Blog Entry 2 - Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Case
studies are often enormously compelling, which is why talk-show hosts love
them. However, they are often merely anecdotes. What are the dangers in using
case studies to draw general conclusions about human nature?
The reason case studies would be enormously compelling to talk-show hosts would be because the purpose of a case study is to examine an individual or a group of people in depth in hopes to reveal things true to all. Now in a talk-show it can merely go as finding out things of individuals that everyone can relate to or just vast entertainment hence why they are often just considered anecdotes. A lot of the purpose of a talk show is to invite guests to discuss personal experiences or areas of expertise. Keeping in mind that this is one individual's experience which is already conflicting to the idea that what they're saying or talking about would be the same for everyone. It could be a very vague discussion about their thoughts on "love at first sight". Of course whatever they say about the topic I'm sure many people can relate to but to base everyone's thoughts and psychological experience cannot be defined by one individuals insight whether relatable or not.
The danger in using case studies to draw general conclusions about human nature is that it can lead to mistaken judgement and false conclusions. Individual case studies can be very misleading. Often in findings people will have or suggest contradicting stories or anecdotes. As humans we keep personal experiences close to heart and dramatic stories in the back of our heads. When someone suggests something that goes against a dramatic story or experience an individual has it commands attention. With that said many of these stories and experiences can lead to fruitful ideas. Ones that would compel someone to believe that their thought is correct or rather makes more sense than what is being presented to them. Although case studies are not the best research method to draw general conclusions about human nature, it is a good way to begin a study. From case studies you can find revealing evidence which can later be directed to further study.
Case studies are often enormously compelling, which is why talk-show hosts love them. However, they are often merely anecdotes. What are the dangers in using case studies to draw general conclusions about human nature?
The reason case studies would be enormously compelling to talk-show hosts would be because the purpose of a case study is to examine an individual or a group of people in depth in hopes to reveal things true to all. Now in a talk-show it can merely go as finding out things of individuals that everyone can relate to or just vast entertainment hence why they are often just considered anecdotes. A lot of the purpose of a talk show is to invite guests to discuss personal experiences or areas of expertise. Keeping in mind that this is one individual's experience which is already conflicting to the idea that what they're saying or talking about would be the same for everyone. It could be a very vague discussion about their thoughts on "love at first sight". Of course whatever they say about the topic I'm sure many people can relate to but to base everyone's thoughts and psychological experience cannot be defined by one individuals insight whether relatable or not.
The danger in using case studies to draw general conclusions about human nature is that it can lead to mistaken judgement and false conclusions. Individual case studies can be very misleading. Often in findings people will have or suggest contradicting stories or anecdotes. As humans we keep personal experiences close to heart and dramatic stories in the back of our heads. When someone suggests something that goes against a dramatic story or experience an individual has it commands attention. With that said many of these stories and experiences can lead to fruitful ideas. Ones that would compel someone to believe that their thought is correct or rather makes more sense than what is being presented to them. Although case studies are not the best research method to draw general conclusions about human nature, it is a good way to begin a study. From case studies you can find revealing evidence which can later be directed to further study.
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