Types of Case Study. Part 1 of 3 on Case Studies

Summary

This video explores the case study research strategy, emphasizing its role in investigating contemporary phenomena within real-life contexts. Case studies use multiple sources of evidence such as interviews, observations, and documents, offering a holistic, in-depth view of subjects. The approach can be descriptive, exploratory, or explanatory, depending on the research goals. Examples include individual case studies, community studies, and organizational research, ranging from the life of a single person to large-scale events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. Case studies are versatile and especially useful when little is known about a subject, offering rich insights into complex social phenomena.

Takeaways

• 😀 Case studies are research strategies used to investigate contemporary phenomena in their real-life context using multiple sources of evidence.
• 😀 A case study can focus on an individual, a group, an event, or an organization, and it seeks to understand the phenomenon in depth.
• 😀 Case studies can be descriptive, exploratory, or explanatory, with exploratory case studies being most common for uncovering new areas of interest.
• 😀 Descriptive case studies aim to detail what is happening in a particular context without exploring reasons or causes.
• 😀 Exploratory case studies are typically conducted when little is known about a subject, helping researchers formulate questions for further study.
• 😀 Explanatory case studies aim to understand the cause-and-effect relationships behind a phenomenon, explaining why something happens.
• 😀 Context is a key element in case studies, as they are conducted in the natural setting of the phenomenon under study, unlike lab experiments.
• 😀 Multiple data sources, including interviews, observations, and documents, are commonly used in case study research to gather comprehensive insights.
• 😀 The research process in a case study involves immersion in the phenomenon's environment, allowing researchers to observe, interact, and gather real-world data.
• 😀 Classic examples of case studies include individual studies like the 'Jack Roller' case and broader community studies like those conducted in East London and Sudan.
• 😀 Case study research is a holistic approach, often applied to social sciences, and can involve studies of groups, organizations, or even significant events like elections or crises.

Q & A

What is the definition of a case study according to Colin Robson?

A case study is a research strategy that involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, using multiple sources of evidence.

What does the term 'contemporary phenomenon' refer to in the context of a case study?

'Contemporary phenomenon' refers to something happening in the present. It could involve an individual, a group of people, an event, or an organization, and it focuses on studying what is occurring in real time.

How does a case study differ from an experiment in terms of context?

In a case study, the research is conducted within the natural, real-life context where the phenomenon occurs. In contrast, experiments often take place in controlled, artificial environments like a lab.

What are the typical sources of evidence used in case studies?

Case studies often use qualitative methods, such as interviews, observations (including participant observation), ethnography, and documents. These may include meeting minutes, records, or other organizational documents.

Can a case study be descriptive, exploratory, or explanatory? How?

Yes, a case study can be descriptive (detailing what is happening), exploratory (examining an area when little is known), or explanatory (explaining why something happens or understanding causality).

Why are case studies often used in exploratory research?

Case studies are useful in exploratory research because they allow researchers to investigate a phenomenon without prior knowledge, helping to generate initial insights and questions for further investigation.

What is the primary motivation for using a case study approach?

The primary motivation for using a case study approach is to explore a phenomenon in depth when not enough is known to design other research methods like surveys or experiments.

How do case studies focus on both process and outcome?

Case studies examine both process (how something is done) and outcome (what happened as a result). For example, in an election case study, researchers might explore how campaigns are run and then assess the outcome, such as who won and why.

What are some classical examples of case studies mentioned in the script?

Examples include Stanley's study of the 'Jack Roller' in the 1930s (a case study of a conman), community studies like the East London family study in the 1950s, and anthropological studies like Evans-Pritchard’s work with the Azande people in Sudan.

What role do contextual factors play in a case study?

Contextual factors are critical in a case study because they encompass the broader environment in which the phenomenon occurs. These factors include social, cultural, and organizational influences that may impact or shape the case being studied.