Evaluation of case studies in privation

1. Evaluation of case studies in privation

2. Are the effects of privation reversible? • It might be that the Czech twins recovered from their privation due to the subsequent care they received. They received loving care, whereas Genie may not have (allegations of abuse). This might explain why the effects of privation were irreversible for Genie. • It might also be the case that the twins actually did not suffer privation. For example, it could be that they formed an attachment with their mother before she died, and it is likely that they had an attachment (emotional care) with each other. Consequently, perhaps their case does not reflect the effects of privation.

3. Moreover, perhaps Genie was indeed mentally ill, and that this is the reason for the irreversible negative effects in social development, not the privation. • Whether the effects are reversible or not may be explained by the age at which they were ‘discovered’. Perhaps the Czech twins were found earlier enough to be able to recover. • Consequently, this is the problem with studying individual case studies, in that they are difficult to generalise from due to their unique circumstances.