What research method involves the collection of data related to an individual or small group?

The case study research method is specifically designed to collect detailed and in-depth information about an individual or a small group. This approach allows researchers to explore complex issues in a real-life context, providing rich qualitative insights that might not be attainable through other methods. By focusing on a specific entity, whether it be a person, organization, event, or community, case studies enable a thorough examination of the subject's experiences, perspectives, and the various factors that influence their situation.

In contrast, surveys typically gather data from larger groups through standardized questions, which can limit the depth of understanding of individual experiences. Experiments rely on controlled conditions to establish cause-and-effect relationships, often involving larger samples to test hypotheses. Focus groups are designed for group discussions that elicit a range of opinions and perceptions, but they don't delve as deeply into individual narratives. Hence, case studies stand out as the method that best emphasizes detailed examination at the individual or small-group level.