CaseStudies

Casestudies are a qualitative research method that investigates a bounded system—a person, group, organization, event, or community—over time to reveal complexities and mechanisms that produce outcomes. Case studies emphasize context and holism rather than generalized statements, though they can contribute to theory development and practical understanding.

Methodology: Data are collected from multiple sources—interviews, observations, documents, archival records, and artifacts—often using triangulation to strengthen validity. Researchers typically describe the case, the context, and the procedures used to collect and analyze data, then present analytic interpretations anchored in evidence.

Types: Common forms include intrinsic case studies, where the case itself is of primary interest; instrumental case studies, where the case serves to understand a broader issue; and multiple or collective case studies, which compare several cases to illuminate a phenomenon.

Process and output: A typical report includes case selection criteria, a description of the context, data collection methods, analytic approach, and findings. Results are presented with evidence such as quotes or documents and discussed in relation to existing theory or practice.

Applications and limitations: Case studies are widely used in social sciences, business, health, education, and public policy to explore processes, outcomes, and causal mechanisms in real settings. Strengths include rich, contextual data; limitations include limited generalizability and potential bias and time requirements.

History and context: The method traces roots in early social science and has been developed by researchers such as Yin and Stake, who offered widely used guidelines for design and reporting. Ethical considerations include informed consent, confidentiality, and data integrity.