Case study research

Case study research is a method of inquiry that involves an in-depth investigation of a particular situation or phenomenon, such as an organization, business process, or decision-making process. It is typically conducted in a natural setting, focusing on a single unit of analysis, such as an individual, group, organization, or event. It involves an intensive collection of data through a variety of methods, such as interviews, surveys, observation, and document analysis. The data gathered is then analyzed in a systematic and rigorous way that allows for the identification of patterns, trends, and relationships. The findings from the case study can be used to inform decision-making, create new knowledge, and generate insights for further research.

Example of case study research

• A case study looking at the impact of social media on the sales of a particular brand of clothing. Researchers would collect data on the number of followers each clothing brand had on their social media accounts, the types of content they posted, and the number of sales they made in the months following each post. Through analysis of this data, researchers could identify any correlations between social media activity and sales and draw conclusions about how social media is affecting the brand’s performance.
• A case study examining the effectiveness of a new customer service process. Researchers would observe customer service interactions, collect customer feedback, and analyze customer service metrics to identify any areas for improvement. Through this research, the company would be able to determine the efficacy of their new customer service process and make any necessary adjustments.
• A case study examining the impact of a new product launch on the overall customer experience. Researchers would collect data on customer satisfaction metrics, customer interactions, and customer feedback to uncover any changes in customer experience before and after the product launch. Through this analysis, the company could analyze the impact of their new product and make any necessary changes to improve the customer experience.

When to use case study research

Case study research is a valuable research method that can be used in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes. It is particularly useful when attempting to understand complex phenomena in real-world settings and when seeking to uncover novel insights that are not easily uncovered through more traditional methods. It can be used to:

• Investigate a particular phenomenon or event: Case study research is well-suited to investigating phenomena within a particular context, such as a particular organization or event. It can provide an in-depth understanding of a particular situation by capturing the perspectives and experiences of those involved.
• Develop and test theories: Case studies can be used to develop, test, and refine theoretical models and frameworks.
• Generate hypotheses: Case studies can be used to generate hypotheses that can be tested in future studies.
• Practice: Case studies can be used to help practitioners apply theories and models to real-world situations and to develop their skills in diagnosis and problem-solving.
• Examine the effects of interventions: Case studies are well-suited for examining the effects of interventions, such as organizational changes or policy initiatives.
• Explore new areas of inquiry: Case studies can be used to explore new areas of inquiry and to develop a better understanding of complex phenomena.

Types of case study research

Case study research is a method of inquiry that involves an in-depth investigation of a particular situation or phenomenon. There are several types of case studies, including illustrative, exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory.

• Illustrative case studies are used to describe a phenomenon or to provide an example of how a particular phenomenon works. They are useful for illustrating a concept or illustrating a particular situation.
• Exploratory case studies are used to explore a particular situation and to develop hypotheses and theories. They aim to identify possible relationships and causes, as well as to identify potential solutions and strategies.
• Descriptive case studies are used to describe a particular situation in detail. They are useful for providing a detailed picture of a particular situation.
• Explanatory case studies are used to explain a particular phenomenon or event. They are useful for understanding why a particular situation or event occurred and for identifying potential causes.

Limitations of case study research

Case study research is a powerful method of inquiry that can provide in-depth insight into a particular situation or phenomenon. However, it has some limitations, which include:

• Lack of Generalizability: The results of a case study are not necessarily generalizable to other contexts or settings. For example, the results of a case study conducted in one school may not be applicable to other schools due to differences in culture, resources, or other factors.
• Limited Data Collection: Case studies typically involve an intensive collection of data through a single method, such as interviews or surveys. This means that the depth and breadth of the data collected may be limited.
• Time-Consuming: Case studies are typically time-consuming and labor-intensive, as they involve a detailed and lengthy data collection and analysis process.
• Bias: It is possible for the researcher to introduce bias into the data collection and analysis process, as the researcher has a deep understanding of the case study context.
• Ethical Challenges: There may be ethical challenges associated with case study research, such as obtaining informed consent from participants and protecting their privacy.

Other approaches related to case study research

In addition to case study research, there are several other approaches that can be used to study a particular situation or phenomenon. These include:

• Action research – This involves an active investigation of a situation or phenomenon in order to identify problems, develop solutions, and evaluate results. It is conducted through iterative cycles of action, reflection, and evaluation.
• Grounded theory – This is a systematic research process used to generate hypotheses and theories from data. Through data analysis and theoretical sampling, researchers identify patterns and develop insights.
• Ethnography – This involves an in-depth study of a group or culture, focusing on behaviors and beliefs. It typically involves observation, interviews, and document analysis.
• Historical research – This involves examining past events in order to understand their influence on the present. It involves gathering and analyzing data from a variety of sources, such as archives, newspapers, and oral histories.

Case study research — recommended articles

Single case study — Case study analysis — Exploratory case study — Multiple case study — Case study approach — Case study methodology — Qualitative research techniques — Critical incident technique — Qualitative content analysis

References

• Fidel, R. (1984). The case study method: A case study. Library and Information Science Research, 6(3), 273-288.
• Meyer, C. B. (2001). A case in case study methodology. Field methods, 13(4), 329-352.