Case study research

Case study research has been recognized as a qualitative method (Yin, 2014). It can produce the best theory derived from real cases (Walton, 1992). Case study can be realized in form of semi-structured interviews and focus groups (Cavicchi, 2017). Both case study research (with mixed methods and tools such as interviews, workshops, consultations, etc.) and action research methodologies are usually adopted to the research.

A case study is a methodological research approach used to generate an in-depth understanding of a contemporary issue or phenomenon in a bounded system. A case study is one of the most widely used and accepted means of qualitative research methods in the social sciences. The case study approach is particularly useful to employ when there is a need to obtain an in-depth appreciation of an issue, event or phenomenon of interest, in its natural real-life context . Case studies provide researchers with an opportunity for greater depth of understanding of an issue. The case study design is preferred as a research strategy when “how,” “why,” and “what” questions are the interest of the researcher.

based on https://zenodo.org/records/7604301

• Bloomberg, L. D., & Volpe, M. (2022). Completing your qualitative dissertation: A road map from beginning to end. SAGE.
• Coombs, H. (2022). Case study research: single or multiple [White paper]. Southern Utah University. https://haydencoombs.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/case-study-research-coombs-2022-3.pdf
• Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. SAGE.
• Crowe, S., Cresswell, K., Robertson, A., Huby, G., Avery, A., & Sheikh, A. (2011). The case study approach. BMC medical research methodology, 11, 100. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-11-100.
• Stake, R. E. (2010). The art of case study research. SAGE.
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Case study research

Case study research methodology is a qualitative research approach that involves in-depth exploration and analysis of a specific case or cases within its real-life context. Unlike quantitative research methods that focus on numerical data and statistical analysis, case study research seeks to understand complex phenomena, processes, and interactions in their natural settings. It is often used in social sciences, business, education, and other fields where a deep understanding of a particular situation or phenomenon is required.

The key characteristics of case study research methodology include:

1. Focus on Specific Cases: Case study research delves deeply into one or a few cases rather than trying to generalize findings across a large population. This allows researchers to examine unique and context-specific factors that may not be apparent in broader studies.
2. Naturalistic Inquiry: Case studies emphasize naturalistic inquiry, meaning that researchers observe and analyze phenomena as they naturally occur in their real-life context. This approach enables a more holistic understanding of the complexities and nuances of the case.
3. Qualitative Data Collection: Case study research typically involves the collection of qualitative data through methods such as interviews, observations, document analysis, and participant observation. These methods help researchers gather rich, detailed information about the case under study.
4. Inductive Analysis: Analysis in case study research is often inductive, meaning that themes, patterns, and theories emerge from the data rather than being predefined by the researcher. This allows for flexibility and openness to unexpected findings.
5. Triangulation: To enhance the credibility and validity of findings, case study researchers often use triangulation, which involves collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources or using multiple methods. Triangulation helps researchers corroborate findings and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the case.
6. Rich Description: Case study reports typically provide detailed descriptions of the case, including its context, background, participants, processes, and outcomes. This rich description enables readers to understand the intricacies of the case and evaluate the credibility of the findings.
7. Theory Building: While case study research is often exploratory and descriptive, it can also contribute to theory building by generating hypotheses, refining existing theories, or proposing new theoretical frameworks based on empirical evidence from the case.

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To conduct a case study, researchers typically follow a systematic process that involves defining the research question or objective, selecting cases that are relevant to the research question, collecting and analyzing data using appropriate methods, and interpreting findings in relation to existing literature or theoretical frameworks. The findings of a case study can provide valuable insights, inform decision-making, and contribute to knowledge advancement in various fields.