Case Studies

Introduction

A case study is a research method involving an up-close, in-depth, and detailed examination of a subject (the case), as well as its related contextual conditions. Case studies can be produced by following a formal research methodology. These case studies are likely to appear in formal research venues, as journals and professional conferences, rather than popular works.

Types of Case Studies

There are several types of case studies, each differing from each other based on the hypothesis and/or thesis to be proved. It is also possible for one case study to be unique. Here are the key types of case studies:

Explanatory Case Studies

Explanatory case studies are often used to do causal investigations. In other words, researchers are interested in looking at factors that may have actually caused certain things to occur.

Exploratory Case Studies

Exploratory case studies are very popular in psychology and the social sciences. Psychologists are always looking for better ways to treat their patients, and exploratory studies allow them to research new ideas or theories.

Descriptive Case Studies

Descriptive case studies involve starting with a descriptive theory. The subjects are then observed and the information gathered is compared to the pre-existing theory.

Intrinsic Case Studies

Intrinsic case studies are a type of case study in which the researcher has a personal interest in the case. Jean Piaget's observations of his own children are good examples of how an intrinsic cast study can contribute to the development of a psychological theory.

Collective Case Studies

Collective case studies involve studying a group of individuals. Researchers might study a group of people in a certain setting or look at an entire community of people.

Instrumental Case Studies

Instrumental case studies occur when the individual or group allows researchers to understand more than what is initially obvious to observers.

Methodology

Researchers who have contributed to the development of case study research come from diverse disciplines and their philosophical underpinnings have created variety and diversity in approaches used. Consequently, various designs have been proposed for preparing, planning, and conducting case study research with advice on key considerations for achieving success. As a result, while case study research has evolved to be a pragmatic, flexible research approach, the variation in definition, application, validity, and purposefulness can create a confusing platform for its use.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Like all research methods, case studies have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

- Case studies allow a lot of detail to be collected that would not normally be easily obtained by other research designs. - The data collected is normally a lot richer and of greater depth than can be found through other experimental designs. - Case studies are often used in exploratory research. They can help us generate new ideas (that might be tested by other methods). - They are an important way of illustrating theories and can help show how different aspects of a person's life are related to each other.

Disadvantages

- The case study method is often criticized as it is susceptible to researcher bias, who may engage in selective reporting or omit data that does not support the thesis or hypothesis. - It is argued that this method is only an interim solution, and that ultimately, theories need to be tested by more rigorous experimental methods. - Case studies do not provide a representative sample and can't be generalized to the wider population. - Case studies are time-consuming. It takes a long time to collect the data, and they are difficult to replicate.

Conclusion

Despite its advantages and disadvantages, the case study method is a highly effective form of research. Case studies provide detailed insights into individuals, groups, and phenomena and allow researchers to explore and understand complex social issues. They are valuable in bringing to light something about which most people are not aware.