A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth and detailed examination of a particular individual, group, event, or situation. It is a form of qualitative research that aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject under investigation. Case studies are commonly used in various fields such as psychology, sociology, business, medicine, and education.
Key characteristics of a case study include:
- In-depth Exploration: Case studies involve a thorough exploration of the chosen subject, often using multiple sources of information such as interviews, observations, documents, and archival records.
- Contextual Analysis: The context in which the case is situated is carefully considered. This includes understanding the social, cultural, historical, and organizational factors that may influence the case.
- Holistic Perspective: Case studies aim to capture the complexity of real-life situations. Researchers often examine multiple aspects of the case to gain a holistic perspective.
- Longitudinal or Retrospective Approach: Case studies can be conducted over time (longitudinal) or retrospectively (looking back at past events). This allows researchers to trace developments and changes over a period.
- Use of Multiple Data Sources: Researchers collect data from various sources to triangulate information and enhance the reliability of their findings.
- Unique and Unpredictable Nature: Each case study is unique, and the researcher may encounter unexpected factors or outcomes during the investigation.
Case studies are valuable for gaining insights into complex phenomena, generating hypotheses for further research, and providing rich descriptions of real-world situations. However, because case studies are based on specific instances, their findings may not be easily generalizable to broader populations. Researchers need to carefully consider the limitations and potential biases associated with case study research.