Case study method is considered as one of the
popular type of research design used by social scientist.
It is an intensive study of a particular case.
In sociological investigation a case may be any of the
following, taken singly or in combination:
(1) A person,
(2) A group of person such as family or gang,
(3) A class of person such as thieves or professors,
(4) An ecological unit such as neighborhood or
community,
(5) cultural unit such as fashion or institution. In this
case, he/she may be a journalist, a media organization,
working of news room etc
definitions
Yin (2003) defines a case study as an empirical inquiry
that uses multiple sources of evidence to investigate
a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life
context.
According to Kvomvey (1986) “case study involves
studying individual cases, often in their natural
environment and for a long period of time”.
According to Simons (2009) “Case study is an in-
depth exploration from multiple perspectives of the
complexity and uniqueness of a particular project,
policy, institution, program or system in a ‘real life’”.
This kind of research design may involves the
qualitative and quantitative methods of data
collection, though mostly it is placed under the
umbrella of qualitative research.
It includes both single cases and multiple cases.
It is an empirical inquiry that investigates
contemporary phenomena by using multiple sources
of evidence.
It should not be seen as a method in and of itself.
Rather, it is a design frame that may incorporate a
number of methods.
Merriam (1988) lists four essential characteristics:
Particularistic: This means that the case study focuses
on a particular situation, event, program, or
phenomenon, making it a good method for studying
practical, real-life problems.
Descriptive: The final product of a case study is a
detailed description of the topic under study.
Heuristic: A case study helps people to understand
what’s being studied. New interpretations, new
perspectives, new meanings, and fresh insights are all
goals of a case study.
Inductive: Most case studies depend on inductive
reasoning. Principles and generalizations emerge from
an examination of the data. Many case studies attempt
to discover new relationships rather than verify existing
hypotheses.
Design
The first concern in case study design is what to ask. The
case study is most appropriate for questions that begin
with “how” or “why.”
A second design concern is what to analyze. What
constitutes a “case”?
In many instances, a case is an individual, several
individuals, organization; or an event or events.
Pilot Study
A pilot study is used to refine both the research design
and the field procedures.
Before the pilot study is conducted, the case study
researcher must construct a study protocol. This
document describes the procedures to be used in the
study and also includes the data-gathering instrument or
instruments.
Data Collection
According to Wimmer & Dominick (2012), At least four
sources of data can be used in case studies:
Documents, which represent a rich data source, may
take the form of letters, memos, minutes, agendas,
historical records, brochures, pamphlets, posters, and
so on.
The interview, Some case studies make use of survey
research methods and ask respondents to fill out
questionnaires; others may use intensive
interviewing and/ or Focus Group.
Observation/participation is the third data collection
technique.
The physical artifact—a tool, a painting, a sculpture,
a piece of furniture, or even a computer printout.
Most case study researchers recommend using multiple
sources of data, thus permitting triangulation of the
phenomenon under study (Rubin, 1984).
Data Analysis
This stage is probably the most difficult in the case study
method.
Report Writing
The case study report can take several forms.
The report can follow the traditional research study
format—problem, methods, findings, and discussion or
it can use a nontraditional technique.
Some case studies are best suited to a chronological
arrangement, whereas comparative case studies can be
reported from the comparative perspective.
A case study report is written based on the intended
audience.
Advantages
According to Wimmer & Dominick (2012): The case
study method is most valuable when the researcher
wants to obtain a wealth of information about the
research topic. The case study is particularly
advantageous to the researcher who is trying to find
ideas for further research (Simon, 1985).
The case study technique can suggest why something
has occurred. Ideally, case studies should be used in
combination with theory to achieve maximum
understanding.
The case study method also affords the researcher
the ability to deal with a wide spectrum of evidence.
Documents, historical artifacts, systematic interviews,
direct observations, and even traditional surveys can
all be incorporated into a case study; which may
enhance the validity.
Black champion (1976) enlisted following advantages of
case study:
It makes in-depth study possible.
It is flexible in data collection methods.
It could be used for studying any dimension of the
topic; one specific aspect of the problem.
It could be conducted practically in any kind of social
setting.
It helps to study unique case.
Disadvantages
Subjective bias Research subjectivity in collecting
data for supporting or refuting a particular
explanation, personal view of investigation influences
the findings and conclusion of the Study.
Little evidence for scientific generalization Issue of
generalization from a single case? As an answer to
this, case studies are generalized to theoretical
propositions, not to statistical populations. This
design focuses on expanding theory, not to
undertake generalization.
Time consuming Case studies are often time
consuming and may occasionally produce massive
quantities of data; so it is difficult to analyze the data
adequately.
Doubtful reliability The investigator cannot prove
his/her authenticity for obtaining data or having no
bias
