Dr.
Subhashree Sanyal
Department of Social Work
Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan
Yin, 1984, defines a case study as an
empirical enquiry that investigates a
contemporary phenomenon within
its real life context when the
boundaries between phenomenon
and context are not clearly evident
and in which multiple sources of
evidence are used.
Mitchell (1983) holds that case study
is not just a narrative account often
event or a series of events but it
involves analysis against an
appropriate the theoretical
framework or in support of
theoretical conclusions.
Objective of the method
The objective of case study method is to
get an insight into the factors that
account for the behaviour pattern of the
given unit in an integrated totality.
case studies are the preferred strategy
when “how” or “why” questions are
being posed, when the investigator has
little control over events, and when the
focus is on a contemporary phenomenon
within some real-life context.
Importance of the Method
The case study method is an approach to studying a social
phenomenon through a thorough analysis of an individual
case
The case may be a person, group, episode, process,
community, society or any other unit of social life
It provides an opportunity for the intensive analysis of
many specific details often overlooked by other methods
A case is selected for study because the usual quantitative
methods fail to take into account the unique features of the
case which are extremely important.
Case study method is used in anthropology, sociology,
management, education, law, medicine and in various
other disciplines.
Case study is a way of organizing data so as to preserve
the unitary character of the social object being studied.
An important assumption in case study method is that
there is uniformity in the basic human nature in spite of
the fact that human behaviour may vary according to
situations.
The case study method is a popular form of qualitative analysis
and involves a care and complete observation of a social unit, be
that a person, a family, an institution, a cultural group or even
the entire community.
It is a method of study in depth rather than breadth.
The case study places more emphasis on the full analysis of a
limited number of events or conditions and their interrelation.
The case study deals with the processes that take place and their
interrelation ship. Thus, case study is essentially an intensive
investigation of the particulars unit under consideration .
The objective of the case study method is to locate the factors
that account for the behavior -patterns of the given unit as an
integrated totality
Purpose of case studies
Case studies are conducted for developing a deeper
understanding about intricate relationships existing in the
process aspects of a specific unit(s) through qualitative
enquiry.
Case studies are conducted with a clinical purpose. They are
treated as diagnostic and prognostic measures for client’s
treatment.
In social research, case studies are conducted for resolving
different problems and bringing about improvement in
institutions facing such problems.
Characteristics of Case study
Continuity in study- Continuous and prolonged study of
situations is necessary till the underlying factors are
explored and plausible patterns of their
interaction/relationship identified
Completeness -A case study involves extensive collection
of data concerning internal as well as external
environment of the unit under study
Confidential recording-Documentation during a case
study needs to be maintained with utmost secrecy.
Steps in conducting a case study:
Step 1 - Locating a case to be studied
Step 2- Collection of Data
Step 3- Treatment and Interpretation of Data
Step 4- A conclusion is drawn on the basis of analysis and
discussion. The work is then properly recorded.
Process of constructing case studies
Step1: Assemble the raw case data
Step 2: construct a case record
Step 3: write a case study narrative
Step 4: Analysis
This process includes following components
Designing initial questions pertains to whom what where ,
when, how
Study propositions or theoretical framework ( if any)
Identification of units of analysis
Linking data to propositions
Developing criteria for interpreting findings
Types of Case Studies
On the basis of strategy and method of data collection:
Historical Case Studies- These studies trace the development
of a unit/organization over a period of time.
Observational Case Studies-These studies focus on observing
the unit. Both participant and non participant observation.
Oral Case History - These are usually first person narratives
that the researcher collects using extensive interviewing of a
single individual
Types of Case Studies
Clinical Case Studies- understanding in depth/ case
studies usually employ detailed interviews, non
participant observation, documents, records and even
testing with a view to understand problems and
identifying possible treatments.
Situational Analysis-Particular events are studied in the
form of case study.
Multi-Case Studies- A collection of case studies, i.e. the
multi case study is not based on the sampling logic of
multiple subjects in one experiment.
Sources of evidence
Documents
Interviews
Participant and Non participant observation
Principles of case study data collection
Use of multiple sources
Maintaining a chain of evidence
Record data
Skills needed by the case study
investigator
Ability to formulate relevant and precise questions
that enable the data to be extracted from the subject
Investigator needs to be a good listener
Adaptability and flexibility
The investigator must have a grasp of issues that is
being studied
Lack of bias is essential
Advantages of Case Study Method
Case study deepens our perception and gives us a
clear insight into life. It gets at behaviour directly
and not by an indirect or abstract approach.
Enables the researcher to trace out the natural
history of the social unit and its relationship with
the social factors and the forces involved in its
surroundings environment. Case method makes
possible the study of social change.
Advantages….
Case study represents a real record of personal
experiences, which very often escape the attention of
most of the skilled researchers using other methods
Helps in the construction of interview schedule and
questionnaire and formulation of relevant hypotheses
Enhances the experience of the researchers and this in
turn increase their analysing abilities and skills.
Limitations of Case Method
As one case is almost different from another, it is
difficult to get comparable data and make generalizations
It is likely to be effected by personal bias, ability and
judgement of the researcher
Can be used only in a limited sphere
Involves more expenditure of time and information
overload
Establishment of reliability is difficult
Issues in relation to validity
Thank You….
