Phineas Gage was a key psychological "case study." A case study is defined as a particular instance of a phenomenon that is observed and analyzed in order to illustrate a thesis or principal. In this particular instance, psychologists were able to better understand the frontal lobe's ability to dictate a person's behavior and personality. 

Phineas Gage was a key psychological "case study." A case study is defined as a particular instance of a phenomenon that is observed and analyzed in order to illustrate a thesis or principal. In this particular instance, psychologists were able to better understand the frontal lobe's ability to dictate a person's behavior and personality. 

Qualitative research methods collects data utilizing naturalistic and verbal reports. Qualitative research methods rely data that is not numerical in nature. Qualitative data are collected in the following methods: case studies, participant observations, focus groups, and informal interviews. Case studies such as the Genie (the feral child) and Phineas Gage incorporate the observation and study of subjects for extended periods of time. Participant observation is a qualitative method of study preferred by those who wish to learn more about a particular group or culture through social immersion where the researcher takes on the dual role of both participant and observer. Focus groups are a common qualitative method that use semistructured interviews with a small group of individuals to gather data on particular phenomena. Likewise, informal interviews use semistructured guides to ask subjects questions in order to gather information regarding particular phenomena. On the other hand, surveys are quantitative by nature. Surveys typically use dichotomous, rating, Likert, and semantic differential scales to analyze and code respondent's answers to perform statistical operations that help to explain a particular phenomenon. 

In this situation, the psychologists would most likely use methods of participant observation. Ethnographers imbed themselves in a community and take on the dual role of both participant and observer. In this way, they collect data through direct observations. These observations are then analyzed and coded in order to generate conclusions about the Amish community. The other methods—experimentation, surveys, and historical analysis—utilize methods that are not commonly associated with ethnography. These methods can supplement ethnographic analysis; however, they are not a primary component of ethnography.

Qualitative research methods collects data utilizing naturalistic and verbal reports. Qualitative research methods rely data that is not numerical in nature. Qualitative data are collected in the following methods: case studies, participant observations, focus groups, and informal interviews. Case studies such as the Genie (the feral child) and Phineas Gage incorporate the observation and study of subjects for extended periods of time. Participant observation is a qualitative method of study preferred by those who wish to learn more about a particular group or culture through social immersion where the researcher takes on the dual role of both participant and observer. Focus groups are a common qualitative method that use semistructured interviews with a small group of individuals to gather data on particular phenomena. Likewise, informal interviews use semistructured guides to ask subjects questions in order to gather information regarding particular phenomena. On the other hand, surveys are quantitative by nature. Surveys typically use dichotomous, rating, Likert, and semantic differential scales to analyze and code respondent's answers to perform statistical operations that help to explain a particular phenomenon. 

In this situation, the psychologists would most likely use methods of participant observation. Ethnographers imbed themselves in a community and take on the dual role of both participant and observer. In this way, they collect data through direct observations. These observations are then analyzed and coded in order to generate conclusions about the Amish community. The other methods—experimentation, surveys, and historical analysis—utilize methods that are not commonly associated with ethnography. These methods can supplement ethnographic analysis; however, they are not a primary component of ethnography.