Case Study Research Method: An In-Depth Analysis - Research Paper

Introduction

The case study research method refers to a detailed study of either an individual or a small group of individuals. The case study method is therefore qualitative in nature which provides a narrative explanation of the behaviors and experience of study elements (Teegavarapu, Summers & Mocko, 2008). Unlike other methods of research, case study method is not used to determine the cause and effect relationships as well as predicting occurrences. Instead, it is used to provide in-depth analysis and description of a particular phenomenon. Some of the critical features of a case study method are that it has a narrow focus but provides a detailed description. It utilizes both objective and subjective data to explore and understand the phenomenon in questions (Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, 2019).

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Advantages of the Case Study Research Method

The case study method is more flexible while compared to other methods of research since it allows the researcher to explore and learn as the study progresses. It is also evident that although case studies are narrow in scope, they provide high details on the research subject. Therefore, the emphasis on detailed content allows the researcher to delve deeper and capture a wide range of data to understand the research phenomenon sufficiently. Another benefit is that the case study collects data from a natural setting which enhances the reliability of the data (Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, 2019). It also helps to shed new light on a particular theory which stimulates further research and exploration of the research problem.

Disadvantages of the Case Study Research Method

While the case study method has various benefits, it also has limitations. For instance, conducting a cases study is considered to be subjective and hence contributing to researcher bias. This, in turn, creates concerns regarding the reliability and validity of the data collected using this method. It is also capital intensive and time-consuming while comparing it to other methods. It is also evident that the case study method emphasizes on a detailed description of the data. For this reason, it makes it difficult to research on a wide problem area (Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, 2019). The case study method is also narrow in scope which in turn limits the representation of data which in turn makes it impossible to generalize the findings.

Reasons for Using the Case Study Research Method

A case study method may be used when the researcher needs to explore and understand a particular phenomenon of interest, an issue, or a natural, real-life concept. This is because case studies focus on answering the questions of how and why (Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, 2019). It can also be useful in developing new theories and also contribute to challenging the already established traditional theories.

Sources of Information for the Case Study

While conducting a case study, the researcher may collect data using various methods. One of the sources is exploring the archival records. Here, the researcher analyzes the existing information about the phenomenon under interest which may be stored in the form of survey archives, written records, and statistical data. Another source of data is through observation where the researcher visits the area of interest and observes the behavior of this particular setting. Lastly, the researcher can also gather information through surveys, questionnaires, and interviews (Teegavarapu, Summers & Mocko, 2008).

References

Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching. (2019). Case Study Method. Retrieved from https://cirt.gcu.edu/research/developmentresources/research_ready/descriptive/case_study

Teegavarapu, S., Summers, J. D., & Mocko, G. M. (2008). Case Study Method for Design Research: A Justification. Volume 4: 20Th International Conference on Design Theory and Methodology; Second International Conference on Micro- And Nanosystems. doi: 10.1115/detc2008-49980