Irving E. Alexander

Science and the Single Case

I must express my gratitude for being asked to participate in this anniversary celebration. The task assigned, a review of “science and the single case,” or the continuing saga of the study of the individual, allowed me to reexperience the pleasure I derived in reading Allport’s volume (1937) as a graduate student more than 40 years ago. While my present concern is centered in the first and last chapters, I was drawn to rereading the others as well. My impression was that despite the passage of the years, it could still be read with profit by graduate students today. With regard to the scientific study of the individual, the arguments remain timely and persuasive but certainly need retelling in light of our history over the past half-century.