 A case study is a research methodology that has commonly used in social sciences.

 A case study is a research strategy and an empirical inquiry that investigates a

phenomenon within its real-life context.
 Case studies are based on an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group or event
to explore the causes of underlying principles.
 A case study is a descriptive and exploratory analysis of a person, group or event.
 A case study reserach can be single or multiple case studies, includes quantitative
evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence and benefits from the prior development
of theoritical propositions.
 Case studies are analysis of persons, groups, events, decisions, periods, policies,
institutions or other systems that are studied holistically by one or more methods.

Case studies involve the documented history and comprehensive analysis of a situation
concerning subjects such as industries, organizations, and markets. ... Rich case studies employ
both qualitative and quantitative data. The strong point of case studies is the depth of analysis
that they offer.

In the social and life sciences, a case study is a research method involving an up-close, in-depth,
and detailed examination of a particular case. For example, a case study in medicine may
examine a specific patient a doctor treated, and a case study in business might study a particular
firm's strategy. Generally, a case can be nearly any unit of analysis, including individuals,
organizations, events, or actions.

Case studies can be produced by following a formal research method. These case studies are
likely to appear in formal research venues, as journals and professional conferences, rather than
in popular works. Case study research can mean single and multiple case studies, can include
quantitative evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence, and benefits from the prior
development of theoretical propositions. Case studies may involve both qualitative and
quantitative research methods. Single-subject research provides the statistical framework for
making inferences from quantitative case-study data.[1][2] Another suggestion is that case study
should be defined as a "research strategy", an empirical inquiry that investigates a phenomenon
within its real-life context.

The resulting body of 'case study research' has long had a prominent place in many disciplines
and professions, ranging from psychology, anthropology, sociology, and political science to
education, clinical science, social work, and administrative science