Types of case study in qualitative research

To do a case study in qualitative research, carefully select a specific subject and use appropriate data collection methods and analysis to attempt to understand the subject and surrounding circumstances -- also called context. In qualitative research, the context informs the research question. These studies are a type of qualitative design that rely on
observation, narratives and descriptive data.
Case studies are characterized by setting, context or environment, and holistic data collection methods and are used to inform theories, design future studies and develop interventions based on context. Determine When to Use Case Studies A case study may be defined as an in-depth exploration of a phenomenon, an individual process or an event
based on the context that uses multiple techniques for data collection and analysis. As a qualitative research method, case studies should be used when the behavior, intervention or independent variable is not manipulated.

These studies answer "why" and "how" questions and are designed to investigate the conditions surrounding the subject being studied. Use a case study to investigate a research question in which the subject of the study and the context of the study are intertwined. For example, a case study could be used to investigate the effects of inclusion versus
separation in resource classes on the on-task behavior of a student with ADHD. Choose the Appropriate Kind of Case Study A variety of case-study designs are available to select from. In a multiple-case studies design, effects are studied between and within participants based on the context of the behavior. A carefully selected sample of several
participants is selected to allow for cross-case comparisons. A descriptive study follows the subject to describe and analyze the context and setting in an attempt to explain the behavior in question. For example, a descriptive study may be used to answer the research question, How does a student with ADHD respond to the inclusion setting? A
descriptive study would highlight both the setting and the subjects' reactions in an attempt to better understand the effects of the setting.

An explanatory study attempts to answer the "why" question behind a phenomenon, again without manipulating any aspect of the behavior. An explanatory case attempts to identify a causal relation between the context and the behavior.

Use Effective Data Collection Selecting an appropriate case study design depends on the research question, and the research question dictates the data collection method or methods. You can use a variety of methods to collect descriptive data. To collect information from the participants directly, you might give surveys or interviews and analyze
responses. To gather observational data, you can complete direct observations and record field notes, or collect and analyze video or audio recordings. Researchers may also use documentation or archival files to create a whole picture of the context at question. Analyze Data Efficiently and Accurately While a holistic compilation of data cannot be
counted and measured, data analysis in case studies is still methodical and systematic. Written data may be coded by identifying relevant points and examined for patterns.
Time-series analysis, cross-case synthesis and logic models are methods of analyzing data. Each method includes multiple steps and requires in-depth explanation. Some researchers argue that aggregation and interpretation are included in analysis, as well. The research question not only dictates the methods of data collection, but also the methods
of data analysis. A case study is an effective research method that specifically studies a single case over a period of time. Writing a case study is a very useful form of study in the educational process.If students have real-life examples, it can help them learn more and synthesize information in a more effective manner. Such writing projects are one of
the best ways of learning in a classroom.A case study also has different types and forms.
As a rule of thumb, all of them require a detailed and convincing answer based on a thorough analysis.So, in this article, we are going to discuss the different types of case study research methods in detail. What is a Case Study?Case studies are a type of research methodology.

They examine subjects, projects or organizations to tell stories and try conclusions about them based on evidence gathered during the process.It allows you not only explore new avenues but also get insight into what drives any subject’s decisions and actions. Case studies are a great way for first-year students to develop their research skills.A case
study focuses on a single project for an extended period of time, which allows students to explore the topic in depth. Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job What are the Types of Case Study?There are 6 types of case studies used for different purposes. The main purpose of case studies is to analyze problems within the boundaries of a specific
organization, environment, or situation.According to design, case studies can be divided into the following categories:Illustrative Case StudyExploratory Case StudyCumulative Case StudyCritical Instance Case StudyDescriptive Case StudyIntrinsic Case StudyRefer to the following section for a detailed description of each type of case study with
examples.Illustrative Case StudyAn illustrative case study is used to examine a familiar case in order to help others to understand it. It is one of the main types of case studies in research methodology and is primarily descriptive.In this type of case study, usually, one or two instances are utilized to explain what a situation is like.

