What is the primary drawback of case studies?

The primary drawback of case studies is that they often lack generalizability. Case studies typically focus on a very small group or even a single individual, gathering in-depth qualitative data. This specificity means that the findings drawn from one case may not be applicable to a broader population, limiting their ability to infer general principles or trends.

In research, generalizability is crucial because it determines how well the results of a study can be applied to contexts beyond the specific instance analyzed. Case studies provide rich detail and context about particular cases but may not represent the variability and complexities of larger populations. This specificity can lead to the risk of overgeneralization if the results are misapplied to broader settings.

The time-consuming nature of conducting case studies, while true, is not the primary drawback in terms of the applicability of the findings. Additionally, case studies typically focus on individuals or small groups rather than large populations, which is contrary to what one option states. Finally, while some case studies may include quantitative data, they often emphasize qualitative insights, making a heavy reliance on quantitative data less characteristic of the methodology.