1. The case study

2. Case studies An in-depth investigation of human experience
Person (Examples?)
The study of a single individual, often using several research methods
Group
The study of a single distinctive set of people, such as a family
Location
The study of a particular place, and the way it is used by people
Organization
The study of an single organization or company, and the way people act within it
Event
The study of a particular social or cultural event, and the interpretations of that event by those who participate in it

3. Case studies Why use case studies? To test current theories
To refine current theories
To test new theories
To develop new theories
To test usual assumptions

4. The use of the case study
Intrinsic case studies - Unique - Because they are interesting - E.g. “The Wild Boy of Aveyron” Not aimed for generalization
Instrumental (extrensic) case studies - More general points of interests - Being homeless, being a teenager, a successful company

5. The use of the case study
Descriptive - The purpose is to generate a detailed description which later will lead to new insights - Not analyzed according to any theory
Explanatory - Aim is to describe and provide possible explanations for the phenomenon - Analyzed using e.g grounded theory

6. The use of the case study
Context and rich data is very important
Different perspectives are used
I want to make a case study of Michael Jackson, what perspectives should I consider?
Psychological – Personality test
Biological / medical – medical records
Historical – Individual and society
Sociocultural – What kind of society was he part of? Relation to friends and family?

7. The use of the case study
Triangulation provide rich data
Looking at one phenomenon from different angles yields more complex but better data
Case study is a research strategy not a research method in itself
Other methods are used (such as?)
Interviews
Accounts from other people
Observations
Diaries
Official documents

8. Strengths of case studies
A possibility to investigate (complex) phenomenon that could not be studied otherwise (in a lab)
Gives new insight into phenomenon or experience because of rich data
Stimulates new research (Patient HM)
Permits insight into social processes in a group using different methods
Contradicts or confirm established theories

9. Limitations of case studies
Replication not possible
Researcher bias – researcher’s own beliefs influence the way data is obtained and analyzed
Memory distortions – Reconstructing case history
Generalization