Mar 26, 2024 · Methods of Conducting a Case Study. Case studies can involve various research methods to collect data and analyze the case comprehensively. The primary methods include interviews, observations, document analysis, and surveys. 1. Interviews. Definition: Interviews allow researchers to gather in-depth information from individuals involved in the ... ... Case study and experimental research are both methods used in scientific inquiry to gather data and draw conclusions. However, they differ in their approach and purpose. Case study research involves in-depth analysis of a single individual, group, or event, often using qualitative methods to explore complex phenomena. ... Case Study; 2.1 Definitions of Case Study Methods . Case study has been defined differently by different scholars from time to time. Some of them are presented below. Young, P.V. (1984): Case study is a comprehensive study of a social unit, be it a person, a group of persons, an institute, a community or a family. ... Jan 4, 2019 · As a qualitative methodology, case study research encompasses a great deal more complexity than a typical case report and often incorporates multiple streams of data combined in creative ways. The depth and richness of case study description helps readers understand the case and whether findings might be applicable beyond that setting. ... conclusion from the case studies I looked among is that it is generally more number of pages in the multiple case studies than in the single case studies. 1. Introduction espite the on-going discussion about case studies limitations in association with other methods and its credibility, the case study method is ... Let’s start by defining what a case study is. A case study is an in-depth look at a specific event, person or situation in order to draw conclusions about broader trends or issues. It involves collecting qualitative (e.g., interviews) and quantitative (e.g., surveys) data from multiple sources and analyzing it to form an argument or hypothesis. ... For example, one might use a case study from Apple computers pertaining to leadership by describing the problems Apple faced with their original leadership, then discuss what was done (hiring a new CEO, Scully) to the results. After reading the case study, learners might be asked to analyse the case, in essence, after the fact. ... May 8, 2019 · Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research. A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods, but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing, comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem. ... ">
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Home » Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide

Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide

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A case study is an in-depth examination of a single case or a few selected cases within a real-world context. Case study research is widely used across disciplines such as psychology, sociology, business, and education to explore complex phenomena in detail. Unlike other research methods that aim for broad generalizations, case studies offer an intensive understanding of a specific individual, group, event, or situation.

Case Study Research

A case study is a research method that involves a detailed examination of a subject (the “case”) within its real-life context. Case studies are used to explore the causes of underlying principles, behaviors, or outcomes, providing insights into the nuances of the studied phenomena. This approach allows researchers to capture a wide array of factors and interactions that may not be visible in other methods, such as experiments or surveys.

Key Characteristics of Case Studies :

  • Focus on a specific case, individual, or event.
  • Provide in-depth analysis and contextual understanding.
  • Useful for exploring new or complex phenomena.
  • Generate rich qualitative data that contributes to theory building.

Types of Case Studies

Case studies can be classified into different types depending on their purpose and methodology. Common types include exploratory , descriptive , explanatory , intrinsic , and instrumental case studies.

1. Exploratory Case Study

Definition : An exploratory case study investigates an area where little is known. It helps to identify questions, variables, and hypotheses for future research.

Characteristics :

  • Often used in the early stages of research.
  • Focuses on discovery and hypothesis generation.
  • Helps clarify research questions.

Example : Examining how remote work affects team dynamics in an organization that has recently transitioned to a work-from-home model.

2. Descriptive Case Study

Definition : A descriptive case study provides a detailed account of a particular case, describing it within its context. The goal is to provide a complete and accurate depiction without necessarily exploring underlying causes.

  • Focuses on describing the case in detail.
  • Provides comprehensive data to paint a clear picture of the phenomenon.
  • Helps understand “what” happened without delving into “why.”

Example : Documenting the process and outcomes of a corporate restructuring within a company, describing the actions taken and their immediate effects.

3. Explanatory Case Study

Definition : An explanatory case study aims to explain the cause-and-effect relationships of a particular case. It focuses on understanding “how” or “why” something happened.

  • Useful for causal analysis.
  • Aims to provide insights into mechanisms and processes.
  • Often used in social sciences and psychology to study behavior and interactions.

Example : Investigating why a school’s test scores improved significantly after implementing a new teaching method.

4. Intrinsic Case Study

Definition : An intrinsic case study focuses on a unique or interesting case, not because of what it represents but because of its intrinsic value. The researcher’s interest lies in understanding the case itself.

