The Use of the Case Study in Qualitative Research

Cheryl Halliburton & Ayana MurrayLong Island University – C.W. PostEDD 1005 – Research Methods I

Dr. Jan HammondOctober 23, 2011

A Case Study is a qualitative approach in which the investigator explores a bounded system (a case) or multiple bounded systems (cases) over time through detailed in depth data collection involving multiple sources of information (e.g., observations, interviews) and reports a case description and case based themes.

The case description and case based themes are utilized to further understand a particular issue or problem

• (Creswell, 2007)

What is a Case Study?

Bounded system – the “case” selected for study has boundaries, often set by time and place

Case – the “bounded system” or the “object” of the study

Case description – the “facts” about the case as recorded by the investigator

Multiple Sources of Information- the use of many different sources of information to provide “depth” to the case

Participant observer – researcher is immersed in the day to day lives of the people in the case and observes and interviews the participants

• (Creswell, 2007; Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 2010; Stake, 2005)

Definitions and Key Terms

Multiple sources of information are utilized for the purpose of data collection:

◦ Observations◦ Physical Artifacts◦ Documents◦ Audiovisual materials◦ Interviews◦ Archival records◦ Reports

(Creswell, 2007)

Data Collection

The types of qualitative case studies are distinguished by the size of the case:

◦ Individual◦ Several Individuals◦ Group◦ Program◦ Activity

◦ (Creswell, 2007)

Types of Qualitative Case Studies

There are 3 variations of types in terms of the intent of the Case Study:

Single Instrument – focuses on an issue/concern then selects 1 case to illustrate it

Collective/Multiple – the researcher chooses the issue/concern, then selects multiple cases to illustrate the issue

Intrinsic – the researcher focuses on the case itself

(Creswell, 2007; Stake, 1995)

Intent of the Case Study

Is the case study method appropriate for this issue?◦ Clearly identifiable cases with boundaries◦ The case should have characteristics or features that

relate to the issue being investigated

Identify the case and/or cases to be used◦ How many? ◦ Should the focus be on the case or issue?◦ Should cases consist of purposeful sampling, ordinary

cases, accessible cases and/or unusual cases?

What methods of Data Collection to use? How many? ◦ Too many detracts from the issue or case; ◦ Too few and there will be inadequate data

◦ (Creswell, 2007; Cohen et al, 2010; Stake, 1995; Yin, 2003)

Procedures

Analysis ◦ Holistic or embedded analysis?◦ Context of the case or setting◦ Analyze themes

Within-case analysis Cross-case analysis

Interpretation◦ Meaning, reaction and lessons learned

◦ (Creswell, 2007; Cohen et al, 2010; Stake, 1995; Yin, 2003)

Procedures

A case study allows for in-depth scrutiny of a complex issue; this scrutiny provides for greater understanding of the particular issue or problem.

“Case studies, in not having to seek frequencies of occurrences, can replace quantity with equality and intensity, separating the significant few from the insignificant many instances of behavior. Significance rather than frequency is a hallmark of case studies.”

• (Cohen et al, 2010)

Strengths/Advantages

Strong on reality: Uses real people in real situations; allows for greater understanding than purely abstract theories

Can establish cause and effect relationships

Easily understood by a wide audience: Blends description of event with analysis by combining subjective and objective data

Can be undertaken by a single researcher who acts as a participant observer

Provides insights into similar situations and cases• (Cohen et al,2010)

Strengths/Advantages

Appropriately identifying the case/cases

Identifying the boundaries

Finding and selecting enough data to understand the issue

Results may not be generalizable

Not easy to cross-check information

Prone to problems of observer bias because researcher is involved in the study

• (Cresswell, 2007; Cohen et al, 2010)

Limitations/Weaknesses

A case study provides a unique example of real people in real situations, enabling readers to understand ideas more clearly than simply presenting them with abstract theories or principles. Indeed a case study can enable readers to understand how ideas and abstract principles can fit together. Case studies can penetrate situations in ways that are not always susceptible to numerical analysis.

• (Cohen et al, 2010; Yin, 2009)

Conclusion

Cohen, L. & Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2010). Research methods in education. London: Routledge.

Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry & research design:Choosing among five approaches. Thousand Oaks,

CA:Sage Publications.

Stake, R. (1995). The art of case study research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Yin, R.K. (2003). Case study research: Design and method (3rd ed.) Thousand Oaks,CA: Sage.

Yin, R.K. (2009). Case study research: Design and method (4th ed.) Thousand Oaks,CA: Sage.

References