What defines a case study in psychological research?

A case study in psychological research is characterized by its in-depth examination of a single individual or a small group of individuals who share similar characteristics or backgrounds. This research method allows psychologists to explore complex issues in detail, capturing the nuances of behaviors, thoughts, feelings, or situations that might not be fully understood through more generalized research methods.

This approach is particularly valuable when studying rare disorders or unique cases where qualitative insights can reveal important psychological factors. By focusing closely on a limited subject or subjects, researchers can gather rich, detailed data that contributes to a deeper understanding of psychological phenomena. The findings from case studies can also help generate hypotheses that may be tested in broader populations later on.

In contrast, other methods like large surveys or quantitative variable analyses deal with broader trends and statistical relationships rather than individual cases, which do not provide the same depth of insight into personal experiences or specific circumstances.