  • Driven by the researcher’s interest in the particular case.
  • Not meant to generalize findings to broader contexts.
  • Focuses on gaining a deep understanding of the specific case.

Example : Studying a particularly successful start-up to understand its founder’s unique leadership style.

5. Instrumental Case Study

Definition : An instrumental case study examines a particular case to gain insights into a broader issue. The case serves as a tool for understanding something more general.

  • The case itself is not the focus; rather, it is a vehicle for exploring broader principles or theories.
  • Helps apply findings to similar situations or cases.
  • Useful for theory testing or development.

Example : Studying a well-known patient’s therapy process to understand the general principles of effective psychological treatment.

Methods of Conducting a Case Study

Case studies can involve various research methods to collect data and analyze the case comprehensively. The primary methods include interviews , observations , document analysis , and surveys .

1. Interviews

Definition : Interviews allow researchers to gather in-depth information from individuals involved in the case. These interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the study’s goals.

  • Develop a list of open-ended questions aligned with the study’s objectives.
  • Conduct interviews with individuals directly or indirectly involved in the case.
  • Record, transcribe, and analyze the responses to identify key themes.

Example : Interviewing employees, managers, and clients in a company to understand the effects of a new business strategy.

2. Observations

Definition : Observations involve watching and recording behaviors, actions, and events within the case’s natural setting. This method provides first-hand data on interactions, routines, and environmental factors.

  • Define the behaviors and interactions to observe.
  • Conduct observations systematically, noting relevant details.
  • Analyze patterns and connections in the observed data.

Example : Observing interactions between teachers and students in a classroom to evaluate the effectiveness of a teaching method.

3. Document Analysis

Definition : Document analysis involves reviewing existing documents related to the case, such as reports, emails, memos, policies, or archival records. This provides historical and contextual data that can complement other data sources.

  • Identify relevant documents that offer insights into the case.
  • Systematically review and code the documents for themes or categories.
  • Compare document findings with data from interviews and observations.

Example : Analyzing company policies, performance reports, and emails to study the process of implementing a new organizational structure.

Definition : Surveys are structured questionnaires administered to a group of people involved in the case. Surveys are especially useful for gathering quantitative data that supports or complements qualitative findings.

  • Design survey questions that align with the research goals.
  • Distribute the survey to a sample of participants.
  • Analyze the survey responses, often using statistical methods.

Example : Conducting a survey among customers to measure satisfaction levels after a service redesign.

Case Study Guide: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: define the research questions.

  • Clearly outline what you aim to understand or explain.
  • Define specific questions that the case study will answer, such as “What factors led to X outcome?”

Step 2: Select the Case(s)

  • Choose a case (or cases) that are relevant to your research question.
  • Ensure that the case is feasible to study, accessible, and likely to yield meaningful data.

Step 3: Determine the Data Collection Methods

  • Decide which methods (e.g., interviews, observations, document analysis) will best capture the information needed.
  • Consider combining multiple methods to gather rich, well-rounded data.

Step 4: Collect Data

  • Gather data using your chosen methods, following ethical guidelines such as informed consent and confidentiality.
  • Take comprehensive notes and record interviews or observations when possible.

Step 5: Analyze the Data

  • Organize the data into themes, patterns, or categories.
  • Use qualitative or quantitative analysis methods, depending on the nature of the data.
  • Compare findings across data sources to identify consistencies and discrepancies.

Step 6: Interpret Findings

  • Draw conclusions based on the analysis, relating the findings to your research questions.
  • Consider alternative explanations and assess the generalizability of your findings.

Step 7: Report Results

  • Write a detailed report that presents your findings and explains their implications.
  • Discuss the limitations of the case study and potential directions for future research.

Examples of Case Study Applications

  • Objective : To understand the success factors of a high-growth tech company.
  • Methods : Interviews with key executives, analysis of internal reports, and customer satisfaction surveys.
  • Outcome : Insights into unique management practices and customer engagement strategies.
  • Objective : To examine the impact of project-based learning on student engagement.
  • Methods : Observations in classrooms, interviews with teachers, and analysis of student performance data.
  • Outcome : Evidence of increased engagement and enhanced critical thinking skills among students.
  • Objective : To explore the effectiveness of a new mental health intervention.
  • Methods : Interviews with patients, assessment of clinical outcomes, and reviews of therapist notes.
  • Outcome : Identification of factors that contribute to successful treatment outcomes.
  • Objective : To assess the impact of urban development on local wildlife.
  • Methods : Observations of wildlife, analysis of environmental data, and interviews with residents.
  • Outcome : Findings showing the effects of urban sprawl on species distribution and biodiversity.

