Case Study Unit 11

UNIT 11 : CASE STUDY

UNIT STRUCTURE
11.1 Learning Objectives
11.2 Introduction
11.3 Case study- Meaning and Definition
11.3.1- Objectives and Characteristics of Case Study
11.3.2-Formsof Case study
11.4 Steps in Case Study
11.5 Sources of Data Collection for Case Study
11.6 Significance and Importance of Case Study
11.7 Advantages of Case Study
11.8 Disadvantages of Case Study
11.9 Let Us Sum up
11.10 Further Reading
11.11 Answers to Check your Progress
11.12 Model Questions

11.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After going through this unit, you will be able to -

l understand about case study method of conducting research
l explain how to make empirical enquiry about a contemporary
phenomenon through this method.

11.2 INTRODUCTION

The case study is a method of intensively exploring and analysing

the life of a single social unit, be it an individual, a family, an institution or a
community. The aim of case study method is to find out the factors that
account for the behaviour patterns of the given unit and its relationships
with the environment. An English philosopher Frederic Leplay introduced
this method which was adopted by social researcher like Herbert Spencer,
Healey, Mitchell etc. Spencer used case materials in his comparative studies

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of different cultures. On the other hand, Healey resorted to the case study
method in his study of Juvenile delinquency. Today sociologists, political
scientists, Anthropologists, Psychologists and ethnologists make use of
the case study method while conducting their research. Significantly this
method acquired the necessary impetus and recognition or a systematic
field-research technique in Sociology with the classic study. Again,
anthropologists and ethnologists interested in the systematic description
and study of the primitive as well as modern culture have utilised the case
study method. It is important to note that case study is not a method of data
collection but is a research strategy or an empirical enquiry that uses multiple
evidential sources. In the previous unit we have discussed about
Ethnography. In this unit we shall discuss another method of collecting data
i.e. Case Study. Here we will learn about objectives and characteristics of
case study, steps in case study, significance, advantages and
disadvantages of Case Study.

11.3 CASE STUDY : MEANING AND DEFINITION

In simple terms, Case study is an in depth study of a particular

situation. It is a method through which a very broad area of research is
narrowed down into one easily researchable topic. Case study methods
attempt to find out the reasons behind the behaviour pattern of the study
subjects and its relationship with the environment.
According to P.V.Young (1966), “case study is a comprehensive
study of a social unit, be it a person, a group of persons, an institution, a
community or a family.”
Kromrey says that case study involves studying individual cases,
often in their natural environment and for a long period of time.
According to Goode and Hatt (1952), “ Case study is a method of
exploring and analysing the life of a social unit”.
Therefore, we can say that case study is a method that serves
different purposes- describing, exploring and explaining a situation as well
as generating a theory. It involves qualitative methods of research and
presents a holistic account about a particular phenomenon.
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11.3.1 Objectives and Characteristics of Case study

Ø Objectives of Case study :

m The first and foremost objective of case study method is to analyse
the behavioural patterns of a single unit and its relations with the
environment.
m Another major objective of a case study is that it forms the basis for
a detailed study in the future. So we can say that case study is a
preliminary form of investigation.
m Case study determines and defines the research question and
develops hypothesis in a quantitative study.
m Case study is used by researchers to refute generalization in
research.
m One of the objectives of case study is to test whether a quantitative
study can be done or not.
m Case study explores, explains and describe a particular situation.
Ø Characteristics of Case study :
m In case study a small number of unit is studied.
m It studies the units in totality and not some specific aspects or
variables of the units.
m Case study can be qualitative or quantitative
m In this method, one unit is considered to be one study
m Case study covers a wide cycle of time
m In this method the case is the core or centre of enquiry

11.3.2 Forms of Case Study

For different purposes of evaluation, researchers opt for different

types of case study methods. Some of those are explained below-
Ø Intrinsic Case study : The study of a case(person, group,
department, community) where the case itself is the primary interest
in exploration, is known as intrinsic case study. Here the researcher
does not have to select one particular case. For example evaluating
the implementation of a new principle in an organization.

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Ø Instrumental Case study : In this kind of case study, the researcher

begins with a research question and makes use of a case that
simplifies or illuminates his analysis. So we can say that in
Instrumental case study, the case is simply a preliminary technique
that paves way for further research. For example , a researcher
interested in women and food habits might set up a study with
middle aged women and calcium intakes in their food . In this case,
the women and the food habits are not the focus. The focus is
learning the relationship between women and the food habits, and
why certain women have weaker bones.
Ø Pilot case study : Sometimes a researcher conducts some
condensed studies before implementing a large scale investigation.
Such studies are called pilot or exploratory case studies. The main
objective of this kind of case study is to have identifying research
questions and selecting types of measurement.
Ø Cumulative Case study : In cumulative case study the researcher
aggregate information about the same unit that has been previously
collected at different times. This allows him to generalize information
on the basis of past data. It also saves time , money and energy.
Ø Illustrative Case study : Illustrative case studies are descriptive in
nature. In this type of case study one or two instances of the same
events is used to describe an existing situation. Such a study
familiarises the researcher with the research area.
Ø Historical case study : Historical case study is dependent on
recordings, documents and interviews. This type of study traces
the development of a person, organization or a system over time.
For example the study of a political party from its formation till its
rise to power.
Ø Situational case study : Situational case study studies a particular
event or situation. All participants of the event are sought and their
views are recorded. That helps the researcher understand and
analyse the situation as a whole. For example the reasons behind
strike of workers in a factory. Here the management, the participant
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workers, the police force who arrived at the scene to control the
situation are all interviewed.

