What defines a case study in qualitative research?

A case study in qualitative research is characterized by an in-depth investigation of a specific instance or phenomenon within its real-life context. It emphasizes understanding the complexities of a particular case, which is often a single individual, group, event, or community, rather than making broad generalizations based on statistical analysis.

The option that indicates a specific characteristic shared by all participants captures the essence of a case study. In this type of research, what is focused on is typically the unique circumstances and experiences that set a particular case apart, rather than traits that are broadly applicable to an entire population. Case studies allow researchers to explore intricate details and nuances that contribute to a deeper understanding of the specific case being studied, thereby providing insights that might be obscured in larger sample studies.

In contrast, options that suggest a broad analysis of a large population, random selection of participants for a generalized conclusion, or a focus on theoretical constructs rather than individual cases do not align with the foundational principles of case study research. Such approaches are more characteristic of quantitative research or different research methodologies that aim for generalizability and statistical significance, rather than exploring the richness of individual cases in qualitative analysis.