An in-depth study of the individual in terms of his/her psychological attributes, psychological history in the context of his/her psycho-social and physical environment is known as:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Case-study
Option (1) Interview — Incorrect. An interview seeks information from a person on a one-to-one basis, as a counsellor or an employer does. It is one of the sources of data for a case study, not the whole in-depth study.
Option (2) Self-report — Incorrect. In a self-report the person gives information about herself/himself (facts, opinions, beliefs), through an interview schedule, a questionnaire or a diary. It covers only what the person reports.
Option (3) Psychological test — Incorrect. A psychological test is an objective and standardised measure of an individual’s mental and/or behavioural characteristics, such as intelligence or aptitude. It measures attributes; it does not study the person’s history and surroundings.
Option (4) 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.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 29-05-2023 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2026 on 06-06-2026 (Slot 1).
NCERT (2025-26): “Assessment Methods … Psychological Test is an objective and standardised measure of an individual’s mental and/or behavioural characteristics.…” “…Interview involves seeking information from a person on a one-to-one basis.…” “…Case Study is an in-depth study of the individual in terms 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 learn from their life experiences. Case studies are based on data generated by different methods, e.g. interview, observation, questionnaire, psychological tests, etc.…” “…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 information may be obtained by using an interview schedule or a questionnaire, a psychological test, or a personal diary.” |