Introduction: Why Case Studies Matter
Case studies are a cornerstone of qualitative research and professional inquiry. Whether used in psychology, business, law, medicine, or education, case studies allow researchers to dive deeply into real-life situations, uncovering insights that would be invisible through surveys or experiments alone (Yin, 2018).
Modern research increasingly values nuanced, contextual analysis—making case studies more relevant than ever in the data-driven 21st century.
Definition of a Case Study
A case study is an intensive, detailed investigation of a single individual, group, organization, event, or phenomenon. It aims to explore, describe, or explain complex issues in their real-life context (Yin, 2018; Stake, 1995).
Unlike experiments—which isolate variables—a case study embraces complexity, acknowledging how social, cultural, and situational factors influence outcomes.
Key Features of Case Studies
Focused and In-Depth Analysis
Case studies delve deeply into one subject rather than seeking broad generalizations. This allows researchers to:
- Examine unique or rare phenomena
- Generate new theories
- Reveal hidden dynamics in everyday settings
Use of Multiple Data Sources
Robust case studies rely on data triangulation, drawing evidence from:
- Interviews
- Observations
- Documents
- Archival records
- Physical artifacts
Using diverse data improves credibility and validity (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
Contextual Understanding
A defining feature is context. Case studies explore how:
- Environmental factors influence behavior
- Organizational culture shapes outcomes
- Personal history affects decisions
This holistic perspective distinguishes case studies from purely statistical research.
Types of Case Studies
Exploratory Case Studies
Used when researchers don’t yet know what variables to examine. Often precede large-scale research by clarifying key issues.
Descriptive Case Studies
Aim to thoroughly describe a situation without necessarily seeking explanations. They’re common in fields like clinical psychology and social work.
Explanatory Case Studies
Seek to explain causes and effects. For example:
“Why did a specific marketing strategy succeed in one company but fail in another?”
They’re frequently used in business and organizational research.
Intrinsic vs. Instrumental
- Intrinsic Case Study: Focuses on a unique subject of interest for its own sake
- Instrumental Case Study: Uses the case to illustrate broader principles or test a theory
(Stake, 1995)
Advantages and Limitations of Case Studies
Advantages
- Deep understanding of context
- Ability to explore rare or complex phenomena
- Useful for theory development
- Flexible data collection
Limitations
- Limited generalizability
- Time-consuming
- Risk of researcher bias
Despite limitations, case studies remain invaluable for capturing real-world complexity.
Steps in Conducting a Case Study
Define the Research Question
- Specific and focused
Select the Case
- Must be relevant and feasible
Design Data Collection Plan
- Multiple sources increase validity
Collect Data
- Interviews, observations, documents
Analyze Data
- Coding themes
- Identifying patterns
Report Findings
- Use narrative storytelling with evidence
(Yin, 2018)
