Single case studies as a means for developing psychological theories

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Scientific Methodology

Background:

• Traditional views consider single case studies (SCSs) for demonstrating or verifying theories.
• The role of SCSs in scientific theory development requires re-evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Socratic function of SCSs in scientific theory development.
• To analyze the interrelations of theoretical concepts through case studies.
• To explore the implications for the ecological validity of theory development.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the Socratic function of SCSs.
• Examination of SCSs as a method for theory generation.
• Illustrative example using Alexandr Luria's Romantic Essays.

Main Results:

• SCSs function as a method for generating theoretical concepts.
• SCSs provide opportunities for analyzing the interrelations between concepts.
• The Socratic perspective highlights crucial aspects of ecological validity in theory building.

Conclusions:

• Rethinking the role of SCSs shifts focus from verification to generation of theories.
• The Socratic function of SCSs is vital for robust and ecologically valid theory development.
• Alexandr Luria's work exemplifies the power of SCSs in advancing psychological theory.