In a famous case study, researchers examined a railroad foreman named Phineas Gage who survived after an iron tamping rod was driven through his skull, damaging much of his left frontal lobe. Before the accident, Gage was described as responsible, hardworking, and well-liked. After the accident, friends reported he became impulsive, profane, and unable to follow through on plans. Researchers later reconstructed the path of the rod using his preserved skull.
What is the greatest methodological limitation of drawing conclusions from Gage's case?
- A
There was no possibility of measuring behavioral change.
- B
Researchers used random assignment, which is inappropriate for brain studies.
- C
The independent variable was not properly operationalized.
- Dcheck_circle
Findings from a single case study may not generalize to the broader population.
Explanation
Case studies provide rich qualitative detail but suffer from limited generalizability because conclusions are based on one individual whose injury and history may not represent others. Random assignment is impossible (and unethical) here, not a limitation that was misused.