Case studies are valuable for in-depth exploration and understanding of complex phenomena within their real-life contexts. By using methods such as interviews, observations, document analysis, and surveys, researchers can obtain comprehensive data and generate insights that are specific to the case. Whether exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory, case studies offer unique opportunities for understanding and discovering practical applications for theories.

  • Baxter, P., & Jack, S. (2008). Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice Researchers . The Qualitative Report, 13(4), 544–559.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  • Stake, R. E. (1995). The Art of Case Study Research . SAGE Publications.
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  • Thomas, G. (2016). How to Do Your Case Study (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.

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Case Study vs. Experimental Research

What's the difference.

Case study and experimental research are both methods used in scientific inquiry to gather data and draw conclusions. However, they differ in their approach and purpose. Case study research involves in-depth analysis of a single individual, group, or event, often using qualitative methods to explore complex phenomena. On the other hand, experimental research involves manipulating variables and measuring their effects on outcomes in a controlled setting to establish cause-and-effect relationships. While case studies provide rich, detailed insights into specific cases, experimental research allows for more generalizable findings and the ability to establish causal relationships between variables. Both methods have their strengths and limitations, and researchers often choose the most appropriate method based on their research questions and objectives.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Case study and experimental research are two common research methods used in various fields such as psychology, sociology, and business. While both methods aim to gather data and draw conclusions, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of case study and experimental research to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Case study research involves an in-depth analysis of a single individual, group, or event. Researchers collect detailed information through various sources such as interviews, observations, and documents to gain a comprehensive understanding of the case. On the other hand, experimental research involves manipulating variables to observe the effects on an outcome. Researchers control the conditions of the study to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Research Design

In case study research, the design is typically exploratory and descriptive. Researchers aim to provide a detailed account of the case under study without manipulating variables. The focus is on understanding the complexities and nuances of the case. In contrast, experimental research follows a more structured and controlled design. Researchers manipulate variables, establish control groups, and randomize participants to ensure internal validity.

Data Collection

Case study research relies on multiple sources of data such as interviews, observations, and documents. Researchers gather qualitative data to provide rich descriptions and insights into the case. The data collection process is often iterative, allowing researchers to delve deeper into the case. Experimental research, on the other hand, focuses on quantitative data collected through controlled experiments. Researchers use standardized procedures to ensure reliability and validity of the data.

Generalizability

One of the key differences between case study and experimental research is the issue of generalizability. Case study research is often criticized for its limited generalizability due to the focus on a single case. The findings may not be applicable to a larger population. In contrast, experimental research aims for generalizability by using random sampling and control groups. The results can be applied to a broader population with confidence.

Validity is another important aspect to consider when comparing case study and experimental research. Case study research often emphasizes internal validity, ensuring that the findings accurately represent the case under study. Researchers use multiple sources of data and triangulation to enhance the validity of the findings. Experimental research, on the other hand, focuses on both internal and external validity. Researchers control for confounding variables and aim to generalize the findings to a larger population.

Ethical Considerations

Both case study and experimental research raise ethical considerations that researchers must address. In case study research, researchers must ensure the confidentiality and privacy of the participants. They also need to obtain informed consent and minimize any potential harm to the participants. Experimental research involves ethical considerations such as informed consent, debriefing, and protection of participants from harm. Researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines to ensure the well-being of the participants.

Applications

Case study research is often used in fields such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology to explore complex phenomena in real-world settings. Researchers can gain a deep understanding of individual experiences and behaviors through case studies. Experimental research, on the other hand, is commonly used in natural and social sciences to establish causal relationships between variables. Researchers can test hypotheses and make predictions based on experimental findings.

