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Who is regarded as the first to apply the case study method in the field of social research?

A
  

Émile Durkheim

B
  

Frederic Le Play

C
  

Herbert Spencer

D
  

Karl Marx

Correct Answer: B

Frederic Le Play

Frédéric Le Play is considered the pioneer of the case study method in social research. He conducted detailed studies of working-class families in 19th-century Europe, focusing on in-depth analysis of individual social units.

  • He analyzed family budgets and living conditions in detail
  • Focused on qualitative and empirical data
  • Used observation and documentation methods
  • Helped establish case study as a systematic research approach
  • His work laid the foundation for modern micro-level research

Unlike Émile Durkheim, who emphasized statistical methods, Le Play focused on detailed individual case analysis.

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