Case Study Method in Adolescent Psychology


McManus, J. L. (1986). Student composed case study in adolescent psychology. Teaching of Psychology, 13(2), 92-93.
McManus described how to use a modified case study to teach theoretical concepts in adolescent psychology. In small groups, students were instructed to create hypothetical case study that presented a common dilemma in adolescence (e.g., drug abuse). They then generated potential solutions to the dilemma and ranked them from most to least effective. Each group was then instructed to indentify a “target group” from which they could interview about the dilemma. Out of class, each group interviewed a few participants from the target group described the case study (dilemma) and asked them to rate the group’s solutions to the dilemma. During the next class period each group discussed their findings and was instructed to write a summary. Finally, each group presented their case study and results to the entire class. 

 

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