In conclusion, case study and experimental research are two valuable research methods with distinct attributes. While case study research provides in-depth insights into individual cases, experimental research allows for the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships. Researchers should consider the research design, data collection methods, generalizability, validity, and ethical considerations when choosing between case study and experimental research. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of method should align with the research objectives and questions.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

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18 Case Study Method

Ms. Beliyaluxmi Devi

1. Introduction

2. Case Study

3 Techniques used for case studies

4 Sources of data for case studies

5 Types of case Studies

6 Advantage and limitation

Learning Objectives:

  •  To learn what is case study and distinction from case history; identify the application of case study;
  •  To discuss how to plan case study; and
  •  To understand the advantage and limitation of case study
  • Introduction

Among the various methods of data collection, case study is certainly one popular form of qualitative analysis involving careful and complete observation of a case. A case is a social unit with a deviant behavior, and may be an event, problem, process, activity, programme, of a social unit. The unit may be a person, a family, an institution, a cultural group, a community or even an entire society (Kothari, 2014). But it is a bounded system that has the boundaries of the case. Case Study therefore is an intensive investigation of the particular unit under consideration. It is extensively used in psychology, education, sociology, anthropology, economics and political science. It aims at obtaining a complete and detailed account of a social phenomenon or a social event of a social unit. In case study, data can be collected from multiple sources by using any qualitative method of data collection like interviews, observation and it may also include documents, artifacts etc. Case study method is a type of data collection that goes in depth understanding rather than breadth. Case study can be descriptive as we observe and write in description as well as it can also be an exploratory that is we wrote what was said. Pierre Guillaume Frederic Le Play (1855), a mathematician and natural scientist, is considered as the founder of case study method as he used it for the first time in his publication Les Ouvriers Europeens.

2.1 Definitions of Case Study Methods

Case study has been defined differently by different scholars from time to time. Some of them are presented below.

  • Young, P.V. (1984): Case study is a comprehensive study of a social unit, be it a person, a group of persons, an institute, a community or a family.
  • Groode and Hatt (1953): It is a method of exploring and analyzing the life of a social unit
  • Cooley, C.H. (2007): Case study depends our perception and gives clear insight into life directory.
  • Bogardus, E. S. (1925): The method of examining specially and in detail a given situation
  • Robson C. (1993): A strategy for doing research which involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within its real life context using multiple sources of evidence.

So critical analysis of these definitions, reveal that case study is a method of minute and detail study of a situation concerning a social unit in an intensive and comprehensive manner in order to understand the personal as well as hidden dimensions of human life.

2.2 Characteristics of Case Study

The main characteristics of the case study are (www.studylecturenotes.com):

A descriptive study:

  • The data collected constitute descriptions of psychological processes and events, and of the contexts in which they occurred.
  • The main emphasis is always on the construction of verbal descriptions of behavior or experience but rarely quantitative data may be collected. In short case study is more of a qualitative method rather than quantitative method.
  • High levels of detail are provided.
  • The behavior pattern of the concerned unit is studied directly wherein efforts are made to know the mutual inter-relationship of causal factors.

Narrowly focused:

  • Typically a case study offers a complete and comprehensive description of all facets of a social unit, be it a single individual or may be a social group.
  • Often the case study focuses on a limited aspect of a person, such as their psychopathological symptoms.

Combines objective and subjective data:

Researchers may combine objective and subjective data. Both the data are regarded as valid data for analysis. It enables case study to achieved in-depth understanding of the behavior and experience of a single individual.

Process-oriented:

  • The case study method enables the researcher to explore and describe the nature of processes, which occur over time.
  • In contrast to the experimental method, which basically provides a stilled ‘snapshot’ of processes, case study continued over time like for example the development of language in children over time.

2.3. Difference between Case Study and Case History

The Case study method helps retaining the holistic and meaningful characteristics of real life events – such as individual life cycles, small group behavior, etc. It is like a case history of a patient. As a patient goes to the doctor with some serious disease, the doctor records the case history. Analysis of case history helps in the diagnosis of the patient’s illness (http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-case-study-and-vs-case-history).

Although most of us confuse case study and case history to be the same, however, there exists a difference between these two terms. They are being used in many disciplines and allow the researcher to be more informative of people, and events. First, let us define the word case study. A case study refers to a research method where a person, group or an event is being investigated which is used by researchers whereas a case history, on the other hand, refers to a record of data which contributes to a case study; usually case history is used by doctors to investigate the patients. This is the main difference between a case study and case history.

(i) What is a Case Study?

