About: Case Studies
WHAT IS A CASE STUDY?
Case study is an empirical inquiry that investigates by addressing the how or why concerning the phenomenon.
"Cases are bound by time and activity, and researchers collect detailed information using a variety of data collection procedures over a sustained period of time" (Stake, 1995; Yin, 2009, 2012, 2014, as cited in Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 14).
What is a case? A conceptual map
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Researchers see cases as “empirically real and bounded, but specific” (Becker & Ragin, 1992, p. 9). Merriam may view cases in this way.
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In addition to #1, there is no need to verify bounds or existence; cases are general and typical. Stake would perceive cases in this way.
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Researchers see cases as “specific constructs which coalesce over the course of the research” (Becker & Ragin, 1992, p. 10)
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Researchers, like Yin, view constructions as the products of scholarly work (Becker & Ragin, 1992, p. 10), as well-defined and well-structured research methodology.
According to Stake (2005; p. 445-448) there are (3) types of case study:
Intrinsic
a single case (an individual, group, organization, event, or other entity) that is important in its own right; not necessarily used for predictive theoretical powers
a single case (an individual, group, organization, event, or other entity) that is important in its own right; not necessarily used for predictive theoretical powers
Instrumental
a single case where the focus is on going beyond the case to understand a broader phenomenon of interest
Collective
a multiple case version of instrumental where the focus is on learning about a phenomenon
WHAT PURPOSE DOES A CASE STUDY SERVE?
"The case is an entity [...and] has a unique life. It is something we do not sufficiently understand and want to - therefore, we do a case study" (Stake, 1995, p. 133).