Which feature is characteristic of a case study?

A case study is characterized by its in-depth examination of a single individual or a small group, which allows for a comprehensive understanding of complex psychological phenomena. This approach is particularly valuable in situations where researchers aim to gather detailed contextual information that quantitative methods alone might miss. Case studies facilitate the exploration of unique cases, providing rich qualitative insights that can lead to hypotheses for further research or inform clinical practices.

In contrast, the other options highlight features that do not align with the nature of a case study. Reliance on quantitative data suggests a focus on statistical analysis and broad trends, which is typically found in experimental or survey research rather than the narrative-driven exploration of a case study. Similarly, a large sample size is associated with studies that seek to generalize findings to a wider population, which is not the goal of a case study that focuses on specificity and depth. Lastly, the focus on experimental procedures points to a structured and often manipulative approach to research, which is not characteristic of case studies that prioritize observation and narrative detail over experimental control.