Which is a limitation of the Little Hans evaluation?

• A. The father was already familiar with the research, making it biased
• B. It shows universal validity
• C. It used large randomized samples
• D. It was conducted without any bias

Answer: (A)

This item examines how bias can affect a case study, focusing on the Little Hans evaluation. The key limitation is that the father who provided much of the data knew Freud’s aims and had involvement in collecting Hans’s stories. That familiarity could shape what was reported and how it was interpreted, because the father might expect certain outcomes or ask leading questions. Freud then interpreted these second-hand reports through his theoretical lens, which raises questions about the objectivity and reliability of the findings. In short, the data aren’t purely from unbiased observation of Hans; they’re filtered through a biased informant who was already connected to the research. This is why this option stands out as a limitation. The study also isn’t generalizable, and it isn’t based on large randomized samples, nor is it free of bias, but the specific concern here is the potential bias introduced by the father’s prior familiarity with the research.