomenon or occurrence. It is likely that whatever this event is, that it will have high personal significance for the subject or subjects of your study.

•           Grounded theory

This method relies on first collecting the data about the subject or events, and from here integrates this into broad categories. Then an effort is made to find out the relationship between these categories – thus further understanding the issues and defining a treatment plan.

In general, a case study comes under one of two types; Prospective or retrospective.

Let’s take a look at the difference between the two.

• Prospective case study writing involves the observance of the client, or a group of people.  An example of a prospective case study might be to watch a group of people with a various disorder over a defined period of time (this could be weeks, months or even years).  By observing and documenting any changes, and the differences between the individuals, it will be possible to see how the disorder progresses – and if there are any differences caused by age, sex, social standing, education etc.

•  In the case of a retrospective case study , your information comes from looking at documented cases – in other words, the historical information that is available.  Let’s take the same example – a particular disorder.  This disorder is the outcome, but you would then work backwards, defining any particular factors that might (or might not) have contributed to why these people contracted the problem in the first place.  If a person is born with some disorder, you could use hereditary factors to see if you could define any particular factors in the parents or grandparents that might have led to them being born with that particular condition.

Case study writing is an extremely valid tool, but it does have its limitations.  Some of the plus points are that they are very often used to explore new ground.  Because a case study is looking deeply into how various different factors intertwine to create an outcome, then can actively help therapists develop new ideas for treatment.  In particular, they are extremely useful for those who practice holistic approaches towards psychological cases.

However, a case study has an awful lot of room for the personal opinions of the researcher.  No two people will analyze the same information in exactly the same way – so because of this care must be taken to understand that it is possible for author bias to creep in.  And it should be appreciated that because each case study only deals with a particular event, it cannot be taken as a given that any conclusion drawn could apply to a seemingly similar case.

However, as long as these limitations are taken into account, case study writing can be an extremely effective method of research.

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5 Fascinating Clinical Psychology Case Studies

If you pursue work as a clinical psychologist, you’ll be able to make a major difference in people’s lives. In most cases, these psychologists are the first practitioners to recognize and diagnose mental health disorders. Many clinical psychologists also practice “talk therapy,” where they talk through issues with patients and help them develop better coping mechanisms. But what’s it really like to work in clinical psychology? Take a look at each case study psychology below to get an idea.

A Day in the Life of a Clinical Psychologist

As you might be able to tell from the name, a clinical psychologist applies psychology knowledge in a clinical setting. Using their knowledge of different mental disorders and how they present, clinical psychologists help patients identify and then treat mental health disorders. They also can help patients work through psychological issues even if no disorder is present.

However, it’s important to note that clinical psychologists do not prescribe medication. Often, once a clinical psychologist makes a diagnosis that requires medication, they will refer a patient to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist handles the medication, but a clinical psychologist will often help a patient manage some of their symptoms through some form of talk therapy. In the case of some complex disorders, a psychologist may be able to coordinate with the patient’s psychiatrist in order to ensure the best care possible.

Some people believe that talk therapy is just a patient talking while the psychologist listens. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Clinical psychologists are tasked with assessing each patient and developing an individualized treatment plan. Often, that plan includes delving into the patient’s issues and helping them understand their roots. From there, the psychologist can help the patient develop healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with those issues.

Usually, clinical psychologists primarily work with patients on an individual basis. They do this either as part of a group practice or in private practice. Sometimes, they may teach classes, although this usually isn’t the bulk of their workload. Clinical psychologists often will conduct and publish research that sometimes involves case studies of patients.

Becoming a Clinical Psychologist

To become a clinical psychologist, you will need to pursue a doctoral degree. Most clinical psychologists have either a Ph.D. or a PsyD, though the Ph.D. is more common in the field and will usually afford you more career opportunities. PsyD programs tend to accept more applicants than Ph.D. programs. A PsyD degree places more focus on applying concepts of psychology to the clinical setting. A Ph.D. program certainly applies concepts of psychology as well, but it has much more of a focus on research than PsyD programs do.

Regardless of which program you choose, becoming a clinical psychologist involves a considerable time commitment. The first step is obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree. From there, some candidates pursue a master’s degree, while others go straight into a Ph.D. training program.

Most PsyD programs take four to five years to complete, while most Ph.D. programs take between five and seven years. In the case of a Ph.D., graduates will need to complete a residency program much like medical doctors. Residency programs usually last about one to three years. During that time, new psychologists are overseen by an experienced psychologist. Upon completion of the residency, a clinical psychologist must also take and pass a licensure exam in order to practice in their state. Most states will also allow you to obtain different certifications in specialized areas.

As you can see, the decision to become a clinical psychologist isn’t one to make on a whim. Usually, though, you’ll be able to get a sense of the field from the undergraduate courses you take early on.

What’s a Case Study?

In a moment, we’ll take you through five interesting case studies from real clinical psychologists. But what exactly is a case study?

