Case Study
An in-depth, multifaceted qualitative investigation of a single bounded system, entity, or event in its real-life context.
What is Case Study?
Case study research explores a specific, complex phenomenon (the 'case') within its natural setting. A case must be bounded by time, place, or specific characteristics (e.g., a specific program, organization, or person). It typically triangulates multiple data sources, such as interviews, observations, and document analysis, to generate a holistic and detailed understanding.
Why Case Study Matters
Case studies are essential for answering 'how' and 'why' questions about contemporary events where the researcher has little or no control over behavioral events. They are critical for evaluating complex interventions or understanding unique, extreme, or revelatory situations.
Example
A researcher conducts a case study on the failure of a specific city's disaster response to a hurricane, analyzing internal memos, interviewing emergency managers, and observing rebuilding efforts to understand the systemic breakdown.
Common Mistakes
- Failing to clearly define the 'boundaries' of the case, leading to an analysis that is overly broad, unfocused, and never-ending.
- Assuming that findings from a single case study can be directly statistically generalized to a population, rather than aiming for analytical or theoretical generalization.