A case study is defined as:

A case study is defined as:

• A. A broad survey of a population
• B. An experiment with random assignment
• C. An in-depth investigation of a single person or small number
• D. A series of laboratory tests

Answer: (C)

Case studies focus on an in-depth examination of one person or a small group to understand how various factors—history, behavior, environment, and treatment responses—interact in a real-world setting. This approach gives rich, contextual detail that helps you see the complexities of a case rather than just surface-level patterns. It’s different from a broad survey, which aims to describe characteristics of a large population and isn’t about deep, individual detail. It also differs from an experiment with random assignment, which tests cause-and-effect by manipulating variables under controlled conditions, and from a series of laboratory tests, which generate objective measurements in controlled labs. The strength of a case study lies in its ability to illuminate how specific factors co-occur and influence outcomes in an actual client, which is why it’s the best fit for the defined concept.

Case studies focus on an in-depth examination of one person or a small group to understand how various factors—history, behavior, environment, and treatment responses—interact in a real-world setting. This approach gives rich, contextual detail that helps you see the complexities of a case rather than just surface-level patterns. It’s different from a broad survey, which aims to describe characteristics of a large population and isn’t about deep, individual detail. It also differs from an experiment with random assignment, which tests cause-and-effect by manipulating variables under controlled conditions, and from a series of laboratory tests, which generate objective measurements in controlled labs. The strength of a case study lies in its ability to illuminate how specific factors co-occur and influence outcomes in an actual client, which is why it’s the best fit for the defined concept.