Answer :
Final answer:
In a case study, researchers involve themselves in the situation of interest, which is the answer to the provided question. Unlike cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, which are more detached, a case study allows researchers to immerse themselves in the environment and situation to collect rich qualitative data.
Explanation:
In which of the following types of descriptive studies do researchers involve themselves in the situation of interest? The correct answer is c. Case study. A case study is a research approach that involves an in-depth examination of a single instance or event, such as an individual's medical history, a classroom, or a specific problem in an organization.
Researchers carry out case studies by collecting a variety of data using different data collection methods, such as observations, interviews, and reviewing historical records. In a case study, researchers often immerse themselves in the environment and situation of their subject, and these studies can provide rich qualitative data.
Other types of observational studies mentioned in the options provided, such as cross-sectional studies and longitudinal studies, do not typically involve this level of researcher involvement. Cross-sectional studies involve looking at data from a population at one specific point in time, while longitudinal studies involve collecting data from the same subjects repeatedly over a period of time. These methods are more detached compared to the intimate involvement found in a case study.
