The aim of this paper is to understand the basics of how to conduct and complete a case study. This paper will define the principles of a case study and different types of applications. A case study is a method or investigation in a specific, in-depth event and study of one or more individuals, group, event or community that aims to bring a resolution to a situation or a problem (Crawford, 2016). Within a typical case study, data is gathered from a variety of sources and by using a variety of different methods, such as interviews and observations. A defined focus of a case study would be a scientific and empirical process, meaning it is an experimental systematic process which is not subject …show more content…
the patient’s personal history). It is generally believed that the case-study method was first introduced into social science by Frederic Le Play in 1829 as a handmaiden to statistics in his studies of family budgets. The case study method often involves simply observing what happens to, or reconstructing ‘the case history’ of a single participant or group of individuals (such as a school class or a specific social group), i.e. the idiographic approach” (McLeod, 2008). A case study will allow the researcher to investigate topics in a more detailed manner than possible if the researcher is attempting to manage a large number of participants for an averaging. Looking at the history of a case study, one is able to conclude that it emerged as a resolution to a problem and evolved with the aim to quantify and systemize ambiguous facts in providing a greater future for decision making. A case study is used as a research methodology, for instants, instead of conducting extremely broad population to survey, a researcher will focus on a comprehensive qualitative analysis to a phenomenon in a smaller group of participants (Hyett, Kenny, & Dickson-Swift, 2014). A case study is not itself an actual research method, however a researcher may select methods of data collections and analysis to generate material suitable for a case study. Among some of the data collected by a psychologist to carry …show more content…
An advantage of a case study is that it provides detailed information, a rich qualitative. It also provides insight for further or more researching. And an advantage is that it permits investigation of otherwise unethical situation. Disadvantage of a case study. The disadvantages of a case study is that you cannot generalize the results of the study to a wider population. A researcher’s subjective feelings may also influence the study. A case study is also difficult to replicate and is time consuming.
Common Sources for Data in Case Studies There are several common sources for collecting data for a case study that researcher use about individuals, groups or events. However, here are a few of the major sources identified by many researchers: Naturalistic observation. “A research methodology where a researcher observes people or animals in their natural setting” (Crawford, 2016). Interviews or survey. “An interview can involve structured closed ended questions or open-ended questions” (Crawford, 2016). Archival records. “A method used by researcher from existing records, census, public records and universities” (Crawford, 2016). Participant observation. “The researcher actually serves as a participant in events and observing the actions and outcomes” (Crawford,