A case study is a research method used to investigate an individual, a group of people, or a particular phenomenon. The case study has been used in many disciplines especially in social science, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and political science. A case study allows the researcher to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic. To conduct a case study, the researcher can use a number of techniques. For example, observation, interviews, usage of secondary data such as documents, records, etc. It usually goes on for a longer period because the researcher has to explore the topic deeply.

The case study method was first used in the clinical medicine so that the doctor has a clear understanding of the history of the patient. Various methods can be used in a case study for example a psychologist use observation to observe the individual, use interview method to broaden the understanding. To create a clear picture of the problem, the questions can be directed not only to the individual on whom the case study is being conducted but also on those who are related to the individual. A special feature of case studies is that it produces qualitative data that are rich and authentic.

(ii) What is a Case History?

Unlike the case study that refers to a method, a case history refers to a record of an individual or even a group. Case histories are used in many disciplines such as psychology, sociology, medicine, psychiatry, etc. It consists of all the necessary information of the individual. In medicine, a case history refers to a specific record that reveals the personal information, medical condition, the medication that has been used and special conditions of the individual. Having a case history can be very beneficial in treatment of disease. However, a case history does not necessarily have to be connected to an individual; it can even be of an event that took place. The case history is a recording that narrates a sequence of events. Such a narrative allows the researcher to look at an event in retrospect.

  • Techniques used for Case Studies

The techniques of case studies includes –

(i) Observation

It is a systematic data collection approach. Researchers use all of their senses to examine people in natural settings or naturally occurring situations. Observation of a field setting involves: prolonged engagement in a setting or social situation.

(ii) Interview

It is questioning and discussing to a person for the purpose of an evaluation or to generate information. (iii) Secondary Data

Secondary data refers to data that was collected by someone through secondary sources. (iv) Documents

Any writing that provides information, especially information which is of official in nature.

(v) Records

Anything that provides permanent information which can rely on or providing an evident officially.

  • Sources of Data for Case Study

In case study, information may be collected from various sources. Some of the important sources include:

  • Life histories
  • Personal documents
  • Letters and records
  • Biographies
  • Information obtained through interviews
  • Observation
  • Types of Case Study

The following are the types of case study according to the Graham R Gibbs (2012) –

  • Individual case study: This study was first done by Shaw, Clifford R. (1930). In individual case study, life of a particular person, his activities and his totalities were accompanied.
  • Set of individual case study: Group of person that practice different culture was studies. As for instance those lives in rural area and those living in urban area there will different cases between them.
  • Community studies: In community studies, it may include hundreds of people from a community that picked upon for some reason.
  • Social Group Studies: Group of people that defined their social position, for example a group of musician or a group of drugs taker
  • Studies of organizations and institutions: Study for a particular organizations or an institutions
  • Studies of events, roles and relationships: Similar to individual case study but more focus on events, roles and relationships that involved. For example we can take the role of a housewife.

Identifying a Case Study:

Determine if a case study will answer your research question

Identify the case and find out what type of case study method or technique will be employed

When the researcher makes interpretations, the researcher should be able to learn the meaning of the case data while interpreting

How to plan a case study?

The following points are required to plan a case study such as –

Conceptual Framework: based on the theory it displays the important features of a case study and show relationships between features.

Research Questions: Consist of conceptual framework which is consisting of focused and answerable questions.

Research Design: Plan out of what to include or what not to include before data collection

Methods and Instruments: an appropriate method should be employed to answer the research question

Analysis of Data and interpretation: Collected information should be analysed using statistical tools and interpret the findings incorporating the ideas and knowledge gathered during data collection

  • Advantages and Limitations

6.1 Advantages of Case Study

The following are some of the advantages of case study –

a) It facilitates intensive study and in-depth analysis of a social unit which help in contradicting established theory.

b) In-depth and comprehensive information are collected through this method which helps in stimulating new research.

c) It is suitable for collecting data pertaining to sensitive areas of a social phenomenon.

d) It helps to collect details regarding the diverse habits, traits and qualities of the unit under investigation (Kothari, 2014).

e) The researcher can understand better the social change of different facets of a social unit every now and then.

f) This study can be a means to understand the past of a social unit because of its emphasis of historical analysis.

g) The researcher can used any type of methods like interview, questionnaire, documents, self-reports etc.

h) Case study enables to generalize the knowledge amusing from the information collected.

i) A real personal experience can be recorded which enlighten and reveal the real man’s inner determined.

j) The data obtained through case study is useful for formulation of hypothesis and preparation of schedule and questionnaire for such types of study and for further research (Kothari, 2014).

k) It helps in enhancing his/her experience, ability and skill in content analysis of the data.

l) It is useful for therapeutic and administrative purposes, particularly in diagnosis, treatment and therapy etc.

