A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What type of study design did Freud use in the case of Little Hans?

1. Cross-sectional study

2. Longitudinal study

3. Experimental study

4. Case-control study

The correct answer is: Longitudinal study

Freud's case of Little Hans is indeed best characterized as a longitudinal study. This type of study involves observing the same subjects over a period of time to detect any changes or developments in their behaviors or characteristics. In the case of Little Hans, Freud conducted his observations and interpretations over the course of several months, focusing on the boy’s phobias and dreams, as well as his interactions with his parents. This prolonged engagement allowed Freud to gather detailed insights into the child's psychological development and to apply his theories of psychosexual stages and phobia formation. Unlike a cross-sectional study, which examines a group at a single point in time, the longitudinal design adopted by Freud provides a deeper understanding of developmental changes and the dynamics of Hans' condition as it evolved. An experimental study, which involves manipulation of variables to assess cause-and-effect relationships, was not utilized by Freud in this case, as he was not testing a hypothesis in a controlled environment. Similarly, a case-control study, which compares subjects with a particular condition to those without it to identify potential risk factors, is also not applicable here, as Freud focused specifically on one individual's psychoanalytic therapy and experiences rather than comparing different cases.