📚 IGCSE OCR Psychology: Case Study Practical Exercises | IGCSE OCR 心理学：案例分析实战演练
In IGCSE OCR Psychology, the case study is a powerful research method that allows students to explore behaviour in depth. This article provides practical exercises, step-by-step guidance and exam-focused tips to master case studies – from design to evaluation.
在 IGCSE OCR 心理学中，案例研究是深入探索行为的一种强有力研究方法。本文提供实战演练、分步指导和考试聚焦的技巧，帮助你掌握案例研究的方方面面——从设计到评价。
1. What Is a Case Study? | 什么是案例研究？
A case study is an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, event or community. It gathers rich, detailed data using multiple sources, such as interviews, observations and psychological tests.
案例研究是对单个个体、群体、事件或社区的深入调查。它通过访谈、观察和心理测验等多种来源收集丰富而详细的数据。
Unlike an experiment, a case study does not manipulate an independent variable. Instead it focuses on the uniqueness of the case and often explores rare phenomena – for example, a person with an unusual memory condition.
与实验不同，案例研究不操纵自变量。它关注的是个案的独特性，常常探索罕见的现象——例如，一位具有异常记忆状况的人。
In the OCR specification, you need to understand case studies as a non-experimental method and be able to design one, analyse its strengths and limitations, and apply it to real-world psychological questions.
在 OCR 考纲中，你需要理解案例研究是一种非实验性方法，能够自己设计一个案例研究，分析其优缺点，并将其应用于真实的心理学问题。
2. Key Features of a Case Study | 案例研究的关键特征
Case studies are idiographic – they aim to give a full picture of the individual or group, rather than generalising to a large population. This makes the data highly detailed and often longitudinal.
案例研究是特殊规律性的——它们旨在提供个体或群体的完整图景，而不是推广到大规模人群。这使得数据高度详细并且常常是纵向的。
Another key feature is triangulation: using multiple sources of evidence to cross-check findings. This might include interviews with the participant, questionnaires from family members, and school or medical records.
另一个关键特征是三角验证：使用多种证据来源来交叉验证结果。这可能包括对参与者的访谈、来自家庭成员的问卷，以及学校或医疗记录。
The researcher often becomes deeply involved, raising issues of subjectivity. However, rich qualitative data can reveal patterns that numbers alone cannot capture.
研究者往往会深度介入，会引发主观性问题。但丰富的质性数据可以揭示仅靠数字无法捕捉的模式。
OCR exam questions frequently ask you to identify these features from a description or to explain why a case study is the most appropriate method for a given scenario.
OCR 考试题经常要求你从一段描述中识别这些特征，或解释为什么对于特定情境案例研究是最恰当的方法。
3. Steps for Designing a Case Study | 设计案例研究的步骤
Start by clearly defining the aim of your case study. For instance, ‘To investigate the impact of social media on self-esteem in one teenager over six months.’
首先，清楚地界定案例研究的目标。例如，“探究社交媒体对一名青少年在六个月内自尊心的影响”。
Next, select your case (participant). Think about why this case is suitable – perhaps because of a unique trait, or because they represent a particular situation. Explain your choice.
接下来，选择你的案例（参与者）。思考为什么这个案例合适——可能是因为一种独特特质，或者因为他们代表了某种特定情况。请解释你的选择。
Then decide on the data collection techniques you will use. A strong case study typically combines at least three methods: semi-structured interviews, naturalistic observations, and psychometric tests, for example.
然后决定你将要使用的数据收集技术。一项扎实的案例研究通常会组合至少三种方法：例如，半结构化访谈、自然观察和心理测量测验。
Finally, plan the timeframe and the ethical safeguards. Will you gather data once, or over several months? How will you ensure confidentiality and the right to withdraw?
最后，规划时间框架和伦理保障。你是一次性收集数据还是在数月内进行？你将如何确保保密性和退出权利？
4. Data Collection Methods | 数据收集方法
Interviews are central: use open-ended questions to gather deep insights. You might record and transcribe them to analyse themes.
访谈是核心：使用开放式问题来获取深入见解。你可以录制并转录它们以分析主题。
Observations allow you to see behaviour in a natural setting. You could use a behavioural checklist to note how often the participant displays a particular mood or action.
观察使你能够在自然情境中观察行为。你可以使用行为核查表来记录参与者表现出特定情绪或动作的频率。
Psychological tests offer standardised measures, such as a self-esteem scale or a memory test. Combining these with qualitative descriptions strengthens the case study.
心理测验提供了标准化测量，例如自尊量表或记忆测验。将这些与质性描述结合起来会加强案例研究的说服力。
In an OCR exam, you may be asked to justify the choice of methods and discuss how they could improve validity and reliability.
