In defense of the case study method.
A review of common criticisms of the case study method indicates that many of them are based on conceptual confusions. Other criticisms stem from the inappropriate application of criteria used in the evaluation of experimental designs. This paper attempts to clarify several of the underlying conceptual issues, to identify more appropriate evaluative criteria, and to suggest procedures leading to more rigorous use of the case study method.
D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D009986:Orthopsychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D012106:Research; D012189:Retrospective Studies