Case study as a secondary research method

Using the information on the website and your textbook take notes under the following headings:

• What is a case study?

• Collecting and recording data

• Advantages and disadvantages 

What is a case study? 

• Depending on the methodologies used to conduct a case study, they can be both a primary and secondary research method. 

  • For example, if the researcher opts to carry out their own interviews, surveys and observations, the case study would then be deemed a primary research method. 

  • However, if the researcher utilised existing literature, observation notes and ABS data for example, the case study would then be deemed secondary. 

• It is a detailed study of an individual, a particular event, a community group or an institution.

• It is carried out over a period of time.

• It will focus on one issue or aspect

• Case studies usually require supporting research, as they only provide limited generalisations.

• A variety of research techniques, including interview, observation and questionnaire may be used to assemble a range of information needed about the single issue.

Case studies can be time consuming so it is important to carefully plan each step.

• Define the research question – identify research hypothesis and determine a purpose

• Choose the ‘cases’ to be studied – who, how and methods to be used

• Collect the data – undertake proposed research methods, ascertain data and sort

• Evaluate and analyse – examine raw data, look for trends and patterns, compare the data to original hypothesis and purpose

• Present results – describe findings using an appropriate method, provide evidence and justify conclusions.

Read through one of the above case studies and answer the following

1. What is the purpose of the case study?

2. How was the study conducted?

3. What were the main findings of the study?