What is a case study?

A case study is characterized by an in-depth analysis of a single individual, group, or event, allowing researchers to explore complex phenomena in detail. This method is particularly valuable for examining unique or rare cases, where the richness of qualitative data can provide insights that would likely be missed in broader quantitative studies. Case studies are often utilized in psychology and social sciences to gain a nuanced understanding of behavior, motivations, or developmental factors that influence an individual's or group's experiences.

The strength of a case study lies in its ability to convey contextual details and multifaceted aspects of the subject being studied. Unlike broader surveys, which gather data across a wide population, or experimental methods that manipulate variables to test hypotheses, case studies focus on depth rather than breadth. This makes them useful for generating hypotheses and informing future research, even though the findings may not be easily generalized to larger populations.