The Validity of the Case Study

This work examines the case study as a methodological paradigm within sociology, psychology and criminology and within the social sciences generally. The examination is in three parts, of which the first two are a critical appraisal of the method's strengths and weaknesses. The third section demonstrates, by example, how the method is applied, with a sample case study; in this instance, that of a young, male, bisexual drug abuser.