Case studies

Defining Case study

a detailed examination of one setting, or a single

subject, a single depository of document, or one particular event (Bogdan & Biklen, 2003, p. 54) in depth, qualitative studies of one or a few illustrative cases (Hagan, 2006, p.240) a method involving systematically gathering enough information about a particular person, social setting, event, or group to permit the researcher to effectively understand how the subjects operates or functions (Berg, 2004, 2007, 2009)

 Case study research is not really a methodology at all,

rather , it involves a choice in what to be studied (Stake cited in Creswell, 2007) Can be rather pointed in their focus or approach a broad view if life and society. E.g. studying a medical students behaviours and actions in a medical school. E.g. assessing the social life of an individual and his entire background and the effect on his behaviour in the society

Types of design for case study research

Intrinsic Descriptive Single versus versus versus instrumental explanatory multiple case studies case studies case studies

Intrinsic versus instrumental case studies

- Intrinsic case studies represent nothing but themselves. - The cases are chosen because they are interesting in their own right. - E.g. patients with rare diseases or clients with unusual problems would constitute suitable cases for intrinsic case studies.

 Instrumental case studies the cases constitute

exemplars of a more general phenomenon. They are selected to provide the researcher with an opportunity to study the phenomenon of interest. E.g. the research question identifies a phenomenon (e.g. bereavement, fame, recovery from illness) and the cases are selected in order to explore how the phenomenon exists within a particular case (Stake, 1994: 242) Individuals who are experiencing the phenomenon of interest constitute suitable cases for analysis.

Single versus multiple case studies

Case studies can consist of a detailed exploration of

a single case or they can involve the comparison of a series of cases. Single-case study- either of intrinsic interest to the researcher or they provide an opportunity to test the applicability of existing theory to real world data. Multiple case study- provides the researcher with an opportunity to generate new theories ( theoretical formulations are developed and refined on the basis of the comparative analysis of a series of cases)

Descriptive versus explanatory case studies

Descriptive case studies- are concerned with

providing a detailed description of the phenomenon within its context. Explanatory case studies- aim to generate explanations for the occurrence with which they are concerned. (goes beyond mere narrative or description) In both types, accuracy in matters of detail and the provision of sufficient evidence are important.

Selection of methods of data collection and analysis

Method of data collection- Should be selected in

the light of the research question that motivated the study. e.g. semi-structured interviewing and diaries or document analysis and individuals own account Tend to involve a certain amount of triangulation

Writing up
Case Studies can be written up in a variety of

ways- no standard format for the presentation of cases. The length, structure and style of the report are influenced by the methods used and by the findings generated. Should include some information about the participant(s) a clear and detailed account of the methods used to collect and analyse the data, and discussion of the implications of the findings.

 Case study can only provide a partial

understanding of how and why certain individuals experience and behave as they do, within a particular situation. The report can never claim to sum up a person or to paint a complete picture of a person.

Case study: To describe or explain?

Researchers disagree about the extent to which case

study research ought to move beyond detailed descriptions of the case and provide explanations for its occurrence. Some researchers view that case studies ought to transcend the information that characterizes a case an introduce explanatory concepts to account for it. The case report presents a rational and empirical argument which explains the behaviour of the person under investigation (Bromley, 1986: 37).

 Others caution against too strong a desire to

theorise because this may divert attention from the particulars of the case. Instead, they recommend that the case study researcher remains close to the details of the case, emphasizing its uniqueness and particularity. The aim is to describe the case in sufficient descriptive narrative so that the readers can vicariously experience these happenings, and draw their own conclusions (Stake 1994: 243).

 Whatever approach is taken, it is important to

differentiate, clearly and explicitly, between description (of events, of what participants said, of the social context) and the researcher s interpretation of these (of their causes and consequences, of their implications , of their meanings).

Ethics
Case studies are concerned with the details of

individual participants life events. Hence, the research needs to be particularly sensitive to issues around confidentiality and anonymity. Measures should be taken to avoid the readers identification of the participants identity i.e. by modifying and adjusting the material to prevent indentification. Agreement should be reached with participants about the limits of accessibility to records, documents and other materials prior to data collection.

Ethics (Cont.)
It is also recommended to supply participants with

drafts of how their cases are being written up and to take note of their feedback. Some case studies take a more interactive approach to their work with participants and involve them in an ongoing discussion of the meanings and implications of emerging interpretations.
Qualitative researchers are guests in the private

spaces of the world. Their manners should be good and their code of ethics strict (Stake 1994: 244).

Limitations of case study research

The different types of design available allow the case

study researcher to select the one that most appropriate to the purpose of the study and its terms of reference. This means that case study research constitutes a versatile approach to qualitative investigation. However, there are a number of problems that may arise when conducting case study.

The problems about case study approach

Tringulation May lead to a neglect of the role of context in the constitution of meaning. Generalizability Does the case represent something beyond itself? If so, to what extent? Need to be careful about the way they generalize their work. Ethics Participants selfreflections will stimulate new thoughts and feelings. Cognitive dissonance may occur, results in self blame or resentment. Researchers may be perceived as experts.