What is the primary characteristic of case studies in research?

The primary characteristic of case studies in research is the in-depth analysis of individuals. This method allows researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of a person's unique experiences, behaviors, and psychological conditions. By focusing on a single subject or a small group of subjects, researchers can gather rich, qualitative data that may reveal insights difficult to obtain through quantitative methods. Case studies are often used to explore complex issues that cannot be easily quantified or generalized, providing a valuable context to understand particular phenomena deeply.

While studying large groups of people, recording statistical data, or conducting surveys does provide important information in psychological research, these approaches focus on broader patterns and generalizations rather than the detailed, nuanced examination characteristic of case studies.