What is a significant limitation of case studies in psychological research?

The significant limitation of case studies in psychological research lies in their limited generalizability due to small sample size. Case studies often focus on a detailed examination of a single individual or a small group, which can provide in-depth insights but may not be representative of the broader population. Because the findings from such studies are primarily based on individual cases, they may not be applicable to other individuals or situations, limiting the ability to generalize results across different contexts or populations. This lack of broader applicability is a key concern in psychological research, where understanding patterns and trends across larger groups is often crucial for developing theories and interventions.

While other factors, like researcher bias and the time-consuming nature of case studies, are relevant, they do not inherently affect the generalizability of case study findings. Researcher bias can influence the interpretation of data but does not directly address the issue of how representative the findings are. Similarly, while case studies can be costly and time-consuming, this aspect pertains more to the feasibility of conducting the research rather than the validity and applicability of the findings.