Case study as a research method

A detailed study of an individual, a particular event, a community group or an institution carried out over a period of time.

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

• 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.

The general purpose of a case study is to describe an individual situation (e.g. a person, business, organisation, or institution) and identify the key features of that situation.

Using information from the video above and the information below, make notes on how to collect and record data for a case study.

• It is essential that you carefully plan the focus of each aspect of your study.

• This allows you to collect data that is relevant and useful to your research.

• Data cannot be interpreted with relation to your personal stance, or bias, on the situation.

• Being Objective means the integrity of the case study data is maintained.

• Aspects of privacy and ethics must be strictly adhered to.

• A case study is not usually a standalone research tool. It is combined with Sociograms, interviews and an analysis of secondary data, such as reviews and published articles.

Advantages:

• Detailed information can be collected

• General predictions are possible

• Behaviour is described as it occurs.

Disadvantages:

• Danger of data bias when only one person is collecting the information (can be subjective).

• Data collected may not be valid for the wider population.

• May be time consuming and difficult to analyse.

Class Activity

Work in small groups to research a conflict in the community and write one case study which shows the reader a general insight into the conflict.

Develop a case study to examine an issue that has caused conflict in a community. It can be your local or other community. Investigate:

• Causes of the conflict

• The way the conflict was resolved or managed

You need to select:

• The issue and community

• The most appropriate research techniques to gather the information needed (primary, secondary)

• An appropriate means to report or present your findings