Case studies

Case studies are in-depth investigations of a single person, group, event, or community. Typically, data are gathered from a variety of sources and by using several different methods (e.g., observations & interviews). Case studies can be produced by following a formal research method. These case studies are likely to appear in formal research venues, as journals and professional conferences, rather than popular works. Case study research can mean single and multiple case studies, can include quantitative evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence, and benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions.

Types of Case Studies

In general, case studies are divided into several types. These include:

• Exploratory (or pilot) Case Studies: These are condensed case studies performed before implementing a large scale investigation. Their basic function is to help identify questions and select types of measurement prior to the main investigation. The primary pitfall of this type of study is that initial findings may seem convincing enough to be released prematurely as conclusions.

• Critical Instance Case Studies: These examine one or more sites for either the purpose of examining a situation of unique interest with little to no interest in generalization, or to call into question or challenge a highly generalized or universal assertion. This method is useful for answering cause and effect questions.

• Cumulative Case Studies: These serve to aggregate information from several sites collected at different times. The idea behind these studies is that the collection of past studies will allow for greater generalization without additional cost or time being expended on new, possibly repetitive studies.

• Illustrative Case Studies: These are primarily descriptive studies. They typically utilize one or two instances of an event to show what a situation is like. This is the first step in case study research and is useful for giving readers a basic understanding of the subject.

Methodology

The methodology underlying case studies can vary significantly, but the general process often includes:

• Defining the Case: Carefully selecting the case, defining its boundaries, and determining the data collection methods.
• Data Collection: Utilizing multiple sources of data, such as documents, archival records, interviews, direct observation, participant-observation, and physical artifacts.
• Data Analysis: This involves categorizing, tabulating, and recombining data to address the initial propositions or purpose of the study. It may include the development of a case description, case theme identification, and narrative formation.

Applications

Case studies are used in a variety of professional education streams including medicine, law, and business. In the academic and professional arenas, case studies are a valuable method for researching trends and specific situations in many scientific disciplines.

Challenges

While case studies are a powerful method of investigation, they have their limitations such as the risk of bias, challenges in making generalizations, and sometimes, the extensive time required to conduct the study.

See Also

• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Research
• Longitudinal Study
• Cohort Study
• Cross-Sectional Study