What defines a case study?

A case study is defined as an in-depth analysis of a particular individual, group, or situation. This methodological approach allows researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of complex issues through detailed contextual analysis. By focusing on a specific case, researchers can explore the nuances and intricacies that may not be captured through broader quantitative methods or larger surveys. Case studies are particularly valuable in sociology and other social sciences as they provide rich qualitative data that offer insight into behavioral, social, and cultural patterns. They help identify themes, generate hypotheses, and illustrate the lived experiences of the subjects being studied. This depth and detailed understanding is what distinguishes case studies from more generalized research methods.