在 OCR 考试中，你可能被要求证明方法选择的合理性，并讨论它们如何提高效度和信度。
5. Practical Exercise: Designing Your Own Case Study | 实战演练：设计你自己的案例研究
Exercise: Imagine you want to investigate the effect of a new teaching method on one student’s motivation. Write down the aim, the method of selecting the student, and three different ways to collect data. Then identify one potential ethical issue.
练习：设想你想研究一种新的教学方法对一名学生学习动力的影响。写下目标、选择该学生的方法，以及三种不同的数据收集方式。然后识别一个潜在的伦理问题。
Sample response: Aim – to explore how a gamified maths app influences the motivation of an 11-year-old boy who previously disliked maths. Selection – a boy chosen because his teacher reports low engagement. Methods: daily motivation diary (self-report), classroom observation once a week, and a pre/post questionnaire on attitudes. Ethical issue – ensuring the child understands he can stop at any time (informed consent from parents and assent from the child).
范例回答：目标——探索一款游戏化数学应用如何影响一名先前不喜欢数学的11岁男孩的学习动力。选择——由老师报告参与度低，因而选取该男孩。方法：每日动力日记（自我报告）、每周一次课堂观察，以及前后测的态度问卷。伦理问题——确保孩子明白他可以随时停下（获得家长的知情同意和孩子的认同）。
Try this yourself with different scenarios: a case study of a person recovering from a phobia, or a day-care group learning social skills. The more you practise designing, the easier it becomes to answer exam questions.
用不同情境亲自尝试：研究一名从恐惧症中恢复的人，或者研究一个学习社交技巧的日托小组。你练习设计得越多，回答考试问题就越容易。
6. Analysing Case Study Data | 分析案例研究数据
Case studies produce mainly qualitative data. You can analyse this by thematic analysis: read transcripts, identify recurring ideas and group them into themes.
案例研究主要产生质性数据。你可以通过主题分析来进行：阅读转录稿，识别反复出现的想法，并将它们归类为主题。
For example, if studying a person with social anxiety, themes might be ‘fear of judgement’, ‘physical symptoms’ and ‘avoidance behaviours’. You then support each theme with direct quotations from the participant.
例如，如果研究一名有社交焦虑的人，主题可能是“害怕被评价”、“身体症状”和“回避行为”。然后你用参与者的直接引语来支撑每个主题。
If you have quantitative data from scales, you can present them in a simple table. Combine numbers with quotes to give a full picture – this is often called a mixed-methods case study.
如果你有来自量表的定量数据，你可以用简单的表格呈现。将数字与引述结合起来给出完整图景——这常被称为混合方法案例研究。
OCR may ask you to interpret sample data or suggest how a researcher could improve the analysis. Always mention the importance of reflexivity – the researcher reflecting on their own bias.
OCR 可能会让你解释样本数据或建议研究者如何改进分析。一定要提及反身性的重要性——研究者反思自身的偏见。
7. Evaluating Case Studies: Strengths and Weaknesses | 评价案例研究：优缺点
| Strengths | 优点 | Weaknesses | 缺点 |
|---|---|
| Provide rich, detailed data that capture the complexity of real life. | 提供丰富、详细的数据，捕捉真实生活的复杂性。 | Low generalisability – findings from one case may not apply to others. | 推广性低——一个个案的发现可能不适用于其他个案。 |
| Useful for studying rare or unique phenomena. | 对研究罕见或独特现象有用。 | Researcher bias can influence data collection and interpretation. | 研究者偏见会影响数据收集和解释。 |
| Can generate hypotheses for future larger-scale research. | 可以为未来更大规模的研究产生假设。 | Difficult to replicate, reducing reliability. | 难以复制，降低了可靠性。 |
When answering OCR evaluation questions, always support your points with examples. For instance, HM’s case study revealed a lot about memory but cannot be generalised to all amnesia patients.
在回答 OCR 的评价题时，总是用例子来支持你的论点。例如，HM 的案例研究揭示了大量关于记忆的信息，但不能推广到所有遗忘症患者。
8. Ethical Considerations in Case Studies | 案例研究中的伦理考量
Because a case study often involves a deep and prolonged relationship with a participant, ethical issues are magnified. Protecting the participant’s identity is paramount – use pseudonyms and avoid reporting identifiable details.
由于案例研究往往涉及与参与者的深入且长久的关系，伦理问题被放大。保护参与者的身份至关重要——使用化名并避免报道可识别的细节。
Informed consent must be obtained, but with vulnerable participants (such as children or those with mental health issues) you also need parental consent or a guardian’s approval. Participants should know they can withdraw at any time.
