Define and describe the essential elements of a case study

What will be an ideal response?

A case study is a an approach capable of examining simple or complex phenomena, with units of analysis ranging from single individuals to large corporations and world changing events. It implies the use of a variety of lines of action in data gathering to make use of and contribute to the application of theory. The first essential element is that case studies require multiple methods and/or sources of data through which to create a full and deep examination of the case. The second essential element is that in order to be called a case study, there is a broader category of events (settings, groups, subjects, etc.) of which the present study is one case. Case studies are characterized as extremely rich, detailed, and in depth information gathering procedures.