Type of Case Study Research Design Exploratory Case StudyAn exploratory case study is a primary project conducted before a large-scale investigation. These types of case studies are very popular in the social sciences like political science and primarily focus on real-life contexts and situations.Typically, these are used to identify research questions
and methods for a large and complex study. The main purpose of an exploratory case study is to help identify situations for the further research process.Cumulative Case StudyA cumulative case study is one of the main types of case studies in qualitative research. It is used to collect information from different sources at different times.The aim of this
case study is to summarize the past studies without spending additional cost and time on new investigations. So, it is a form of data analysis.Critical Instance Case StudyCritical instances case studies are used to determine the cause and consequence of an event.The main reason for this type of case study is to investigate one or more sources with
unique interest and sometimes with no interest in general.
A critical case study can also be used to question a universal assertion.Descriptive Case StudyWhen you have a hypothesis, you can design a descriptive study. This type of report starts with describing what you are studying. It aims is to find connections between the subject being studied and a theory.After making these connections, the study can be
concluded. The results of the descriptive case study will usually suggest how to develop a theory further.A descriptive report would use the quantitative data as a starting point for more in-depth research.Intrinsic Case StudyIntrinsic studies are more common in psychology. This type of case study can also be conducted in healthcare or social work.
So, if you were looking for types of case study in sociology, or type of case study in social research, this is it.The focus of intrinsic studies is on a unique individual. These types can sometimes study groups close to the researcher as well.The aim of such studies is not only to understand the subject better, but also their history and how they interact
with everything around them. Basically, studying the subject with the perspective of their suroundings is what is needed for this type of case study.Here is a PDF example to help you learn more about different types of case studies.Now you know the different types of case study methods in research. Make sure you follow the right case study
format for great results.Remember each type is defined in general terms but keep in mind that many aspects of a case study such as data collection and analysis, qualitative research questions, etc. are dependent on the researcher and what the study is looking to address.
Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers! Types of Subjects of Case StudyIn general, there are six types of case studies and 5 types of subjects they address. Every case study whether exploratory, critical, or cumulative, fits into the following subject categories.This type of study focuses on one subject or individual and can use several research methods
to determine the outcome.This type of study takes into account a group of individuals. This could be a group of friends, coworkers, or family.The main focus of this type of study is the place. It also takes into account how and why people use the place.This study focuses on an organization or company. This could also include the company employees or
people who work in an event at the organization.This type of study focuses on a specific event. It could be societal or cultural and examines how it affects the surroundings.Review some case study examples online before starting working on a specific type of case study. These examples will help you understand how a specific case study is
conducted.Case studies are being used more and more in colleges and universities to help students understand how a hypothetical event can influence a person, group, or organization in real life.Writing a case study can be tricky and complicated especially when you are facing an urgent deadline. That’s why our legitimate essay writing service is
here to provide you a full case study writing service.Not everyone can handle the case study writing assignment easily. It is even scary to think that your time and work could be wasted if you don't do the case study paper right.
So, it is better to get help from our paper writer who can write a professional case study for you.Place your order now and get your case study done in the best way. Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years,
conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications. Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics.
Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications. A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research. A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods, but
quantitative methods are sometimes also used.
Case studies are good for describing, comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem. When to do a case study A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings,
and implications of the case. Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation. They keep your project focused and manageable when you don’t have the time or resources to do large-scale research. You might use just one complex case study where you explore a single subject in depth, or conduct multiple case studies to compare and
illuminate different aspects of your research problem. Case study examples Research question Case study What are the ecological effects of wolf reintroduction? Case study of wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park How do populist politicians use narratives about history to gain support? Case studies of Hungarian prime minister Viktor
Orbán and US president Donald Trump How can teachers implement active learning strategies in mixed-level classrooms? Case study of a local school that promotes active learning What are the main advantages and disadvantages of wind farms for rural communities? Case studies of three rural wind farm development projects in different parts of
the country How are viral marketing strategies changing the relationship between companies and consumers? Case study of the iPhone X marketing campaign How do experiences of work in the gig economy differ by gender, race and age? Case studies of Deliveroo and Uber drivers in London Step 1: Select a case Once you have developed your
problem statement and research questions, you should be ready to choose the specific case that you want to focus on. A good case study should have the potential to: Provide new or unexpected insights into the subject Challenge or complicate existing assumptions and theories Propose practical courses of action to resolve a problem Open up new
directions for future research TipIf your research is more practical in nature and aims to simultaneously investigate an issue as you solve it, consider conducting action research instead. Unlike quantitative or experimental research, a strong case study does not require a random or representative sample.
In fact, case studies often deliberately focus on unusual, neglected, or outlying cases which may shed new light on the research problem. Example of an outlying case studyIn the 1960s the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low rates of heart disease compared to the US average.
It became an important case study for understanding previously neglected causes of heart disease. However, you can also choose a more common or representative case to exemplify a particular category, experience or phenomenon.
Example of a representative case studyIn the 1920s, two sociologists used Muncie, Indiana as a case study of a typical American city that supposedly exemplified the changing culture of the US at the time. Scribbr editors not only correct grammar and spelling mistakes, but also strengthen your writing by making sure your paper is free of vague
language, redundant words, and awkward phrasing. See editing example Step 2: Build a theoretical framework While case studies focus more on concrete details than general theories, they should usually have some connection with theory in the field.
This way the case study is not just an isolated description, but is integrated into existing knowledge about the topic. It might aim to: Exemplify a theory by showing how it explains the case under investigation Expand on a theory by uncovering new concepts and ideas that need to be incorporated Challenge a theory by exploring an outlier case that
doesn’t fit with established assumptions To ensure that your analysis of the case has a solid academic grounding, you should conduct a literature review of sources related to the topic and develop a theoretical framework. This means identifying key concepts and theories to guide your analysis and interpretation. Step 3: Collect your data There are
many different research methods you can use to collect data on your subject. Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews, observations, and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g., newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data. Example of a
mixed methods case studyFor a case study of a wind farm development in a rural area, you could collect quantitative data on employment rates and business revenue, collect qualitative data on local people’s perceptions and experiences, and analyze local and national media coverage of the development. The aim is to gain as thorough an
understanding as possible of the case and its context. Step 4: Describe and analyze the case In writing up the case study, you need to bring together all the relevant aspects to give as complete a picture as possible of the subject. How you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing.
Some case studies are structured like a standard scientific paper or thesis, with separate sections or chapters for the methods, results and discussion. Others are written in a more narrative style, aiming to explore the case from various angles and analyze its meanings and implications (for example, by using textual analysis or discourse analysis). In
all cases, though, make sure to give contextual details about the case, connect it back to the literature and theory, and discuss how it fits into wider patterns or debates. Other interesting articles If you want to know more about statistics, methodology, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
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