11.4 STEPS IN CASE STUDY

A good case study can be conducted if the following steps are

followed:
l Step 1: Selection of the Case – Whether or not to opt for a Case
Study depends on the type of research a person is conducting. If a case
study is required, then he/she has to identify the main objective of conducting
the study. The selection of a particular case depends on whether the study
is simply a preliminary reading for further investigation or whether the
researcher is interested in solving a particular problem through the Case
Study.
l Step 2: Collection of Data – After selecting the case, the researcher
has to make preparations for data collection through the case. Here, he/
she can use different methods such as personal interviews, survey of
records and interviews etc. Generally quantitative techniques of data
collection are applicable in this procedure.
l Step 3: Preliminary Data Analysis – The third stage in a case study
is systematically analysing the preliminary data collected from the case.
This will help the researcher to raise more important questions relating to
the research as well as to form relevant hypothesis.
l Step 4: Thorough study of the case — After identifying the
important questions and constructing the hypothesis the researcher
conducts a thorough study of the case. Here, he/she uses the method of
prolonged observation and formal as well as informal interviews. The
researcher keeps on investigating until he/she finds satisfactory answers
to the problem and can draw a clear picture of the investigation.
l Step 5: Follow-Up Investigation—In order to ensure the reliability
of the data so far collected, the researcher repeats the process of
observation and interview and repeats questions whenever and wherever
necessary. This follow –up helps him/her to arrive at reliable and valid
conclusions.
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l Step 6: Generalization of the findings—Through the conclusion

of the case study, the researcher ensures a generalization of the data collected
and analysed. Through this generalization he/she can draw a clear picture of
the investigation and extend this understanding to arrive at a conclusion.

11.5 SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION FOR CASE STUDY

In case study method researcher employs both primary and

secondary sources of data collection. The secondary data may be collected
by using a number of sources like books, magazine, newspaper, government
reports, organizational meetings etc. Generally these sources are used to
specify events and issues as well as study an object over a period of time.
Case studies often employ two main techniques of primary data collection-
Interview and observation. These are discussed below-
l Interview : Interview is the simplest form of primary data collection
in a case study. In most of the times, it is seen that interviewers choose
unstructured interview while conducting case studies. This is because the
usually open-ended questions of unstructured interviews pave the way for
in-depth conversation that might be helpful to create a clear picture of the
problem at hand.
l Observation : In case studies , the observation methods used could
be of two kinds- participants and non-participants. Both these methods
help the researcher to understand the reality of a situation from the view
point of an outsider.

11.6 SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPORTANCE OF CASE STUDY

Case study method is a very useful way for conducting thorough

and quality research. It is a research strategy that is applied in preliminary
period of an investigation. So that the researcher has a better understanding
of his study as well as forms a relevant hypothesis to carry forward the
study.
Case studies focus on gathering deep information about a specific
person, group, event or community. They attempt to evaluate the reasons

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behind the actions of a particular case in a particular situation over a period

of time. Gathering such detailed information about a particular subject is
not possible through another type of experimentation. Often a researcher
carries out studies on unusual cases through a case study that might not
be ethical to carry out through another way. For example a case study of
juvenile delinquency or a case studies of female drug addicts. Often these
cases deal with sensitive and personal matters that need careful handling
through observation. So we can say that usually unethical matters can be
tested by a researcher via this method.
Case studies are also important because they give the research or
problem realistic a task. The researcher understands that his area is not
purely theoretical and, through an in-depth study, he can provide practical
solutions to a real dilemma.
Case studies help the researcher to connect with his/her research
problem. These are in-depth analysis that makes the researcher simplify
and understand the background of a particular case. A good case study
opens up like a good story. It provides the researcher with the past and
present, what, how, why and when of a particular event and thus inspires
him/her to analyse the behaviour patterns of the case.
Thus we can say that case study method allows the exploration,
simplification and understanding of complex issues. When a holistic and
in-depth investigation is required, case studies serve as a robust method
of conducting research.

