A case study is a research method common in social science . It is based on an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event. Case studies may be descriptive or explanatory. A tutorial on case study research from Colorado State University.
What is case study method in research methodology?
A case study is a research approach that is used to generate an in-depth, multi-faceted understanding of a complex issue in its real-life context . It is an established research design that is used extensively in a wide variety of disciplines, particularly in the social sciences.
Do you call the research method a case study?
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.
Is case study qualitative or quantitative?
Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews, observations, and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g. newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data.
What are the key characteristics of case study research?
- The number of unit to be studied is small.
- It studies a social unit deeply and thoroughly.
- It is qualitative as well as quantitative.
- It covers sufficient wide cycle of time.
- It has continuity in nature.
Is case study a method or methodology?
Background. Qualitative case study is a research methodology that helps in exploration of a phenomenon within some particular context through various data sources, and it undertakes the exploration through variety of lenses in order to reveal multiple facets of the phenomenon (Baxter & Jack, 2008).
What are the objectives of case study method?
The general purpose of a case study is to: → describe an individual situation (case), e.g. a person, business, organisation, or institution, in detail ; → identify the key issues of the case (your assignment question should tell you what to focus on); → analyse the case using relevant theoretical concepts from your unit ...
What is a research case study?
A case study is a research approach that is used to generate an in-depth, multi-faceted understanding of a complex issue in its real-life context . It is an established research design that is used extensively in a wide variety of disciplines, particularly in the social sciences.
How do you prepare a case study?
- Read and Examine the Case Thoroughly. Take notes, highlight relevant facts, underline key problems.
- Focus Your Analysis. Identify two to five key problems. ...
- Uncover Possible Solutions/Changes Needed. ...
- Select the Best Solution.
What are the types of case study method?
- Collective case studies: These involve studying a group of individuals. ...
- Descriptive case studies: These involve starting with a descriptive theory. ...
- Explanatory case studies: These are often used to do causal investigations.
What is quantitative case study?
Case studies using quantitative analysis contain elements of the empirical–analytical scientific approach . These are often considered as opposing the dominant qualitative approach of case study research. ... For case study research, quantitative analysis can be used either on its own or to complement qualitative analysis.
What is a qualitative case study?
The qualitative case study is a research method which enables a complex phenomenon to be explored through the identification of different factors interacting with each other . The case observed is a real situation. In the field of nursing science, it may be a clinical decision-making process.
What is an example of case study research?
Case studies are a popular research method in business area. Case studies aim to analyze specific issues within the boundaries of a specific environment, situation or organization. ... Example: “ Impact of increasing levels of multiculturalism on marketing practices : A case study of McDonald’s Indonesia.”
What is the focus question asked in a case study?
For example, these kinds of questions focus on concepts such as explain, explore, describe, and under- stand . Typically, case study research questions use words such as how or why. Over- all, the case study research questions need to address the substance of what (case) the study is about (Hatch, 2002, p. 10).
What is a good sample size for a case study?
Some say between 30-50 sample size is fine, while others say between 5-25, and another group say between 5-12. There is even a renowned authority who claimed that one participant is enough depending on what a researcher is researching.
What are the methods of methodology?
- Observation / Participant Observation.
- Surveys.
- Interviews.
- Focus Groups.
- Experiments.
- Secondary Data Analysis / Archival Study.
- Mixed Methods (combination of some of the above)