6.2 Limitations of Case Study

a) Case history records could be open to errors due to faulty selection of case and inaccurate observation (Kothari, 2014).

b) There are chances of inaccuracy of the data as no uniform and standardized system of recording case histories has been developed.

c) Data collected from case study usually based on several assumptions which may not be very realistic at times

d) This method is mainly qualitative rather than quantitative, hence there may be question of subjectivity.

e) It is very difficult to draw generalizations on the basis of a few cases.

f) Sampling is not possible in case study as this method can be used only in a limited unit.

g) The information collected from case study is incomparable since each informant gives his/her own opinion. Therefore, replication is not possible.

h) Since this method is fully based on the informant, sometimes the informant himself thinks that he/she have the full knowledge and the information given by them may include some fake also.

i) The investigator’s bias might distort the quality of the case study (Kothari, 2014).

j) Case Study is time-consuming and costly in certain cases.

k) This method cannot be effectively used in big and complex societies (Kothari, 2014).

Case study is an important method employed for collection of qualitative data for an in depth, intensive and comprehensive scientific study of a social unit. This social unit can be an individual, a family, a community, a group or even an entire society. Case study is quite different from the case history which focuses on the recording of personal information. Different methods of case study such as individual, community, social group, organization and events using appropriate techniques (observation, interview, secondary data like documents and records) are used based on the objectives of the research problem. The main sources of data in case studies includes life histories, personal documents, letters and records, biographies, information obtained through interviews and observation. Case studies facilitate intensive study and in-depth analysis of a social unit contradicting established theory. It helps in contradicting established theory and stimulating new research. However, difficulties arises in case studies due to a number of reasons which includes inconsistency in data, not possible to replicate the findings, interviewing key and right informants, expertise of the investigator, constant monitoring of interaction between the theoretical issues being studied and collected data, and interpretation of the data needs to be carefully considered.

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How a Case Study Differs from Other Types of Research

When it comes to research, there are a variety of methods used to acquire data and draw conclusions. Among them is the case study, which looks in depth at a single event or individual to gain insight into broader trends. But how does this approach differ from other types of research? In this blog post, we’ll explore the distinctions between case studies and other types of research — such as surveys and experiments — so that you can decide which method is best for your project.

Let’s start by defining what a case study is. A case study is an in-depth look at a specific event, person or situation in order to draw conclusions about broader trends or issues. It involves collecting qualitative (e.g., interviews) and quantitative (e.g., surveys) data from multiple sources and analyzing it to form an argument or hypothesis. Unlike some other types of research, case studies are not necessarily intended to be generalizable; rather, they are meant to provide insight into the particular subject being studied.

Case studies differ from other types of research in several ways:

They rely heavily on qualitative data: As mentioned above, one key distinction between a case study and other forms of research is that it relies heavily on qualitative data — such as interviews — rather than quantitative data like surveys or experiments. Qualitative data provides deeper insight into the subject being studied by delving into its complexities and nuances, which can often be missed by more structured forms of data collection like surveys or experiments.

They focus on a single event/person/situation: Another distinguishing feature of case studies is that they focus on studying one particular event/person/situation in depth rather than attempting to draw broad generalizations from multiple sources or cases. This allows researchers to gain insight into the dynamics at play within the particular context being studied, rather than attempting to make larger claims about similar events in different contexts without adequate evidence to support them.

They may not be generalizable: Finally, unlike some other forms of research that seek generalizable results applicable across multiple contexts (e.g., survey results), case studies may not necessarily have generalizability as their primary goal; instead, they seek deeper understanding through exploring details within the single context being studied itself.

When a case study is the best approach

Now that we’ve looked at what distinguishes a case study from other types of research let’s consider when it might be most appropriate for your project needs:

When you need an in-depth understanding: Case studies are particularly well suited for projects where an in-depth understanding of an individual person/event/situation is needed rather than broad generalizations about similar events across multiple contexts. For example, if you were researching how people interact with technology and wanted greater insight into how different users interact with specific software applications then conducting several detailed interviews with users would likely yield better results than conducting a survey across multiple populations where responses might be more generic due to lack of personal detail involved with each response given by participants .