11.7 ADVANTAGES OF CASE STUDY

l Case study method is an intensive investigation and exploration of

a unit through which a researcher can understand an event deeply
and thoroughly.
l Case studies expose the researcher to real life situations which is
otherwise difficult. That is why we can say that case study simplifies
complex concept.
l Through case study the continuous analysis of the life of a social
unit can be conducted in order to dig-out the facts.
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l It is a very important tool of hypothesis formulation in a research

area.
l Case study helps the researcher to compare about the different
types of facts collected during the study.
l Case study improves analytical thinking, communication skill,
tolerance, capability and the logical mindset of a researcher.
l It increases the researcher’s knowledge about a particular social
phenomenon
l Case study method is a comprehensive method of data collection
in research. It is an inclusive study that enables the researcher to
understand a broad range of topics.
l Case study method helps the researcher to develop a questionnaire
and interview schedule.

11.8 DISADVANTAGES OF CASE STUDY METHOD

l It is difficult to find appropriate case studies for all types of research.

l Case study has limited representatives because it focuses on a
single unit as a whole. That is why generalization through case study
may not always be correct.
l Due to his/her deep connection with the participants, the researcher
may develop subjectivity while conducting a case study.
l Case study is not an easy and simple method of research. It is very
difficult for a lay-man to conduct a case study.
l Case study is a time consuming instrument of data collection. Hence
it may not be the best medium for short term research.
l As it is a narrow study, discrimination and biasness can occur while
investigating a social unit.
l In case study method, there is a huge possibility of memory and
judgement errors both on the part of the participants and the observer.
l It is very difficult to draw a definite cause/effect from case studies.

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CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Q.1 : What is case study method of research?

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Q.2 : Who adopted the method of case study in research?
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Q.3 : Mention one definition of case study?
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Q.4 : Mention four objectives of case study?
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Q.5 : Mention four characteristics of case study?
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11.9 LET US SUM UP

l Case study method of research is an intensive study of a

phenomenon .
l An English philosopher Frederic Leplay introduced this method
which was adopted by social researcher like Herbert Spencer,
Healey, Mitchell etc.
l Case study is not a method of data collection but is a research
strategy or an empirical enquiry that uses multiple evidential
sources.
l It is a method through which a very broad area of research is
narrowed down into one easily researchable topic.
l Kromrey says that case study involves studying individual cases,
often in their natural environment and for a long period of time.
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Unit 11 Case Study

l It involves qualitative methods of research and presents a holistic

account about a particular phenomenon.
l The first and foremost objective of case study method is to analyse
the behavioural patterns of a single unit and its relations with the
environment.
l Case study explores, explains and describes a particular situation.
l It studies the units in totality and not some specific aspects or
variables of the units.
l In this method the case is the core or centre of enquiry.
l For different purposes of evaluation, researchers opt for different
types of case study methods such as Intrinsic Case study,
Instrumental Case study, Pilot case study, Cumulative Case study,
Illustrative Case study, Historical case study, Situational case study
etc.
l Selection of the Case, Collection of Data, Preliminary Data Analysis,
Thorough study of the case, Follow-Up Investigation and
Generalization of the findings are the steps, with the help of which,
a researcher can conduct a good case study.
l In case study method researcher employs both primary and
secondary sources of data collection.
l The secondary data may be collected by using a number of sources
like books, magazine, newspaper, government reports,
organizational meetings etc.
l Case studies often employ two main techniques of primary data
collection- Interview and observation.
l Case studies focus on gathering deep information about a specific
person, group, event or community.
l They attempt to evaluate the reasons behind the actions of a
particular case in a particular situation over a period of time.
l Often these cases deal with sensitive and personal matters that
need careful handling and through observation. So we can say that
usually unethical matters can be tested by a researcher via this
method.
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l Case studies help the researcher to connect with his/her research

problem. These are in-depth analysis that makes the researcher
simplify and understand the background of a particular case.
l Case study method allows the exploration, simplification and
understanding of complex issues.

11.10 FURTHER READING

1) Ahuja, Ram (2001). Research Methods, Rawat Publications, New

Delhi.
2) Chattopadhyay, Krichnadas & Sudarshana Sen (2013). Rudiments
of Social Research, Levant Books, Kolkata.
3) Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research Methodology – Methods and
Techniques, New Age International (P) Ltd, New Delhi.

11.11 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Ans to Q No 1 : Case study is an in depth study of a particular situation. It

is a method through which a very broad area of research is narrowed
down into one easily researchable topic.
Ans to Q No 2 : An English philosopher Frederic Leplay introduced the
case study method.
Ans to Q No 3 : According to Goode and Hatt, “ Case study is a method of
exploring and analysing the life of a social unit”.
Ans to Q No 4 : Four objectives of case study are mentioned below-
l The first and foremost objective of case study method is to analyse
the behavioural patterns of a single unit and its relations with the
environment.
l Another major objective of a case study is that it forms the basis for
a detailed study in the future. So we can say that case study is a
preliminary form of investigation.
l Case study determines and defines the research question and
develops hypothesis in a quantitative study.
Research Methodology (Block 2) 141