Which of the following method of assessment is used for an in-depth study of an individual?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Case study
Option (1) Observation — Incorrect. Observation records behavioural phenomena as they occur, in a systematic and objective way. It sees what a person does at a time; it is one source of data for a case study, not an in-depth study of the whole person.
Option (2) Interview — Incorrect. An interview seeks information from a person on a one-to-one basis, as a counsellor or an employer does. It too feeds a case study.
Option (3) Case study — Correct. A case study is an in-depth study of the individual in terms of her/his psychological attributes and psychological history, in the context of her/his psychosocial and physical environment. It is based on data from several methods: interview, observation, questionnaires and psychological tests.
Option (4) Self-report — Incorrect. In a self-report the person gives information about herself/himself (facts, opinions, beliefs), usually through an interview or a questionnaire. It covers only what the person reports.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 29-05-2023 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2025 on 16-05-2025 (Slot 1).
NCERT (2025-26): “Assessment Methods … Case Study is an in-depth study of the individual in ter ms of her/his psychological attributes, psychological history in the context of her/his psychosocial and physical environment. Case studies are widely used by clinical psychologists. Case analyses of the lives of great people can also be highly illuminating for those willing to lear n from their life experiences. Case studies are based on data generated by different methods, e.g. interview, observation, questionnaire, psychological tests, etc.…” “…Interview involves seeking information from a person on a one-to-one basis.…” “…Observation involves employing systematic, organised, and objective procedures to record behavioural phenomena occurring naturally in real time.…” “…Self-Report is a method in which a person provides factual information about herself/himself and/or opinions, beliefs, etc. that s/he holds. Such infor mation may be obtained by using an interview schedule or a questionnaire, a psychological test, or a personal diary.” |