Concept and Definitions
A case study refers to an in-depth examination of a specific “unit,” which can be an individual, group, family, village, organization, institution, program, or document. A case study is a research methodology employed to get an in-depth and multifaceted comprehension of a complex problem within its real-life setting.
It is a comprehensive approach to studying that prioritizes depth above breadth. This is also a research design that is widely utilized in several fields, especially in the social sciences. Case studies are commonly used in literary investigations. For example, if you are examining the writing style of a specific author within a particular time period, your research approach would be considered a case study.
- According to Biesanz and Biesanz, a case study is a method of qualitative analysis that entails careful and comprehensive observation of an individual, event, or institution.
- According to Goode and Hatt, a case study is a method for organizing social data that maintains the cohesive nature of the social object under investigation.
- Pauline. V. Young defines a case study as a method of exploring and analyzing the life of a social unit, be that a person, a family, an institution, a cultural group, or even an entire community.
In simple terms, the case study method is a type of qualitative analysis that involves careful and comprehensive observation of an individual, situation, or institution. The goal is to examine every aspect of the subject in great detail and then draw generalizations and conclusions from the data collected.
Characteristics of Case Study
The following are some of the case study method’s key characteristics:
- This method allows the researcher to select one or more social units to analyze, and they may also choose to completely study a particular situation.
- The selected unit is thoroughly examined, focusing on its complex characteristics. Usually, the study spans a lengthy duration to determine the evolution of the subject in order to gather sufficient data for making accurate inferences.
- This approach involves a comprehensive examination of the social entity, encompassing all its aspects. This approach aims to comprehend the complex factors that are active within a social unit as a single unit.
- In this method, the approach is qualitative rather than quantitative. Only qualitative information is collected. Every possible attempt is undertaken to gather knowledge pertaining to all aspects of society. Case studies enhance our understanding and provide us with a distinct understanding of life. Under this approach, we not only examine the number of crimes a person has committed but also look into the underlying circumstances that compelled them to engage in criminal behavior. The study aims to propose strategies for rehabilitating the offender.
- The case study method aims to understand the interrelationship of causal factors.
- The case study method involves directly studying the behavioral pattern of the unit in question rather than using an indirect and abstract approach.
- The case study technique yields valuable hypotheses along with the facts, which can be useful for testing and ultimately lead to the development of generalized knowledge.
Evolution and Scope
The case study approach is a prevalent and systematic field research technique in the social sciences. Frederic Le Play deserves credit for bringing this approach to the field of social study. In his research on family finances, he utilized it as a handmaiden to statistics.
Herbert Spencer pioneered the utilization of case material in his comparative analysis of other cultures. Dr. William Healy employed this approach in his investigation of adolescent misbehavior and saw it as superior rather than relying solely on statistical information.
In the same manner, anthropologists, historians, novelists, and dramatists have employed this approach to address issues relevant to their respective fields. Management specialists employ case study approaches to gain insights into various management issues.
Concisely, the case study method is employed in various academic fields. Furthermore, its utilization is steadily growing with time.
Assumptions of Case Study
The case study method relies on various assumptions. The key assumptions can be enumerated as follows:
- The assumption of homogeneity in fundamental human nature, regardless of the reality that human conduct may fluctuate depending on circumstances.
- The assumption is to investigate the natural history of the specific unit in question.
- The assumption is an in-depth investigation of the relevant unit.
Process for Case Study
The process involved in employing case study techniques is the same as those used in other forms of research.
Defining
The first step involves delineating the individual case or recognizing a group of similar instances that are then included in multiple-case research.
Review of the Literature
Furthermore, conducting a comprehensive literature analysis, including articles, books, media sources, reports, and other relevant materials, helps to develop a fundamental understanding of the situation—data collection, analysis, and record of the specified phenomenon.
Development of Research Questions
Formulation of study questions based on a thorough examination of existing material. Information in case studies is often, though not exclusively, qualitative in character.
Analysis and Diagnosis
Multiple-case studies involve conducting analysis both within individual instances and across cases. The process entails diagnosing and identifying causal factors as a foundation for remedial or developmental treatment.
Implication
The themes or findings that emerge from the studies are relevant to similar cases as a whole. In this regard, the application of remedial procedures, such as treatment and therapy, is commonly referred to as casework.
Follow-up
Follow-up program to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment provided.
Advantages of Case Study
A single-case study is undertaken when a researcher aims to investigate a specific phenomena that arises from a particular entity. It is beneficial because;
- Facilitates an in-depth study of a specific phenomenon.
- It involves the collection of many forms of data.
- This methodology allows the researcher to investigate the historical development of the social group and its interactions with the social factors and external influences in its surroundings.
Utilizing a multiple-case research study enables an in-depth understanding of the instances as a collective by analyzing similarities as well as differences between the individual cases and other cases. - The researcher can employ many research approaches within the case study approach, depending on the prevailing circumstances. Under the case study method, it is feasible to utilize several techniques such as in-depth interviews, questionnaires, reports of individuals, letters, and similar approaches.
- The utilization of the case study approach strengthens the researcher’s experiential knowledge, hence enhancing their analytical skill and expertise.
- Multiple-case studies provide more solid and reliable evidence compared to single-case research.
- Multiple case studies facilitate a more thorough investigation of research inquiries.
- Facilitates the formation of theories.
Limitations for Case Study
Although case studies have benefits, they also have some limitations.
- The vast quantity of data poses challenges in terms of organization and analysis.
- Careful assimilation strategies of research are extremely required.
- The possibility to deviate from the main area of research.
- Presenting findings from studies involving multiple cases can be hard on certain occasions.
- The case study method is applicable only within a limited area and cannot be employed in the context of a large society. Sampling is not feasible when using a case study approach.
- The risk of making incorrect generalizations is ever-present due to the absence of strict guidelines in data gathering and the limited number of units analyzed.
- It is time-consuming and demands a significant amount of cost. More time is required when using the case study method, as it involves studying the historical phases of social units in great detail.
Conclusion
Although there are restrictions, case studies are being conducted in various fields, especially in social sciences, as a scientific research technique due to the previously mentioned advantages. The majority of restrictions can be addressed if researchers consistently acknowledge and possess expertise in contemporary methodologies for gathering case data, as well as scientific approaches for organizing, categorizing, and analyzing such data.
Furthermore, modern case studies can be conducted in a manner that allows the data to be quantified and subjected to statistical analysis. This is potentially the underlying factor contributing to the increasing popularity of case studies.
