What defines a case study in business research?

A case study in business research is characterized by an in-depth exploration of a particular instance or situation, which allows researchers to gain comprehensive insights into complex issues, behaviors, and outcomes. This method combines various data sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, to provide a detailed analysis of a specific case, whether it be an organization, an event, or a phenomenon within a business context.

This in-depth analysis helps in understanding not just the 'what' but also the 'why' behind specific business scenarios, making it a valuable tool for developing theories or testing hypotheses. The richness of the data collected in case studies often leads to greater contextual understanding, which is particularly useful for practitioners seeking to apply findings to real-world scenarios.

The other responses encapsulate different methodologies in business research but do not capture the essence of what a case study entails. Surveys are typically broader and less detailed, observational methods focus on capturing current behaviors rather than in-depth contexts, and broad market analyses look over trends without delving deep into specific instances.