Case Studies

By Tara D. Loughman

A Case study refers to the collection and presentation of detailed information about a particular participant or small group, frequently including the accounts of subjects themselves. A form of qualitative descriptive research, the case study looks intensely at an individual or small participant pool, drawing conclusions only about that participant or group and only in that specific context. Researchers do not focus on the discovery of a universal, generalizable truth, nor do they typically look for cause-effect relationships; instead, emphasis is placed on exploration and description (1).

o Case studies should be defined as a research strategy, an observation that investigates a fact or occurrence within its real-life context.

o Case studies examine a specific situation and provide a complete understanding to the problem.

o They provide a generous amount of reliable sources and provide new questions for further research.

How to Develop a Case Study:

o Determine and define research questions. Find an applicable case study.

o All data about case is gathered.

o Data is evaluated and organized in a manner to highlight the main focus of study. Apply case study material and its relevance to your thesis.

o Prepare a narrative for overall report analysis. Summarize key points. Have program participants review narratives.

o Cross compare case studies to find themes and patterns. Find motifs, patterns, common concepts and solutions.

Reference:
(1) Bronwyn Becker, Patrick Dawson, Karen Devine, Carla Hannum, Steve Hill, Jon Leydens, Debbie Matuskevich, Carol Traver, and Mike Palmquist. (2005). Case Studies. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University Department of English. Retrieved [Date] from http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/research/casestudy/.