Which of the following are features of the case study method?

1.It is appreciative

2.It is particularistic

3.It is descriptive

4.It is inductive

5.It is mechanical

A1, 2 and 3 only

B2, 3 and 4 only ✓ Correct

C3, 4 and 5 only

D1, 4 and 5 only

Correct answer: (B) 2, 3 and 4 only

Explanation

Case study is particularistic, descriptive and inductive, three of Merriam's defining features.

It is particularistic because it concentrates on a single situation, event or unit.

It is descriptive because it yields a rich, thick account of the case.

It is inductive because generalisations emerge from examining the particular.

Calling it appreciative misstates the method, which is analytic rather than merely praising.

Calling it mechanical is wrong, since the case study is flexible; its fourth Merriam feature is being heuristic.

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