¶ … psychobiography? A case study is research that describes an individual -- usually a person, but also possibly a setting such as a business, school, or neighborhood (Crozby, 2009, 115). It can also be an event, "such as a model school that failed" (Cozby, 2009, 115). Trochim describes it as "an intensive study of a specific individual or specific context" (2008, 147).

A typical case study of a person focuses on an individual with a rare or interesting condition and may cover her history, symptoms, characteristic behaviors, reactions to situations, or responses to treatment (Cozby, 2009, 115). In other words, a case study is used when a "naturally occuring" situation is seen to have the potential of providing valuable new scientific data.

Historic examples of case studes include that of "S," a man with an incredible ability to recall information, and "Genie," a child who was isolated from birth until 13 years of age, having never been spoken to (Cozby, 2009, 115). In both cases, researchers had the opportunity to study rare human situations that yielded one-of-a-kind, valuable psychological data (Cozby, 2009, 115).

Case studies are used extensively in business, law, and policy analysis, and while there is "no single way to conduct" one, methods are typically combined (Trochim, 2008, 147). Trochim asserts that case studies can not only be used in qualitative research, but quantitative research as well -- for example, "providing participants with electronic data collection devices (sometimes called ambulatory data loggers) to capture a stream of live events in a natural context" (2008, 148).

What is archival research? What are the major sources of archival data?
Archival research is performed using already existing data -- public records, information from computer databases, etc. -- to answer specific research questions (Crozby, 2009, 116). The researcher typically does not collect this data (Crozby, 2009, 116).

Crozby states that the major sources of archival research data are statistical records, survey archives, and written and mass communication records (2009, 116).

Statistical records are collected by public and private organizations; the U.S. Census Bureau holds the most extensive collection of statistical records available for analysis (Crozby, 2009, 116). Numerous smaller organizations can also be accessed, as well as public records (e.g. marriage license applications) (Crozby, 2009, 116).

Survey archives are typically provided by major polling organizations, the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research, the National Science Foundation, and other organzations (Crozby, 2009, 117). They are also available on the Internet. They are composed of data from surveys, which are held on computers and open to…