What type of study focuses on an intensive exploration of a specific subject, often a singular person or group?

The type of study that emphasizes an in-depth examination of a specific subject, typically involving an individual or a group, is known as a case study. This research method allows for a detailed understanding of complex phenomena within their real-life context. Case studies often draw from various data sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, to gather comprehensive insights.

This approach is particularly useful in fields like psychology, social sciences, and health, where the subjective experiences and contextual factors of specific subjects can significantly influence outcomes and understanding. By focusing on a singular entity, researchers can uncover nuanced information that broader studies might overlook.

In contrast, experimental studies typically manipulate variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships, while survey studies gather data from larger populations through questionnaires. Longitudinal studies track changes over time within the same subjects, providing insight into trends and development but not necessarily delving deeply into a single individual or group at a particular moment.