Simply put, a case study is a very detailed account of an individual patient’s case. (The case studies below are abbreviated versions of case studies.) Psychologists usually keep notes on all patients, but a case study is much more formal. Each study is an in-depth exploration of a patient’s disorder, and it usually contains information on the patient’s personal history as well as how their disorder presents. Most case studies also have information on treatments that have worked (and those that have not worked) for a given patient.

So why is a single case study valuable, especially when most studies survey larger groups of patients? For one, case studies are extremely valuable in the case of rare conditions. With very rare mental health disorders, it can be near-impossible to find larger studies. With case studies, it’s still possible to get an accurate picture of the disorder and what it looks like in different patients.

Case studies can also help future clinical psychologists to sharpen their diagnostic skills. In a broader study, you might learn about some of the common symptoms of a diagnose. But individual patients have their own quirks, and the same disorder can look different from patient to patient. Reading case studies can be a great way to see how different mental health issues can look in different people.

Lastly, case studies can be useful in supporting or refuting existing research. In some cases, they may point to issues that need to be researched further.

To really start to get a sense of what it’s like to be a clinical psychologist, check out these five interesting case studies reported by actual clinicians:

Wishing for Death

Even if you seem to have a promising future, it’s still possible to deal with severe depression. This is what happened to Jessica, a woman who had successfully completed medical school and obtained a residency at a large hospital. In Jessica’s case, her mental state declined seemingly overnight; she awoke one day feeling especially sad. But instead of lifting, that sadness continued and even worsened.

As is the case with many people with depression, Jessica lost interest in things she had previously enjoyed. She stopped having sex with her husband and even found interacting with her children to be a chore. She even found that her job was in jeopardy, as she stopped caring about work and began missing shifts.

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Often, people suffering from severe depression will consider suicide. Some will go as far as making and going through with suicide plans. Jessica wasn’t considering or fantasizing about suicide. But she did begin to wish she was dead, and these thoughts slowly became all-consuming. Despite feeling drained from her low mood, Jessica still had trouble sleeping at night. This is when her thoughts of death were at their worst.

Jessica continued to insist that nothing was wrong. But her coworkers at the hospital saw that something was off. Jessica wasn’t being lazy or slacking for no reason; it was clear her mental health was suffering. Her colleagues were able to convince Jessica to see a mental health professional. She was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a mental health disorder that causes severe and persistent sadness and loss of interest.

College Struggles

Many mental health issues present themselves when people are college-aged, and this is what happened to Gerry, a 21-year-old college student who got good grades. Gerry got along well with his friends and roommates until he started having trouble sleeping. At night, his thoughts began to race and felt as though they were spinning out of control.

But that wasn’t all. Gerry was usually a kind and mild-mannered person, but he began calling his friends at all hours of the night, becoming angry if they didn’t give him the attention he wanted. Within a few days, Gerry started to believe his roommates were spying on him. He told them as much. Instead of writing it off as simply a quirk, his friends became very concerned. They talked to Gerry and explained the strange changes they’d been seeing in his behavior. Ultimately, they were able to convince Gerry to seek mental health help.

After talking with a clinician, Gerry was ultimately diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It can be an intimidating diagnosis to receive, but Gerry was referred to a psychiatrist who could work with him to find the right medication. The combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy helped him to return back to his normal self.

A Case of Obsession

Plenty of people are fastidious about certain things, but one salesman took it a little too far. The salesman was having trouble leaving his house on time to get to work because he had an overwhelming and obsessive need to follow a set of rituals. Many of them were about securing the home. It started with double-checking and triple-checking that doors were locked.

The salesman also became incredibly worried about the electrical wiring in the home. He began to obsess over whether it would cause an electrical fire. If he didn’t complete the various rituals he felt compelled to do, the man believed he would experience bad luck.

Once he saw a psychologist, the man was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Since this disorder involves holding onto irrational beliefs, cognitive-behavioral therapy is essential. The man’s psychologist worked with him through therapy and helped him to manage and then overcome his obsessive thoughts. Ultimately, the salesman was able to get back to a much more normal life.

Unexpected Panic

Panic disorders and anxiety disorders can seem to poison your life. That’s what it felt like for one forest ranger. Up until his mid-30s, he didn’t suffer from more than normal anxiety. But one day, while standing in line at the grocery store, he suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of panic. His heart rate went up and he started sweating. The panic attack was so bad that the forest ranger thought he would pass out, so he abandoned his shopping cart and returned to the car.

Naturally, the forest ranger didn’t want the same thing to happen again. Because that first panic attack had occurred in a grocery store, he began avoiding supermarkets. But that didn’t help for long. He began to experience intense anxiety in many areas of his life. His symptoms were so severe that his family life began to suffer, so he sought help.

The forest ranger saw a psychologist and was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Though some people with anxiety disorders benefit from medication, the forest ranger was able to work through and manage his symptoms through cognitive behavioral therapy.

Bizarre Behaviors

Most severe mental disorders don’t start in childhood. When they do appear, these disorders often involve someone who previously seemed outwardly normal suddenly exhibiting strange behaviors. This is what happened to a 21-year-old business student. He suddenly began becoming agitated for no ostensible reason. During his bouts of agitation, other people heard him whispering angrily to himself.

The young man’s friends and family were very concerned, but they were unable to reach him by phone. He explained that aliens had placed a chip in his brain and that it would explode if he answered his phone.

Sometimes, symptoms like those the young man had can be caused or made worse by abusing alcohol or drugs. However, the young man didn’t abuse either. A family history of mental illness can sometimes be a risk factor, and the man did say he had an aunt who had been treated at psychiatric hospitals several times.

Thanks in part to the concern of his friends and family, the young man talked to a psychologist and gave a detailed account of his symptoms. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. This is a difficult diagnosis to receive. But as the young man found, schizophrenia is possible to manage with good care. The young man’s psychologist was able to continue therapy, and he was also referred to a psychiatrist for help with medication. Often, for those diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, a combination of therapy and the right medications can effectively manage symptoms.

Each case study psychology above is just a short introduction to the types of cases you may encounter working as a clinical psychologist. And when working in the field, you’ll be asked to write your own case studies, too. While in school, you’ll learn the correct way to write case studies and how sharing case studies with other psychologists can help the field grow as a whole. Hopefully, these case studies have also shed some light on one of the best parts of working as a clinical psychologist — you can help people confront and work through mental health challenges and work toward healthier, happier lives.

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A Case for the Case Study: How and Why They Matter

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• Published: 06 June 2017
• Volume 45 , pages 189–200, ( 2017 )

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• Jeffrey Longhofer 1 ,
• Jerry Floersch 1 &
• Eric Hartmann 2  

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In this special issue we have asked the contributors to make a case for the case study. The guest editors, Jeffrey Longhofer, Jerry Floersch and Eric Hartmann, intergrate ideas from across the disciplines to explore the complexties of case study methods and theory. In education, Gary Thomas explores the importance of ethnographic case studies in understanding the relationships among schools, teachers, and students. Lance Dodes and Josh Dodes use the case study to articulate a psychoanalytic approach to addiction. In policy and generalist practice, Nancy Cartwright and Jeremy Hardie elaborate a model for a case-by-case approach to prediction and the swampy ground prediction serves up to practitioners. Christian Salas and Oliver Turnbull persuasively write about the role of the case study in neuro-psychoanalysis and illustrate it with a case vignette. In political science, Sanford Schram argues for a bottom up and ethnographic approach to studying policy implementation by describing a case of a home ownership program in Philadelphia. Eric Hartman queers the case study by articulating its role in deconstructing normative explanations of sexuality. In applied psychology, Daniel Fishman describes a comprehensive applied psychology perspective on the paradigmatic case study. Richard Miller and Miriam Jaffe offer us important ways of thinking about writing the case study and the use of multi-media. Each contributor brings a unique perspective to the use of the case study in their field, yet they share practical and philosophical assumptions.

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Longhofer, J., Floersch, J. & Hartmann, E. A Case for the Case Study: How and Why They Matter. Clin Soc Work J 45 , 189–200 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-017-0631-8

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How To Write a Psychology Case Study | Definition, Types and Examples

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What Is a Case Study in Psychology?

What is the importance of psychology case studies, what are the types of case studies in psychology, advantages of psychology case studies, how to write a psychology case study, how can experts assist in writing psychology case studies.

Students pursuing degrees in psychology often need to write lengthy academic papers. These scholars perform thorough research on humans and their behavioral patterns. So, using the data collection and analysis methods, they are assigned to write case studies. Such documents help readers, especially researchers, learn about rare cases. These experts can then use psychological theories and techniques to understand the situation. So, if you are a student who has been assigned the same academic task, then stop worrying! This blog will explain every aspect of what is a case study in psychology. So, without much delay, let us read ahead!

The data from psychology case studies is collected through analysis and interpretation. The research subject can be a single entity, an individual, a family, or a community. The primary focus of the researcher lies in studying behavioral patterns, nature, relationships, and mental behavior. Apart from this, it even analyses brain functions, the surrounding environment, physical factors, and their relations to the subject.

Let’s define case study psychology in simple terms: "It is the compilation of descriptive research to obtain an in-depth analysis of a person or community to understand their mind and behavior". These documents are mostly used to identify rare conditions and cases in clinical areas. Apart from this, many therapists and mental health professionals adapt these methods to get a clear overview of their patients. Thus, most of the paper follows a single case study design, but in some situations, it adheres to the multiple-case format. Thus, use data collection methods such as personal interviews, observation techniques, archival records, psychometric tests, and laboratory testing.

Now that you have understood the case study psychology definition, let us move ahead and unfold its importance and benefits.

With the help of a reliable psychology case study, researchers and clinical experts can cure and identify impractical and extraordinary diseases. It is because this academic writing offers sufficient data on each aspect of the research subject. So, using this information, you can examine a pattern or behavior source and implement ways to cure it. Apart from this, the case study in psychology also offers live examples of existing theories and principles, which in turn contribute to future advancements in the field. Apart from this, through case studies, psychologists can improve overall stress management and decision-making and boost positive behavior in people. So, moving further, let us discuss the types of case study documents and their purposes.

Understand the types of case studies in the section below. It will help you understand the motive and requirements of each form so that you choose the correct one for your paper.

1. Collective Case Studies

In these psychology case studies, the researcher focuses on a group of people or community and performs analysis under specific conditions. It aims to generate a broader perspective on specific issues. Thus, it examines the behavior and reactions of the whole group toward a certain event.

2. Descriptive Case Studies

Here, the researcher performs in-depth research on the subject and examines each aspect of the individual. Then the collected information is evaluated and compared against existing theories. The motive of this psychology case study is to describe and explain the natural phenomenon of behavior.

3. Explanatory Case Studies

The explanatory case study in psychology is used for casual investigation. The researchers examine the factors that lead to a particular behavior or phenomenon. Its motive is to answer questions like "how" and "why" through individual analysis.

4. Exploratory Case Studies

The exploratory case studies are used to perform research on a large scale. The motive of the researcher is to collect in-depth information before developing hypotheses and methodologies. It assists in building a thorough understanding of the phenomenon.

5. Instrumental Case Studies

The instrumental psychology case study allows researchers to examine the existing phenomenon in a different way than what is obvious to the reader. It also performs an in-depth analysis of an individual. Moreover, it helps refine a theory and facilitates the understanding of a particular point.

6. Intrinsic Case Studies

In intrinsic psychology case studies, the researcher holds a personal interest in the situation or individual. It analyses the research subject and observes how their experiences impact behavioral patterns.

So, learning the types of case studies will assist students in selecting a form that meets their needs. If you are still confused and have more doubts, you can seek  case study help  from experts online. Till then, let’s move ahead and discuss the advantages of this academic writing. 

If you are wondering what the benefits of writing a psychology case study are, then our experts have answered your question. So, read below and unfold the query yourself.

• Case study methods in psychology are highly beneficial as they support the treatment and diagnosis of rare conditions and diseases.
• Clinical experts can refer to the data collected by the researcher and use the information in the development of cures.
• It provides an additional understanding of a particular phenomenon, and the researcher can examine the situation from various perspectives.
• It allows the researcher to understand the existing theories and permits them to compare them against practical examples.
• Case study psychology helps students build hypotheses that will assist them in future research in the field.

So, understanding the benefits of the psychology case study will help the students to be more attentive to their academic tasks. But one challenge that will uncover moving further is how to write a case study psychology.

The biggest question that pops into your mind is how to write a psychology case study. Well! You need not worry, as experts have got your back! In the sections below, you will find a detailed explanation of the query.

1. Selecting the Subject

Now, if you are already assigned a topic by the teacher you do not have to hassle through the selection process. This step automatically crosses out. If not, read the instructor's requirements and hence select a community or individual to work with.

2. Choose a Method

There are two methods of writing a psychology case study apart from the above-discussed types. The prospective method observes the subject and determines psychological outcomes. While the retrospective analyses historical data to diagnose the reasons for past behaviors. So, select the appropriate method and types of case studies for the paper.

3. Gather Information

So, the next step focuses on the groundwork. Perform in-depth research using interviews, observations, and tests. Collect data on every aspect of the subject, especially on the mind, behavioral patterns, and relationships.

4. Provide Context

In this step, introduce the research subject and the validity and need of this case study. After this, offer sufficient information and define your thesis statement. Then, include background data on the research subject, such as age, gender, family and health history, relationships, strengths, and weaknesses.

5. Define the Problems

Now that your readers have ample information on the research subject, you need to list the symptoms. Make sure that these symptoms are determined directly through an analysis of the individual. Include all the emotional, sensory, and physical problems and any detail that is valuable to the study.

6. Offer an Analysis

The next step to writing a psychology case study is to offer an analysis of the above symptoms. So, explain your observations and judgment. Answer questions such as What are the possible reasons that lead to this behavior? Moreover, describe the psychological and physical factors affecting the situation.

7. Treatment Approach

The case study method in psychology also includes a treatment approach. Since you have observed the subject closely, you can offer a few suggestions for its cure. So, study all the possible treatments and select the one that best suits the situation. Explain the whole process and underline the possible cautions, such as if the research subject has specific allergies or alterations.

8. Final Discussion

The last section of the case study is the discussion, which highlights the factors, prime elements, treatments, and another approach to the subject. Also, relate your information to existing theories and underline possible limitations. Lastly, review the overall accuracy of the research and its benefits for future developments. Now you have a clear overview of  how to write a case study assignment . Follow the steps given above and write an excellent paper. It is possible to encounter a few problems in researching, drafting, and editing. Do not worry! Instead, seek assistance from our experts. So, read ahead to know how professionals at Global Assignment Help assist in writing psychology case studies. 

Read below to know how academic writers at Global Assignment Help assist students in completing psychology case studies.

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Case studies in psychology are a significant part of academic writing because they analyze an individual's mind and behavior patterns. This document is often complex to write, and it is possible to be confused with its types. So, the next time, do not be stuck and search the web for, "What is a case study in psychology?". Instead, reach out to experts online and get instant help. 

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5 Science-Backed Ways to Write Clearly

If you want to become a better writer, ignore the lore and follow the science..

Posted June 24, 2024 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

• We read sentences written with active voice faster and comprehend content better than passive sentences.
• Studies document that we read and recall sentences with less effort when they turn content into micro-stories.
• Pronouns as subjects send readers backward, but readers comprehend sentences through prediction.
• Action verbs activate the brain's motor systems, creating semantic richness and enabling rapid comprehension.

Most writers assume they write well. Yet most writers grapple with the reality of writing as a black box.

That is, we know that writing works, but we’re a bit fuzzy on what makes readers grasp the meaning of some sentences instantly and without noticeable effort, while we find others difficult to understand after repeat re-readings. And contrary to popular belief, clear writing has virtually nothing to do with content, sentence length, or writing style.

Instead, we perceive sentences as clear when they map onto the methods our reading brains use to make sense of writing. Knowing the most important ones, including the below, could help make you a better writer.

1. Active voice makes sentences easier to read.

In dozens of studies, researchers have found that readers comprehend sentences more rapidly when sentences reflect the causal order of events. Two factors determine these outcomes.

First, human brains naturally perceive cause and effect, a likely survival mechanism. In fact, infants as young as six months can identify cause and effect, registered as spikes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Second, English sentence structure reflects causes and effects in its ordering of words: subject-verb-object order. In key studies, participants read sentences with active voice at speeds one-third faster than they read sentences in passive voice. More significantly, these same participants misunderstood even simple sentences in passive voice about 25 percent of the time.

As readers, we also perceive active sentences as both shorter and easier to read because active voice typically makes sentences more efficient. Consider the difference between the first sentence below, which relies on passive voice, and the second, which uses active voice.

• Passive: Among board members, there was an instant agreement to call for a pause in negotiations.
• Active: Board members instantly agreed to call for a pause in negotiations.

2. Actors or concrete objects turn sentences into micro-stories.

We read sentences with less effort—or cognitive load—when we can clearly see cause and effect, or, “who did what to whom,” as Ina Bornkessel-Schlesewsky puts it.

Bornkessel-Schlesewsky, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of South Australia, used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), to spot brains reacting to meaning and word order in sentences. Unsurprisingly, when the subjects of sentences are nouns clearly capable of performing actions, readers process sentences with greater speed and less effort. For actors, writers can choose people, organizations, publications—any individual, group, or item, intentionally created, that generates impact.

In addition to our unconsciously perceiving these sentences as easy to read and recall, we can also more readily identify actors in sentences. Furthermore, these nouns enhance the efficiency of any sentence by paring down its words. Take the examples below:

• Abstract noun as subject: Virginia Woolf’s examination of the social and economic obstacles female writers faced due to the presumption that women had no place in literary professions and so were instead relegated to the household, particularly resonated with her audience of young women who had struggled to fight for their right to study at their colleges, even after the political successes of the suffragettes.
• Actor as subject: In A Room of One’s Own , Virginia Woolf examined social and economic obstacles female writers faced. Despite the political success of the suffragettes, writers like Woolf battled the perception that women had no place in the literary professions. Thus Woolf’s book resonated with her audience, young women who had to fight for the right to study at their colleges.

3. Pronouns send readers backward, but readers make sense of sentences by anticipating what comes next.

Writers typically love to use pronouns as the subjects of sentences, especially the demonstrative pronouns this, that, these, those, and it , believing that these pronouns help link their sentences. Instead, pronouns save writers time and effort—but significantly cost readers for two likely reasons.

First, readers assume that pronouns refer to a singular noun, rather than a cluster of nouns, a phrase, or even an entire sentence. Second and more importantly, when writers use these pronouns without anchoring nouns, readers slow down and frequently misidentify the pronoun referents. In fact, readers rated writing samples with high numbers of sentences using demonstrative pronouns as being less well-written than sentences that used actors as subjects or pronouns anchored by nouns.

Pronoun as subjects: [Katie Ledecky] estimated that she swims more than 65,000 yards—or about 37 miles—a week. That adds up to 1,900 miles a year, and it means eons of staring at the black line that runs along the bottom of a pool. Actor as subject: [Katie] Ledecky swims up to 1,900 miles a year, mileage that entails seeming aeons of staring at the black line that runs along the bottom of a pool.

4. Action verbs make sentences more concrete, memorable, and efficient.

For years, old-school newspaper and magazine editors urged writers to use action verbs to enliven sentences.

However, action verbs also offer readers and writers significant benefits in terms of their memorability, as revealed in one study of readers’ recall of verbs. Of the 200 verbs in the study, readers recalled concrete verbs and nouns more accurately than non-action verbs.

In fact, when we read concrete verbs, our brains recruit the sensory-motor system, generating faster reaction times than abstract or non-action verbs, processed outside that system . Even in patients with dementia , action verbs remain among the words patients can identify with advanced disease, due to the richness of semantic associations that action verbs recruit in the brain.

• Non-action verbs: That the electric trolleys being abandoned in Philadelphia were greener and more efficient was not an insight available at that time.
• Action Verbs: Philadelphia scrapped its electric trolleys, decades before urban planners turned to greener, more efficient forms of transport.

5. Place subjects and verbs close together.

Over the past 20 years, researchers have focused on models of reading that rely on our understanding of sentence structure, a focus validated by recent studies.

As we read, we predict how sentence structure or syntax unfolds, based on our encounters with thousands of sentences. We also use the specific words we encounter in sentences to verify our predictions, beginning with grammatical subjects, followed by verbs.

As a result, readers struggle to identify subjects and verbs when writers separate them—the more distance between subjects and verbs, the slower the process of identifying them correctly. Moreover, readers make more errors in identifying correct subjects and verbs—crucial to understanding sentences—with increases in the number of words between subjects and verbs, even with relatively simple sentence structure.

Ironically, as writers tackle increasingly complex topics, they typically modify their subjects with phrases and adjective clauses that can place subjects at one end of the sentence and verbs at the opposite end. This separation strains working memory , as readers rely on subject-verb-object order in English to understand the sentence’s meaning. Consider, for example, this sentence from an online news organization:

In Florida, for instance, a bill to eliminate a requirement that students pass an Algebra I end-of-course and 10th-grade English/language arts exams in order to graduate recently cleared the Senate’s education committee.

On the other hand, when we place the subject and verb close together and use modifiers after the verb, we ease readers’ predictions and demands on working memory:

In Florida, the Senate’s education committee recently cleared a bill to eliminate two graduation requirements: an Algebra I end-of-course and 10th-grade English language arts.

Yellowlees Douglas, Ph.D. , is a consultant on writing and organizations. She is also the author, with Maria B. Grant, MD, of The Biomedical Writer: What You Need to Succeed in Academic Medicine .

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How to Write a Psychology Case Study: Expert Tips

Cornell Law School's Alumni Magazine

Battling Antisemitism through a Legal Lens and Historical Study

Menachem Rosensaft had been teaching about war crimes, genocide, and the law for more than a decade—at Cornell Law School, Columbia Law School, and Syracuse University College of Law—when he began to envision a different kind of course to be taught. “I needed to step down from my day jobs first,” said Rosensaft, who retired as general counsel and associate executive vice president at the World Jewish Congress at the end of last August. He was planning to “relax and recharge my batteries” and take time to prepare a syllabus for a new course on antisemitism.

“To have a real understanding of genocide, you need to understand antisemitism,” says Rosensaft, adjunct professor of law at Cornell. “Antisemitism was at the core of the perpetration of the Holocaust.” He figured it would take several months to develop a syllabus that would look at antisemitism throughout history and through a legal lens.

Then, October 7 happened.

Within days, Rosensaft gathered with his students in his law of genocide class for open conversation. They expressed emotions and viewpoints, encouraged by their professor who for four decades has been involved in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Rosensaft also got a call from Jens David Ohlin, Allan R. Tessler Dean and Professor of Law, who asked if he could accelerate the syllabus and start teaching the new course in January.

“A course like this is rare among law schools,” says Ohlin. “It’s one of many things that makes Cornell distinctive. It demonstrates how our faculty bring their intellectual prowess into the classroom and shape curricula for relevance, always with an eye to the world outside the classroom.” Ohlin, a scholar in international law, war crimes, and genocide, saw the new course as an opportunity to bring legal and moral clarity to emotionally charged issues playing out on college campuses and beyond.

“This is how Cornell responds,” says Ohlin. “We respond with more education, so that our students will understand history, how to get beyond the sound bites and slogans, how to fight antisemitism in the courts, and how the rule of law can battle ignorance and prejudice.”

“Antisemitism in the Courts and in Jurisprudence” spans legal cases from nineteenth- century Europe through Nazi Germany and Stalinist U.S.S.R. to contemporary times. Among the topics covered are ritual murder trials, the Dreyfus affair in France, the Leo Frank trial in Georgia, the defamation case against Henry Ford (publisher of an antisemitic newspaper), the Nazi Nuremberg racial laws, the crimes against humanity charges at the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, the prosecution of Jews (“refuseniks”) who wanted to leave the Soviet Union, court proceedings following the Tree of Life Synagogue killings, and recent campus protests.

Rosensaft will present cases where the judicial process was manipulated to frame an innocent individual because of antisemitic attitudes and beliefs. “It’s critical for my students to understand that antisemitism is different from other forms of racism, bigotry, Islamophobia. It’s not that it’s more serious; it’s not. It is, however, different in that every other bigotry is binary, based on race or religion or color or nationality or political orientation or class or gender or sexual orientation. Antisemitism is multi-faceted; it can be more than one of those things combined, and you have to understand which manifestation of antisemitism you’re dealing with in order to counteract it.”

Rosensaft says his goal in the course, offered separately to undergraduates and law students, “is to have my students be able to have nuanced conversations and be comfortable with the uncomfortable. There are gray areas both in history and the law, and they need to be able to navigate them and put them into context. In order to understand the moral imperative of the law, you need to understand the historical and philosophical context. The law can help us take the necessary action against antisemitism.”

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Tears flow as witnesses recount victims in Wade Wilson capital murder trial

The penalty phase in wade wilson's capital murder trial began monday after one of his attorneys became ill, resulting in delayed depositions..

Kristine Melton's cousin, who also happened to be her best friend, dried tears as she read a scripted statement in remembrance of the brutally murdered woman, accompanied by her husband.

Wade Wilson, 30, faces a possible death penalty. A jury convicted him on June 12 of the 2019 first-degree murders of Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, and other charges linked to the crimes.

The penalty phase in Wade Wilson's capital murder trial began Monday. The penalty phase only happens in capital murder trials, where the accused faces the death penalty. It begins after the jury convicts the accused of the first-degree murder charge.

The jury may choose whether to recommend the death penalty or life in prison without parole, with testimony taking up all of Monday into the evening hours. On Tuesday, Lee Circuit Judge Nicholas Thompson is expected to allow closing arguments before he sends the jury to deliberate.

Family members, friends and medical experts testified Monday.

Cousin said Kristine Melton, a godmother, loved travel

Melton's cousin, Samantha Catomer, said they were best friends and that Melton was her child's godmother. Catomer's husband stood by her as she testified. Catomer was frequently engulfed in tears.

Catomer said Melton loved to dress up. Halloween was among her favorite holidays.

Kristine Melton: Cape Coral murder victim Kristine Melton was best friend, cat mom

"He threw her away like garbage," Catomer said of Wilson, later adding that Melton "was precious, not just to me, but to everyone who knew her."

Melton had a quick wit, Catomer said. She said everyone felt safe and understood around her.

"She was a relief just to sit next to her," Catomer said.

As Catomer continued to describe Melton, she said she became her child's godmother. Catomer described that milestone as Melton's "greatest honor."

"Kristine will never experience motherhood, a role she was born to play," Catomer said, adding that Melton loved to travel and "get to know the world."

Melton lived less than a block away from her mother, Catomer said. She added Melton's mother was horrified after the murder and moved to Maryland with one of Melton's other siblings.

Melton's mother has not been present throughout the trial.

Penalty phase delay: Life or death? Penalty phase for Wade Wilson, convicted of double murder, delayed until Monday

Guilty of all counts: Guilty: Wade Wilson convicted of all counts in 2019 murders of Kristine Melton, Diane Ruiz

Catomer occasionally stared at Wilson as she read her prepared statement.

"Losing Kristine is like losing your son," Catomer said. "I would not wish it on my worst enemy."

Catomer also identified Melton's cat, who she said sat by her "crumbled body," as authorities arrived.

"Look at her," Catomer said, looking at Wilson. "I know you can."

The pictures were shown to jurors on a screen.

Zane Romero says mother Diane Ruiz missed major milestone

Ruiz's murder happened just days before she was set to watch her son debut in his high school band program.

Zane Romero was a freshman and now studies graphic design in college.

Ruiz was Romero's only living parent. Romero wanted her to watch his marching band performance later that week. Her murder happened on a Monday.

"I never got to see her in the crowd," Romero said.

Romero said Ruiz was engaged and months away from getting married.

"She was so close to getting everything she wanted," said Romero, who grew up with his mother wherever she went. Ruiz was murdered when Wilson stopped her and said he could not find a Cape Coral school. He enticed Ruiz to ride in Melton's car, which he drove after her slaying.

Wilson murdered Ruiz in Melton's car before he ran her over between 10 and 20 times, testimony uncovered.

Diane Ruiz: Cape Coral murder victim Diane Ruiz was loving mom, hardworking

Romero, who sighed while his voice pitch became affected by his emotions, recounted the accomplishments his mother has missed.

He completed three years of marching band, won awards for his photography and got accepted into all the colleges he applied. One of those colleges offered him a full ride, he said.

"My mom will never get to see me get married," Romero said.

Romero said he was involved in a severe car accident his freshman year of college and was taken to the intensive care unit.

"I wasn’t able to call my mom," he said.

Romero reviewed a series of pictures he took of and with his mother.

He also became emotional when he pointed at a specific photograph Ruiz took of him. Romero said he was not a fan of being photographer, but on one particular occasion, he allowed that Ruiz take his photograph.

It is the only time he said he allowed his mother photograph him, he said, as a Mother's Day gift.

Physicians weigh in on Wade Wilson's psychology

Three physicians testified Monday as to Wilson's mental health.

The defense called experts Dr. Hyman Eisenstein and Dr. Mark Mills, while the state called Dr. Michael Herkov.

They evaluated a series of clinical tests performed on Wilson as recently as last week.

Their various testimony revealed Wilson's parents, then 14 and 15, gave him for adoption. He grew up in the Tallahassee area, where he went to school.

Wilson received A, B and C grades, for the most part, they said. He struggled with mathematics.

Eisenstein, a neuropsychologist, said he met Wilson on three occasions. He said his test results show he was very effective at the beginning of the provided tests, but his performance declined quickly soon after.

Through his puberty, Wilson was "acting fine," Eisenstein said he determined. Wilson was active in sports and went to church.

Wilson's mental health changed after his puberty years, Eisenstein said.

Mood swings and the thought of an alien presence "out to get him" were among the symptoms Eisenstein noted.

Wilson was 15 or 16 when he was involuntarily committed to a mental hospital during a separate incident and released the following day. He was also expelled from high school on drug accusations.

Wade Wilson was afraid of deputies present during testing

While experts tested Wilson to prepare the penalty phase in the trial, Eisenstein said, Wilson asked that two jail deputies standing in the room as a safety precaution step out.

Eisenstein said Wilson cited privacy concerns.

The two deputies said they had to remain in the room during the testing, but they stepped outside after Wilson raised confidentiality issues, the testimony uncovered.

"He's very impulsive, he's very fast," Eisenstein noted of Wilson. Eisenstein reiterated Wilson is accurate toward the beginning, but his performance later wanes.

Wilson's testing score placed him in the borderline for the average percentiles and found he was not looking to fake, Eisenstein said.

His IQ was found to be 92, which is in the lower average range, with a "profoundly impaired" executive function, Eisenstein said. Being under the influence of a controlled substance would have brought his score even lower, he added.

"He was very interactive" during the testing, Eisenstein said of Wilson, who the doctor said has a "whole series" of head injuries.

The first of them, Eisenstein said, happened when Wilson was 10 on the baseball field. When Wilson was 11, he suffered a concussion during a football game, Eisenstein said.

At age 18, he was involved in a car crash, Eisenstein said, adding that Wilson was not wearing a seatbelt when the car crashed into tree. It was the first of two similar car crashes Wilson suffered in the span of three years, Eisenstein said.

During the time between both crashes, Eisenstein said, Wilson at age 20 overdosed on narcotics and suffered a seizure.

Eisenstein said he concluded Wilson suffered from "neurocognitive" brain impairment.

When Assistant State Attorney Sara Miller asked Eisenstein if he reviewed the 911 calls related to the case, Eisenstein said he did not. Miller is prosecuting the case along with Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner.

Eisenstein said he did not review the statements Melissa Montanez — a victim in one of the listed charges — provided either.

Mills, a forensic psychiatrist, said he worked cohesively with Eisenstein.

Among the documents he reviewed was a letter written by Wilson's adoptive sister, Wendy Wilson, a radiologist, Mills said.

Wade Wilson exaggerated symptoms

Mills said Wade Wilson invalidated some tests when he exaggerated symptoms most people do not have.

During the different testing, Mills said, Wade Wilson appeared "very wary and very watchful."

Mills said his testing uncovered Wade Wilson in 2007 became paranoid, hostile and isolated.

"I don’t know exactly what Mr. Wilson has, but it is very significant," Mills said.

As a teenager, Wade Wilson believed others would harm him and his family, Mills said.

Mills said that while his testing uncovered anomalies in Wade Wilson, the convicted killer self-reported his clinical history.

Most of his older files spanning back to his childhood and teenage years were destroyed in a fire.

After Eisenstein and Mills testified, state prosecutors called Dr. Michael Herkov, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, to the stand.

Herkov said he met with Wade Wilson on June 19.

According to Herkov, Wade Wilson said he would only give him 15 minutes, but they spent over an hour.

Herkov said Wade Wilson does not suffer from any disorder. He also declined noticing any memory issues in Wade Wilson.

Wade Wilson chooses not to testify

Wade Wilson declined to testify, similar to what happened during the guilt phase of the trial, the same day jurors convicted him.

Defense lawyers Lee Hollander and Kevin Shirley said they had separated a series of photographs that pictured Wade Wilson along with his adoptive family.

The images were admitted into evidence after state prosecutors OK'd their use, but Wade Wilson said he did not want them shown to jurors, citing the appearance of specific relatives. He did not indicate which relatives' appearance he disagreed with.

State prosecutors present four aggravating factors

Gardiner, who presented the opening arguments for the state Monday morning, said the state is relying on four aggravating factors — which could ultimately mean Wade Wilson receives the capital punishment.

Jurors only need to find one aggravator exists to recommend death.

Gardiner said the murders of Melton and Ruiz had three characteristics in common: both victims were selected, secluded and strangled.

"I’ve already done it, I’ll do it again," Gardiner reminded jurors that Wade Wilson told detectives during a recorded interview at the Lee County Jail.

Gardiner said Ruiz "came back to life" three or four times as she confronted Wade Wilson's attack.

"Both Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz endured a high level of pain," Gardiner said.

A different aggravator, Gardiner said, is that Wade Wilson was on probation for a felony he had committed in Palm Beach County two-and-a-half weeks before the Oct. 7, 2019, murders.

Wade Wilson will die in prison, defense says

Shirley said Wade Wilson will die in prison "either way."

"This portion of the trial is critical," Shirley said. "It’s critical to you, and it’s critical to Mr. Wilson."

Shirley said the verdict will be "one of the most important" decisions jurors will make in their lives.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at [email protected] or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads  @tomasfrobeltran , Instagram  @tomasfrobeltran  and Facebook  @tomasrodrigueznews .