The case study Case studies An indepth investigation

The case study

Case studies � An in-depth investigation of human experience Person (Examples? ) The study of a single individual, often using several research methods Group The study of a single distinctive set of people, such as a family Location The study of a particular place, and the way it is used by people Organization The study of an single organization or company, and the way people act within it Event The study of a particular social or cultural event, and the interpretations of that event by those who participate in it

Case studies � Why � To � To use case studies? test current theories refine current theories test new theories develop new theories test usual assumptions

The use of the case study � Intrinsic - case studies Unique Because they are interesting E. g. “The Wild Boy of Aveyron” 1797 Not aimed for generalization � Instrumental (extrensic) case studies - More general points of interests - Being homeless, being a teenager, a successful company

The use of the case study � Descriptive - The purpose is to generate a detailed description which later will lead to new insights - Not analyzed according to any theory � Explanatory - Aim is to describe and provide possible explanations for the phenomenon - Analyzed using e. g grounded theory

The use of the case study � Context and rich data is very important � Different perspectives are used �I want to make a case study of Michael Jackson, what perspectives should I consider? � Psychological – Personality test � Biological / medical – medical records � Historical – Individual and society � Sociocultural – What kind of society was he part of? Relation to friends and family?

The use of the case study � Triangulation provide rich data � Looking at one phenomenon from different angles yields more complex but better data � Case study is a research strategy not a research method in itself � Other methods are used (such as? ) Ø Interviews Ø Observations Ø Diaries Ø Accounts from other people ØOfficial documents

Strengths of case studies �A possibility to investigate (complex) phenomenon that could not be studied otherwise (in a lab) � Gives new insight into phenomenon or experience because of rich data � Stimulates new research (Patient HM) � Permits insight into social processes in a group using different methods � Contradicts or confirm established theories

Limitations of case studies � Replication not possible � Researcher bias – researcher’s own beliefs influence the way data is obtained analyzed � Memory distortions – Reconstructing case history � Generalization