Question

Which of the following statements regarding case studies is false?

Answer 1

The false statement regarding case studies is that they collect superficial information. In reality, case studies provide in-depth data but struggle with generalizability to larger populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The false statement regarding case studies is: a. the superficial nature of the information collected in this approach. This statement is incorrect because case studies are known for providing an in-depth look at a particular individual or situation, rather than superficial information. Case studies are a method used to gain knowledge of or insights into human behavior, thoughts, or emotions, and the written results are detailed accounts of observations made in a limited setting with a small sample size.

However, a significant criticism of case studies is their lack of generalizability to the larger population. This limitation is rooted in the fact that case studies usually focus on unique or rare phenomena and the findings from a single individual or case may not represent broader patterns applicable to a larger segment of society. Hence, the other given options such as b. the lack of control that the researcher has, c. the inability to generalize the findings, and d. the absence of inter-rater reliability are limitations in the case study method, but are not mischaracterizing it as superficial.

Answer 2

The false statement regarding case studies is that they provide superficial information. In reality, case studies offer in-depth, qualitative insights but are limited by their inability to generalize findings to a broader population.

Step-by-step explanation:

Case studies provide an in-depth look into a single case, such as that of a foster child, a cancer patient, or a criminal. They are not characterized by superficiality but by their depth and detailed exploration of one particular instance.

However, the major limitation of a case study is not its superficiality but its inability to generalize the findings to a wider population due to the uniqueness of the case being studied.

Case studies depend on qualitative research, which offers rich, in-depth information, but it can be subjective and difficult to replicate across different settings or larger populations.