case study 
noun
1A process or record of research into the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time: the case study was undertaken over a period of two months through a series of visits to the school [as modifier]: case-study interviews...
- Within an extended case-study research design framework, information is based on interviews with manufacturing firms and related organizations in British Columbia.
- Such case-study research uses a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
- In the present case-study report, we have demonstrated how induced sputum can assist in the evaluation and diagnosis of suspected occupational lung diseases.
2A particular instance of something used or analysed in order to illustrate a thesis or principle: airline deregulation provides a case study of the effects of the internal market...
- The case study also illustrates the level of distrust and fear felt by some users of message boards.
- And the Netherlands provides a good case study of managing the geographical resources in the area.
- For those contemplating a legislative grand gesture, France provides a sobering case study.