What is a disadvantage often associated with case studies?

Case studies often delve deeply into the life or behavior of an individual, group, or phenomenon, providing rich, qualitative insights. However, this depth can lead to a disadvantage linked to the potential lack of objectivity. When researchers rely heavily on personal accounts or subjective interpretations, the findings may reflect biases or individual perspectives rather than objective truths. This can affect the validity and reliability of the conclusions drawn from the case study.

Different research methods can be designed to minimize bias and enhance generalizability, but case studies tend to focus on unique instances or experiences, making it challenging to apply findings broadly. This characteristic can lead to questions about how much these findings can be considered representative or conclusive in the wider context of psychological research.

In contrast, the other options highlight aspects that are not typical or correct regarding case studies. For instance, case studies do not require large sample sizes; they often focus on a single case or small number of cases. They primarily contain qualitative rather than quantitative data, and they typically do not provide quantitative results at all. Thus, the identified disadvantage of lacking objectivity due to personal accounts is a significant concern within this research method.