Casestudietilnærmingar

Casestudietilnærmingar, or case study approaches, refer to a qualitative research methodology that involves an in-depth investigation of a specific instance, phenomenon, or unit of analysis. This unit can be an individual, a group, an organization, an event, or any bounded system. The primary goal of a case study approach is to gain a holistic and detailed understanding of the complexities and context surrounding the chosen case.

These approaches are characterized by their focus on real-world situations and the use of multiple sources of evidence to gather data. Common data collection methods include interviews, observations, document analysis, and the examination of artifacts. Researchers employing case study approaches aim to explore, describe, and explain the "how" and "why" questions related to their case, rather than focusing on statistical generalization.

Case study approaches are particularly useful when little is known about a phenomenon, or when the phenomenon is deeply embedded in its context. They allow for the exploration of nuances, unexpected findings, and the interplay of various factors that influence the case. While findings from a single case study may not be directly generalizable to other populations or settings, they can offer rich insights and generate hypotheses for further research. The rigor of a case study depends on the thoroughness of data collection, the analytical processes used, and the clarity of the reported findings. Different types of case studies exist, such as descriptive, explanatory, and exploratory, each serving distinct research objectives.