In the context of the scientific method in psychology, which of the following best defines a case study?

• A. A survey method that collects data from a large, random sample of participants.
• B. A statistical analysis of data collected from multiple previous studies.
• C. An in-depth investigation of a single individual or a small group to explore unique or rare phenomena.
• D. A controlled experiment that manipulates variables to determine cause and effect.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the scientific method in psychology, which involves systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation to formulate and test hypotheses.
2. Step 2: Recognize that different research methods serve different purposes, such as surveys for broad data collection, experiments for cause-effect relationships, and meta-analyses for combining results from multiple studies.
3. Step 3: Define a case study as an in-depth investigation focusing on a single individual or a small group, often used to explore unique, rare, or complex phenomena that cannot be studied effectively through other methods.
4. Step 4: Compare the options given: surveys collect data from large samples, meta-analyses analyze multiple studies, experiments manipulate variables, and case studies provide detailed qualitative insights into specific cases.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best definition of a case study is the one describing an in-depth investigation of a single individual or small group to explore unique or rare phenomena.