Qualitative case study research is supported by the pragmatic

approach of Merriam, informed by the rigor of Yin, and enriched

by the creative interpretation described by Stake (Brown, 2008).

The defining feature of qualitative case study methodology is
analytical eclecticism, permitting researchers to explore a
phenomenon in temporal, geographic, organizational, and
institutional contexts (Cohen, Manion, & Morrison, 2007;
Thomas, 2011).
Applications of Case Study Research:
Flexible, in-depth examination of the topic under study (Riveros, 2014)

Intensive, analytical, empirical exploration of a contemporary phenomenon
(case) within an authentic setting (Yin, 2009)

Researchers can investigate personal meaning and perspectives, and
precisely document effects in real-life contexts (Cohen, Manion, &
Morrison, 2007).

Researcher focus can vary:
i) Particularistic (target precise situations, events and programs)
ii) Descriptive (thoroughly investigate an entity)
iii) Heuristic (improve understanding of a certain phenomenon)
Applications of Case Study Research:
Answer how and why questions (Yin, 2003)

Describe, interpret and evaluate a particular phenomenon
(Cohen et al., 2007)

Design research around ethnographic, anthropological, psychological or
sociological orientations (Cohen et al., 2007)

Conduct studies in settings over which researchers have limited or no
control (Hitchcock & Hughes, 1995)

Lead to unexpected discoveries about events, or human behaviours and
interactions (Merriam, 1988; Yin, 2009)

Add to our knowledge of a phenomena tied to individual, organizational,
social, and political domains (Yin, 1984)
Applications of Case Study Research:
Consider established theories in decision-making for data collection and
analysis procedures (Cresswell, 2007; Yin, 2003)

(Dis)confirm and expand earlier developed constructs (Ellis &
Levy, 2009)

Include vivid details of a situation (Howard, Lothen-Kline, &
Boekeloo, 2003)

Highlight influential impacts of attitudes, belief systems and perceptions
(Cohen et al., 2007)
Uncover commonalities and idiosyncrasies of a case (Cohen et al., 2007)

Pinpoint contextual effects related to history, environmental, institutional,
or political realities (Stake, 1995)


Applications of Case Study Research:
Foster relationships and unobtrusive, researcher-participation (Yin, 2003)

Fine-grain detail of case studies can complement large-scale research
designs (Cohen et al., 2007)

Reveal humanistic, holistic, explanatory and exploratory insights related to
complex issues, interactions and contexts, that cannot be explained using
quantitative or mix methods (Dawidowicz, 2011; Yin, 2009)

Permit the use of a broad range of data collection tools
(Cresswell, 2007; Yin, 2003).

Acknowledge the key role of hindsight (Merriam, 2002)
Applications of Case Study Research: