How Are Case Studies Used in Psychology?

When it comes to the field of psychology, case studies operate in a variety of ways. Criminal psychology relies on case studies to reinforce assessments of offenders as well as to set up profiles of at-large felons. When a psychologist requires assistance making a diagnosis, case studies containing similar characteristics confirm the results of evaluations. Case studies are a large part of teaching psychology and provide insight and opportunity for interactive learning. Additionally, case studies in psychology offer explanations for behaviors as previously reported through research. Case studies used in psychology also help to discover proven treatment options and methods of handling a client.

Profiling

• Case studies provide a solid foundation for criminal profiling.

  Many areas of psychology related to crime employ the use of case studies. Investigative psychology, forensic psychology and criminal psychology all rely heavily on case studies to make assessments and determinations regarding crimes. In 2004, "Monitor on Psychology" reported how the use of case studies helped to create the foundation for criminal profiling along with the inception of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit in 1974. The method of using case studies for psychological involvement in investigations included well-known serial offenders such as the Son of Sam and still holds relevance today.

Disgnosing

• Using case studies for diagnosing psychological problems helps confirm assessments.

  Colorado State University explains that case studies are evidence-supported conclusions carefully deemed reliable through validity measures taken by researchers. In psychology, case studies offer a way to diagnose specific disorders in conjunction with the standard diagnostic criteria. Looking into case studies allows the psychologist a way to disprove or confirm an unclear diagnosis.

Educating

• Professors use case studies as a method of teaching psychology to students.

  Case studies comprise a large component of teaching psychology students. As outlined in 2002 by "Teaching in Psychology," case studies offer a way to include an involved learning approach for students. Psychology students practice analyzing and diagnosing by reading proven case studies, which provides a clear answer to the study activity, thereby eliminating debate and reinforcing consistency and accuracy.

Analyzing

• Case studies are especially useful for analyzing psychological behaviors.

  A case study presented by the University of Washington demonstrates how case studies in psychology assist with analyzing and explaining behaviors. The study outlines how the creation of a case study centered on a person exhibiting certain behaviors allows psychologists to carefully examine and analyze the cause of the actions. In this particular example, teachers were able to use a case-study approach to analyze and help a student with a learning disability. Without the case-study method, psychologists in general would not have organized information to present to a group of peers for input, nor would it be possible to see all of the contributing factors. The case-study method commonly assists with behavior modification techniques through analysis of the behavior's precursors and after effects.

Treating

• Psychologists often use case studies to assist with determining the best treatment options.

  As suggested by Psychology Campus, case studies provide verified treatment options. Specifically, clinical psychologists rely heavily on case studies to evaluate and find the best treatment method for the person in question. Researching a variety of proven treatments as outlined in case studies offers options for treating a person's diagnosed condition.