Case study research is distinguished by three key characteristics:

1. Holistic Focus: It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of a single entity (e.g., a company, a program, an event) by examining it within its complete context. This includes looking at its history, internal workings, external influences, and its impact on the surrounding environment.
2. Multiple Sources of Evidence: Case studies rely on gathering data from various sources to paint a well-rounded picture. This can involve financial statements, interviews, surveys, observations, documents, and even physical artifacts.
3. Flexibility in Design: Unlike some research methods with rigid structures, case studies can be quite adaptable. The specific design and data collection methods can be tailored to the unique characteristics of the case being studied.

Most Widely Used Characteristic: Multiple Sources of Evidence

Among these three, the most widely used characteristic of case study research is likely the use of multiple sources of evidence. This is because relying solely on one type of data can lead to a biased or incomplete understanding of the case.

Here’s why:

• Comprehensiveness:Different data sources offer different perspectives. Financial statements provide insights into financial health, while interviews with employees might reveal internal dynamics. Combining these paints a more complete picture.
• Triangulation:By using multiple sources, researchers can verify and strengthen their findings. If information from interviews aligns with financial data, it adds credibility to the overall analysis.
• Richness of Detail:Different data sources can provide rich details that a single source might miss. Customer surveys might reveal unmet needs that financial statements wouldn’t capture.

While all three characteristics are important for a robust case study, the ability to gather and analyze data from various sources is fundamental for a thorough and insightful investigation.