Which of the following are the elements which should be ignored in the case study method?

A. Negatively oriented
B. Appreciation oriented
C. Particularistic
D. Descriptive
E. Inductive

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is A and B only.

To understand why these elements are ignored (or do not form part of the core characteristics of the case study method), let us analyze the defining features of case study research:
1. Particularistic (C): This means the case study focuses on a specific situation, event, program, or phenomenon. It is a key characteristic of case studies because they examine a bounded system in depth.
2. Descriptive (D): The end product of a case study is a rich, detailed, and "thick" description of the phenomenon under study, capturing multiple variables and their relationships.
3. Inductive (E): Most case studies rely on inductive reasoning. Rather than starting with a rigid hypothesis to prove or disprove, concepts, generalizations, and understandings emerge from the data collected during the study.

In contrast:
1. Negatively oriented (A): Research should not be biased toward finding negative outcomes or focusing solely on negative aspects.
2. Appreciation oriented (B): Similarly, research should not be designed merely to appreciate or praise a situation, as this introduces subjective bias.

Therefore, since C, D, and E are the core positive characteristics of the case study method, the elements that should be ignored or are not part of this method are A and B.