Final answer:
The study method called a case study is an in-depth analysis of a single individual or event, often used in fields like psychology, sociology, and education to gain detailed insights. It includes various methods such as observations and interviews, but its findings can be difficult to generalize.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method of study that examines one or more people in great depth is called a(n) case study. A case study is utilized by researchers when they want to gain a deep understanding of a particular individual or event. This method involves a comprehensive analysis through various techniques, such as reviewing documents, archival records, conducting interviews, direct observation, and even participant observation when possible.
In a case study, detailed information is collected from an individual or a group to better understand specific physical and psychological changes or phenomena. The approach is particularly valuable when studying individuals who are exceptional in some manner—however, due to the intense focus on a single or small number of subjects, findings from case studies may be subject to researcher bias and are typically difficult to generalize to a broader population.
Despite some criticisms, the rich insights provided by case studies are unmatched by other research methods, allowing researchers to develop a layered and nuanced understanding of the subjects under study. The case study method is relevant in fields such as education, psychology, sociology, and linguistics, and is essential for theories that would benefit from in-depth qualitative data.