A significant limitation of case studies is:

Case studies provide in-depth qualitative insights into an individual or a small group, often focusing on specific phenomena. However, a significant limitation of this method is the potential for researcher bias. Because case studies typically involve a close relationship between the researcher and the subject, the interpretation of data can be influenced by the researcher’s personal beliefs, expectations, or emotional connections. This bias can affect the objectivity of the findings, leading to misinterpretation or selective reporting of information that aligns with the researcher’s preconceived notions.

Researcher bias can manifest in various ways, such as emphasizing certain aspects of the data while downplaying others, shaping questions or interviews to fit a hypothesis, or misrepresenting the responses and behaviors observed. This limitation means that the results of a case study may not be generalizable to a larger population, as they can reflect subjective and potentially skewed perceptions rather than objective facts. This introduces a challenge in validating the findings against broader theories or experiments in psychology. Understanding this limitation is crucial for interpreting the outcomes of case studies and recognizing their contextual nature in psychological research.