A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth, detailed examination of a particular case (or cases) within a real-world context. It is often used in social sciences, business, education, and health fields, among others, to explore complex issues, understand phenomena, and analyze relationships between different elements.
Key characteristics of a case study include:
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Focus on a Single Case or Small Number of Cases: Case studies often concentrate on one or a few cases that are representative or illustrative of a larger phenomenon.
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Qualitative and Quantitative Data: They can involve both qualitative data (such as interviews, observations, and documents) and quantitative data (such as statistics and measurements), depending on the research question.
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Contextual Understanding: Case studies provide insights into the context surrounding the case, which can help explain why certain outcomes occurred.
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Exploratory, Descriptive, or Explanatory: Depending on the research goal, case studies can be exploratory (generating new questions and hypotheses), descriptive (providing a detailed account of the case), or explanatory (seeking to explain causal relationships).
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Holistic Perspective: They often look at the case as a whole rather than focusing solely on specific variables in isolation.
Case studies are widely used in academia and professional practice as a teaching tool, allowing students or practitioners to engage with real-life situations and apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.