Case study

Introduction

A case study is a research methodology common in social and life sciences. It is an empirical inquiry that investigates a phenomenon within its real-life context. Case studies can be produced by following a formal research method. This method involves the collection of data, which is then analyzed using defined set of procedures. In business and commerce, the term "case study" refers to the analysis of a particular business situation while in medicine a case study might detail a patient's history and symptoms with the resulting diagnosis and treatment.

A researcher conducting a case study, with notes, books, and a laptop on a desk.

Methodology

The case study research method originated in clinical medicine. The case-orientated approach to the problem of scientific knowledge, used in clinical medicine, was also used in sociology. The National Center for Case Studies in Teaching Science has made a growing body of case studies available for classroom use.

The methodology or case approach, compares an "is" state with a small hypothetical "what is" state derived from theoretical modeling. Case studies in research may be mistaken for the case method used in teaching.

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 types of case studies to overlap each other. Each of the following types of cases can be used in any field or discipline, whether it is psychology, business, or the arts, and sciences.

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. Illustrative case studies serve primarily to make the unfamiliar familiar and to give readers a common language about the topic in question.

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.

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.

Critical Instance Case Studies

These examine one or more sites for 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.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Case studies are widely used in psychology and amongst the best-known ones carried out were by Sigmund Freud. He conducted very detailed investigations into the private lives of his patients in an attempt to both understand and help them overcome their illnesses.

Advantages

Case studies allow a researcher to investigate a topic in far more detail than might be possible if they were trying to deal with a large number of research participants (nomothetic approach) with the aim of ‘averaging’. The case study is not itself a research method, but researchers select methods of data collection and analysis that will generate material suitable for case studies. Amongst the sources of data the psychologist is likely to turn to when carrying out a case study are observations of a person’s daily routine, unstructured interviews with the participant herself (and with people who know her), diaries, personal notes (e.g. letters, photographs, notes) or official document (e.g. case notes, clinical notes, appraisal reports).

Disadvantages

At the same time, a case study has several advantages as a research method. However, there are also several drawbacks that should be considered:

- The most serious issue is that because case studies are so in-depth, they are also open to bias. This can occur at any stage of the research process, from data collection to analysis and interpretation. - Another potential issue is that case studies often cannot be generalized to the wider population. This is because they are based on a single individual or group, so it is difficult to draw conclusions about other people or groups. - Finally, case studies can be time-consuming. They require a great deal of time and effort to conduct, and they can take a long time to complete.

Conclusion

Despite its advantages and disadvantages, the case study method is a valuable tool in the field of social science research. It allows for in-depth exploration of complex issues and provides a rich context for understanding the phenomena under study. While it may not provide the basis for broad generalizations, it can offer insights into specific contexts and can contribute to theory development and refinement.