What is a case study in psychological research?

A case study in psychological research is defined as a solitary in-depth examination of an individual. This research method allows psychologists to gather detailed information about a person's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and overall psychological functioning. The strength of a case study lies in its ability to provide a rich, nuanced understanding of complex psychological phenomena that may not be fully captured through other research methods, such as surveys or experiments.

In psychological contexts, a case study can often yield insights into rare conditions, unique experiences, or the effects of specific interventions over time. By focusing on a single individual or case, researchers can explore the intricacies of their subject's life, which might illuminate broader psychological principles or lead to new hypotheses for further research. This is particularly valuable in clinical psychology and other applied fields, where the goal is to understand individual variation and tailored approaches to therapy or intervention.