必须获得知情同意，但对于弱势参与者（如儿童或有心理健康问题的人），你还需要父母同意或监护人的批准。参与者应知道他们可以随时退出。
Confidentiality extends to data storage: keep recordings and transcripts in password-protected files. Debriefing after the study helps participants understand the purpose and access support if needed.
保密性扩展到数据存储：将录音和转录稿保存在有密码保护的文件中。研究后的解释说明帮助参与者理解目的，并在需要时获得支持。
OCR scenarios may describe a proposed case study and ask you to identify ethical issues and suggest solutions. Always link your answer to the BPS ethical guidelines.
OCR 的情境题可能描述一个拟议的案例研究，并要求你识别伦理问题并提出解决方案。始终将你的答案与 BPS 伦理准则联系起来。
9. Application: Case Studies in Psychology | 应用：心理学中的案例研究
Famous examples you can reference: Phineas Gage (brain damage and personality), Little Hans (Freud’s study of a phobia), and Genie (deprivation and language development). Each shows how one case can change psychological understanding.
你可以引用的著名案例：菲尼亚斯·盖奇（脑损伤与人格）、小汉斯（弗洛伊德对恐惧症的研究）和吉尼（剥夺与语言发展）。每个案例都展示了个案如何改变心理学的理解。
In the real world, clinical psychologists use case studies to formulate treatments, and educational psychologists to assess individual learning needs. This practical relevance is often tested in OCR questions.
在现实世界中，临床心理学家使用案例研究来制定治疗方案，教育心理学家用来评估个体的学习需求。这种实际相关性经常在 OCR 考题中被测验。
10. Exam Tips for Case Study Questions | 案例研究题的应试技巧
Read the scenario carefully and identify the method described. If asked ‘Explain one strength of using a case study here,’ always contextualise your point – say exactly how the strength applies to the given situation.
仔细阅读情境并识别所描述的方法。如果被问到“解释在这里使用案例研究的一个优点”，始终将你的论点置于情境中——确切地说出这个优点如何适用于给定的情况。
When designing a case study in an exam, structure your answer: aim, participant, procedure, data collection, ethical safeguards. Use bullet points in your plan if allowed, then write a coherent description.
在考试中设计案例研究时，构建你的答案：目标、参与者、过程、数据收集、伦理保障。如果允许，在提纲中使用要点，然后写出连贯的描述。
For evaluation, balance strengths and weaknesses, and always give a reasoned conclusion. For example, ‘Although generalisability is low, the depth of insight gained makes the case study invaluable for exploring rare conditions.’
在评价时，平衡优点和缺点，并始终给出有条理的结论。例如，“尽管推广性较低，但所获得见解的深度使案例研究对于探索罕见状况具有无可估量的价值。”
Timing: on a 60-mark paper, a 12-mark design or evaluate question should take about 15-18 minutes. Practise under timed conditions to build confidence.
时间分配：在一份 60 分的试卷上，一道 12 分的设计或评价题应花费大约 15-18 分钟。在限时条件下练习以建立信心。
Remember key command words: ‘Describe’ means give an account of; ‘Explain’ means give reasons; ‘Evaluate’ means weigh up strengths and weaknesses. Practise writing full paragraphs that hit these command words.
记住关键的指令词：“描述”意味着给出说明；“解释”意味着给出理由；“评价”意味着权衡优缺点。练习写出符合这些指令词的完整段落。
11. Summary and Further Practice | 总结与进阶练习
Case studies are not just about telling a story – they are a systematic research method. Revisit your notes on triangulation, reflexivity and ethical guidelines, then attempt a full practice question: design a case study to investigate the influence of peer groups on eating habits in one teenage girl.
案例研究不仅仅是讲故事——它是一种系统性的研究方法。复习关于三角验证、反身性和伦理准则的笔记，然后尝试一道完整的练习题：设计一个案例研究来探究同伴群体对一名青春期女孩饮食习惯的影响。
Swap your plan with a classmate and give feedback. Check if the methods are varied, if ethical issues are addressed, and if the data analysis strategy is clear. Self-assessment is crucial for improvement.
与同学交换计划并给出反馈。检查方法是否多样化，伦理问题是否被处理，以及数据分析策略是否清晰。自我评估对提升至关重要。
For more revision, access OCR specimen papers and mark schemes. Notice how top-level answers use psychological terminology precisely and support every point with reasoning.
为了更多复习，查阅 OCR 样卷和评分方案。留意高分答案如何精准地使用心理学术语，并用推理支持每一个论点。
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