When you need contextual information: Case studies are also useful when considering complex situations where contextual information may influence outcomes; for example if you wanted to understand how poverty affects access to education then looking at individual stories within certain communities could provide valuable insights that would otherwise be missed if only considering survey responses from those communities without any further exploration through interviews etc..

When you need rich narrative detail: Finally, if your project requires rich narrative detail — such as stories about peoples lives — then again conducting several detailed interviews would likely yield better results than simply surveying participants as these kinds of stories may not always come out through standard survey questions alone due to lack of personal engagement involved with completing them accurately etc.

In conclusion then while there are many similarities between various forms of research there are also important distinctions between them too – particularly when comparing something like a case study against something like surveys or experiments etc.. The key takeaway here though should be when deciding which method best suits your project needs consider carefully whether getting an ‘in-depth understanding’ , ‘contextual information’ , ‘rich narrative detail’ etc..are primary goals – then use this knowledge alongside others factors such as time available , budget constraints etc..to decide which method best fits your requirements overall .

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  5. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Case Study Method Of Teaching

    case study vs method

  6. ⭐ Case study advantages and disadvantages. Case Study Method. 2022-10-08

    case study vs method

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  1. Case Study vs. Research - What's the Difference? | This vs. That

    Case study and research are both methods used in academic and professional settings to gather information and gain insights. However, they differ in their approach and purpose. A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or situation, aiming to understand the unique characteristics and dynamics involved.

  2. Comparing the Five Approaches - SAGE Publications Inc

    Case study research has experienced growing recognition during the past 30 years, evidenced by its more frequent application in published research and increased avail-ability of reference works (e.g., Thomas, 2015; Yin, 2014). Encouraging the use of case study research is an expressed goal of the editors of the recent . Encyclopedia of Case Study

  3. Case Study - Methods, Examples and Guide - Research Method

    Mar 26, 2024 · Methods of Conducting a Case Study. Case studies can involve various research methods to collect data and analyze the case comprehensively. The primary methods include interviews, observations, document analysis, and surveys. 1. Interviews. Definition: Interviews allow researchers to gather in-depth information from individuals involved in the ...

  4. Case Study vs. Experimental Research - What's the Difference ...

    Case study and experimental research are both methods used in scientific inquiry to gather data and draw conclusions. However, they differ in their approach and purpose. Case study research involves in-depth analysis of a single individual, group, or event, often using qualitative methods to explore complex phenomena.

  5. Case Study Method – Research Methods and Field work

    Case Study; 2.1 Definitions of Case Study Methods . Case study has been defined differently by different scholars from time to time. Some of them are presented below. Young, P.V. (1984): Case study is a comprehensive study of a social unit, be it a person, a group of persons, an institute, a community or a family.

  6. Distinguishing case study as a research method from case ...

    Jan 4, 2019 · As a qualitative methodology, case study research encompasses a great deal more complexity than a typical case report and often incorporates multiple streams of data combined in creative ways. The depth and richness of case study description helps readers understand the case and whether findings might be applicable beyond that setting.

  7. Single case studies vs. multiple case studies: A comparative ...

    conclusion from the case studies I looked among is that it is generally more number of pages in the multiple case studies than in the single case studies. 1. Introduction espite the on-going discussion about case studies limitations in association with other methods and its credibility, the case study method is

  8. How a Case Study Differs from Other Types of Research

    Let’s start by defining what a case study is. A case study is an in-depth look at a specific event, person or situation in order to draw conclusions about broader trends or issues. It involves collecting qualitative (e.g., interviews) and quantitative (e.g., surveys) data from multiple sources and analyzing it to form an argument or hypothesis.

  9. Is there a difference between the case method and a case study

    For example, one might use a case study from Apple computers pertaining to leadership by describing the problems Apple faced with their original leadership, then discuss what was done (hiring a new CEO, Scully) to the results. After reading the case study, learners might be asked to analyse the case, in essence, after the fact.

  10. What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods - Scribbr

    May 8, 2019 · Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research. A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods, but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing, comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem.