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Case study

A case study is a research method involving an in-depth examination of a specific case within a real-world context, commonly used across various fields to explore complex issues. The process includes identifying the case, defining research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting findings, with different types such as exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory case studies. While case studies provide detailed insights and practical solutions, they also have limitations, including potential bias and lack of generalizability.

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25 views3 pages

Case study

A case study is a research method involving an in-depth examination of a specific case within a real-world context, commonly used across various fields to explore complex issues. The process includes identifying the case, defining research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting findings, with different types such as exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory case studies. While case studies provide detailed insights and practical solutions, they also have limitations, including potential bias and lack of generalizability.

Uploaded by

faithkrizia04
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth, detailed examination of a particular

case or cases within a real-world context. It is commonly used in various fields such as business,
education, social sciences, and health to explore complex issues and generate insights. Here’s
everything you need to know about case studies for your class report:

1. Identifying the Case

Every case study begins with identifying a case that is relevant, unique, or representative of a
broader issue. Researchers select a case that provides valuable insights into a particular
phenomenon.

2. Defining the Research Questions

Once a case is chosen, researchers define clear research questions. These questions guide the
study, ensuring that it remains focused and addresses key aspects of the phenomenon being
examined.

3. Data Collection

Researchers collect data using various methods, such as interviews, observations, surveys, and
document analysis. This phase involves gathering both qualitative and quantitative information
to provide a comprehensive view of the case.

4. Analyzing the Data

After data collection, researchers analyze the information by identifying patterns, themes, and
insights. This step may involve coding qualitative data, conducting statistical analysis, or
comparing findings with existing theories.

5. Reporting the Findings

The final step is to present the findings in a structured format. This may include writing a
detailed case study report, creating visual presentations, or publishing results in academic
journals. The findings should offer valuable insights, propose solutions, or generate hypotheses
for further research.
6. Types of Case Studies

1. Exploratory Case Study: Used to explore a topic where little information is available. It
often precedes a larger study.
2. Descriptive Case Study: Provides a detailed description of a case within its context.
3. Explanatory Case Study: Seeks to explain the causes and effects of a phenomenon.
4. Intrinsic Case Study: Focuses on a unique case that is inherently interesting.
5. Instrumental Case Study: Uses a case to understand a broader issue or theory, often
applying findings to similar situations.
6. Collective Case Study: Involves studying multiple cases to compare or contrast them,
helping to identify patterns and general principles.

7. Characteristics of a Case Study

• In-depth analysis: Focuses on a single case or a small number of cases.


• Contextual: Examines the case within its real-life context.
• Holistic: Considers multiple factors and perspectives.
• Flexible: Allows for adjustments in the research process as new insights emerge.
• Qualitative and Quantitative: Often relies on interviews, observations, document
analysis, and numerical data.

8. Advantages of Case Studies

• Provides detailed and rich data.


• Helps understand complex issues.
• Can be used to test or develop theories.
• Offers practical insights for real-world problems.
• Allows for flexibility in research design.

9. Limitations of Case Studies

• Results may not be generalizable to other cases.


• Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
• Subject to researcher bias.
• May lack rigor if not conducted systematically.
• Ethical concerns may arise, especially regarding confidentiality and informed consent.
• Interpretation of findings can be subjective, requiring careful validation.
10. Examples of Case Studies

• Business: Analyzing the success of a company like Apple or the failure of Blockbuster.
• Education: Studying the impact of a new teaching method in a school.
• Healthcare: Examining the treatment of a rare medical condition in a patient.
• Social Sciences: Investigating the effects of a social program on a community.

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