How do case studies function as a research method?

Case studies function as a research method by enabling in-depth exploration of specific instances or phenomena. This method allows researchers to collect detailed qualitative and quantitative data about a particular case, which could be an individual, organization, event, or process. The richness of the data collected provides insights that are often missed in broader surveys, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and subtleties involved in the particular case being studied.

By focusing on specific instances, case studies can reveal the dynamics and factors that influence outcomes, enabling researchers to draw conclusions that contribute to theory development, practical implications, or further inquiry into similar cases. The ability to capture context, meaning, and depth makes case studies a valuable approach in fields such as psychology, sociology, and business studies.