Which research method specifically focuses on studying one individual in depth?

The focus of case study research is to conduct an in-depth exploration of a single individual, group, event, or phenomenon. This method allows researchers to gather comprehensive data and insights about the specific subject being studied, often utilizing various data collection techniques such as interviews, observations, and document analysis. Case studies are particularly valuable in psychology as they can provide a detailed understanding of complex issues, behaviors, or experiences that may not be easily captured through other research methods. This depth of analysis enables researchers to formulate hypotheses, identify patterns, and generate theories within the context of the individual case, making it a rich source of qualitative data.

In contrast, content analysis is focused on systematically analyzing communication artifacts, such as texts or media, rather than individuals. Available data research refers to the use of pre-existing data that researchers have not collected themselves, limiting the context-specific insights that can be gained about individuals. Secondary data analysis primarily involves re-evaluating pre-collected data sets to answer new questions, often lacking the individualized depth that case studies provide. These distinctions underscore why case study research is the most suitable method for an in-depth study of an individual.