In a collective case study, researchers focus on:

In a collective case study, researchers investigate multiple cases that revolve around a common issue or phenomenon. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding by comparing and contrasting the experiences or situations of different subjects related to the central theme. By examining various perspectives, researchers can identify patterns, draw conclusions, and gain insights that would not be possible through a singular focus on one case.

The collective case study method is particularly useful in situations where the research question involves understanding how different cases might share similarities or diverge in their circumstances. This method helps illuminate the diversity of experiences while still anchoring the analysis to a unified topic. Analyzing multiple cases enriches the overall findings, making them more robust and applicable to a broader context.

This approach stands in contrast to focusing solely on a specific participant's unique experience, which would limit the scope of understanding. Similarly, a single case as a standalone study would not yield the collective insights that arise from examining multiple cases. Lastly, emphasizing overall population statistics would move away from qualitative insights into individual cases, which is a hallmark of case study research.