Psychodynamic ApproachSahithi Nymisha Kotala

Methodology

Looks at case studies in general, case studies used in his approach, correlation design, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies and sampling techniques.

Case Study research method That allows data to be gathered in both depth and detail. Study

of an individual or group E.g. small no. of kids brought up whilst deprived of any kind of parenting.

Involve programs like – government funding, health promotion

Individual/small group tend to be the focus of the study

Depth + Detail : interviews; questionnaires; observations; gathering as much data as possible.

Central research ‘tool’ – history of the case, background information (qualitative data)

Tests and experiments are possible whilst using this method

Case Study Vs. Research methods

Does not give data – it is just a process

Case study history is qualitative data

Actually methods to obtain data within or for a case study via interviews, questionnaires etc

Provides measurable data -quantitative as well as qualitative

Case studyResearch method

Triangulation

Generate themes (final results)

+

ideas (hypothesis)

Pool data

-From a person or a different source

- look for common ground

Reinforce data from one another

Case studies – scientific?

YESo Research collects information

through study – systematically –evidence is gathered there for any claim by (backed up)

o Participant’s (patient/ analysand) claim Interviews , questionnaires, observations are structured.

o They are valid and reliable as the IF it is a repeated measures format (replicability)

o It is measurable because the format focuses on what a person thinks not feels

NOo The type of data is qualitative , it

is rich in depth and detail –ecological validity HOWEVER without subjectivity the data can not be analysed; making it experimentally invalid!

o Situational variables whilst interpreting the data – time, place, culture, mood etc questioning reliability and validity!

GENERALISIBILITY

Precautions…

Researchers deliberately search or for evidence going against their prediction or work backwards from their results

“hunt”

Reliability

ApplicationValidility

Generasibility

Ethics

Case Studies (general analysis)

Study of individual or small groups

In-depth rich data

Mainly qualitative data

Use many research methods such as questionnaires, case histories and observation

Generation of themes

Uses tables of categories

Cross – case analysis

Some quantitative data

Evaluation of case study research methods (general)

STRENGTHS Data are valid because they

are in depth; detailed and focus on real experiences in a real situation

A valuable research methodology because a case study may be the only way to gather rich, detailed qualitative information in context and with meaning for those concerned.

WEAKNESSES Lacks generalisibility because

they are about one individual (for small group) only, so they are specific rather than general and data cannot be applied fairly to others

Hard to replicate, so cannot be tested for reliability, which means data may be subjective and cannot be used to build up a body of knowledge.

Freud used case study methods to conduct his research and reinforce his theories. His research was also a therapy for his analysand (participants)

AIM: to access the “unconscious” mind – not possible by standard means

Freud’s Methods

‘Dream’ and ‘Symbol’ analysis:interpreting dreams by hearing manifest

content (the reported dream) and interpreting symbols to uncover the

latent content (repressed wish)

Slips of the Tongue (Freudian slips) :

Mistakes when talking that reveal unconscious desires

Free association:

Allowing a stream of consciousness to

try to access the unconscious

Freud’s methods Vs. Case study method

Similarities

Focuses on qualitative data

Gathering of in-depth rich data from one person

Differences

Focuses on qualitative data

Gathering of in-depth rich data from one person

Freud’s case studies (general analysis)

Study of an individual In-depth, rich data Qualitative data Uses different

techniques such as slips of the tongue, dream analysis and free association

Suggesting interpretation to analysand

To help to reveal unconscious repressed thoughts, emotions and memories

To make the unconscious conscious

To release the energy to aid symptoms

To give evidence for Freud’s ideas

Stengths Vs Weaknesses

Uses different methods to uncover unconscious wishes to access by conventional means

Acts both as a research method and a therapy and allows the analysand to be cured

Involves subjective interpretation by the analyst, so it is not scientific

Cannot be replicated to test for reliability because it focuses on the unique unconscious desires of an individual and the analysis is carried out by one therapist

BPSBritish Psychological society and other professional bodies outline ethical guidelines that must be followed in research:

Informed consent

Deceit

Debriefing

Competence

Right to withdraw

Whatever the research method; case studies are no exceptions

Confidentiality and Privacy

All data should be kept confidential and private, it cold be argued that the data might be valuable enough to warrant invasion of such – BPS doesn’t support this. Unless the analysand is willing to give consent of this information being revealed.

Practitioner’s Ethics

CompetenceObligation Informed consent Personal conduct Access to health records Confidentiality Responsibility Safeguarding fitness to practice Teaching training + supervision Publications Private practice and relations with media

Credibility for Freud’s studies

Masson (1989)’s criticism +psychoanalysis of Freud:o The interpretation of the analyst can push the patient towards certain

values and goals that may not be their own, so there is an issue of the power of the analyst over the analysand.

o There is gender bias in Freud’s work. Boys are focused on more than girls –girls are held to have less strong identification and so weaker moral development.

o There is undue emphasis on sexual matters, particularly where transference occurs, which is about the patient having feelings for the analyst. This is ethically very sensitive.

Power, gender and sexual issues are important to be considered when the ethical implications and issues of

credibility of his work

Sampling Techniques

Random SamplingEach person in the population has an equal chance of being chosen to be in the sample

Stratified SamplingEnsuring representations from certain groups

Volunteer SamplingPeople offer to take part

Opportunity SamplingTaking whoever is available at that time

Random Sampling

Low bias because everyone has an equal chance of being chosen

Sample can be checked mathematically for bias

Cannot be certain that the sample is representative of all groups/types etc

Difficult to access all the population so that random sampling can take place

Stratified Sampling

All relevant group/strata will have at least some representation

Limits the numbers of participants needed

It is difficult to know how many of each group is needed in order to represent the target population accurately

Relies on researchers knowing all the required groups/strata, forces choice of participants and proportions of all groups so can give bias by excluding people

Volunteer Sampling

Ethically good because people volunteer, so are willing to be involved.

More likely to cooperate which means there may be less social desirability and such biases

Only certain types o people may volunteer , so there is bias.

May take a long time to get enough volunteers

Opportunity Sampling

More ethical because the researcher can judge if the participant is llikely to be upset by the student or is too busy to take part.

The researcher has more control over who is chosen and shouls, therefore, be able to get the sample quickly and efficiently

Only people availaleare used and they may be a self-selected group(e.g. not working , so available during the day)

May not get representatives from all groups so there may be bias