BBM 502

Seminar topic:

Case study method

-Techniques, utility and limitations

Submitted by: Shweta Mehta Roll no: 107533 BBM 5th sem

The case study method is a very popular form of qualitative analysis and involves a careful and complete observation of a social unit, that a unit person, a family, an institution, a cultural group or even the entire community. It is a method of study in depth rather than breadth. The case study places more emphasis on the full analysis of a limited number of events or conditions and their interrelations. The case study deals with the processes that take place in interrelations. Thus, case study is essentially an intensive investigation of the particular unit under consideration. A case study (also known as a case report) is an intensive analysis of an individual unit (e.g., a person, group, or event) stressing developmental factors in relation to context. The case study is common in social sciences and life sciences. Case studies may be descriptive or explanatory. The latter type is used to explore causation in order to find underlying principles. They may be prospective (in which criteria are established and cases fitting the criteria are included as they become available) or retrospective (in which criteria are established for selecting cases from historical records for inclusion in the study). Thomas offers the following definition of case study: "Case studies are analyses of persons, events, decisions, periods, projects, policies, institutions, or other systems that are studied holistically by one or more methods. The case that is the subject of the inquiry will be an instance of a class of phenomena that provides an analytical frame an object within which the study is conducted and which the case illuminates and explicates." Rather than using samples and following a rigid protocol (strict set of rules) to examine limited number of variables, case study methods involve an in-depth, longitudinal (over a long period of time) examination of a single instance or event: a case. They provide a systematic way of looking at events, collecting data, analyzing information, and reporting the results. As a result the researcher may gain a sharpened understanding of why the instance happened as it did, and what might become important to look at more extensively in future research. Case studies lend themselves to both generating and testing hypotheses. Another suggestion is that case study should be defined as a research strategy, an empirical inquiry that investigates a phenomenon within its real-life context. Case study research can mean single and multiple case studies, can include quantitative evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence, and benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions. Case studies should not be confused with qualitative research and they can be based on any mix of

quantitative and qualitative evidence. Single-subject research provides the statistical framework for making inferences from quantitative case-study data. This is also supported and well-formulated in (Lamnek, 2005): "The case study is a research approach, situated between concrete data taking techniques and methodological paradigms." The case study is sometimes mistaken for the case method, but the two are not the same.

A case study is an elaborate empirical study of a phenomenon which helps in confirming or confuting the ideas, theories, logic and predictability behind it. Case studies are direct, practical, purposeful ways of diagnosing the problem areas and delving the success of the remedial measures undertaken. The dilemmas are discussed and students get ample scope to form their opinions after getting a direct feel of the real situation in the class room. However, the downside is that things cannot be generalized on the basis of a case study, especially in the realm of social sciences, for various exogenous factors do not remain constant nor can they be made to remain constant either.

Characteristics:
It studies whole units in their totality and not some selected aspects or variables of these units. Under this method the researcher can take one single social unit or more of such units for his study purpose; he may even take a situation to study the same comprehensively. It often studies a single unit: one unit is one study. Under this method the approach happens to be qualitative and not quantitative. Mere quantitative information is not collected. Every possible effort is made to collect information concerning all aspects of life. As such, case study deepens our perception and gives us a clear insight into life. For instance under this method we not only study how many crimes a man has

done but shall peep into factors that forced him when we are making a case study of a man as criminal. The objective of the study may be to suggest ways to reform the criminal. In respect of the case study method an effort is made to know the mutual inter-relationship of causal factors. Case study method results in fruitful hypothesis along with the data which may be helpful in testing them and thus it enables the generalized knowledge to get richer and richer. In its absence generalized social science may get handicapped.

Principles:
1. Use of multiple sources: use of one source of data collection does not give adequate evidence for generalization. But getting information from several sources (like interviewing, observing, analyzing documents) is regarded as the major strength of the case study approach, because it also contributes to improving the reliability and validity of the findings.

2. Maintain a chain of evidence: the evidence from which conclusion are drawn in the case study has not only to be stated and specific cases cited lie criminology investigation in a crime case in the court but it is also to be preserved for some time so that the evaluators should be able to verify the source and evidence.

3. Record the data: the data may be recorded either in the form of sketchy notes in observation and interviews or it may be tape recorded in minute details. If a few notes are taken at the time of interview/observation, full notes may be written later on as soon as possible.

Major phases involved:

Major phases involved in case study are as follows: 1) Recognition and determination of the status of the phenomenon to be investigated or the unit of attention. 2) Collection of data, examination and history of the given phenomenon 3) Diagnosis and identification of causal factors as a basis for remedial or developmental treatment. 4) Application of remedial measures i.e., treatment and therapy (this phase is often characterized as case work) 5) Follow up programme to determine effectiveness of the treatment applied.

Purpose of case study:

Burns (2000) has pointed out the following purposes of a case study: To use it as a preliminary to major investigation as it may bring to light variables, processes and relationships that deserve more intensive investigation. In this sense, it may even be a source of hypotheses for future research. To probe the phenomenon deeply and analyze it intensively with a view to establishing generalizations about the wider population to which the unit belongs. To get anectodal evidence that illustrates more general findings. To refute a universal generalization. A single case can represent a significant contribution to theory building and assist in focusing the direction of future investigation in the area. To use it as a unique, typical and an interesting case in its own right.

Types of case studies:

Burns (2000) has stated six types of case studies: 1) Historical case studies: these studies trace the development of an organization/system over time. The study of an adult criminal right from his childhood through adolescence and youth is an example of this type of case study. This type depends more on interviews, recording and documents. 2) Observational case studies: these focus on observing a drunkard, a teacher, a student, a union leader, some activity, event, or a specific group of people. However, the researchers in this type of study are rarely total participants or total observers. 3) Oral history case studies: these are usually first person narratives that the researcher collects using extensive interviewing of a single individual. For example, the case of a drug addict or an alcoholic, or a retired person who fails to adjust himself in sons family. The use of this approach depends more on the nature and cooperation of the respondent. 4) Situational case studies: this form studies particular events. The views of all participating in the event are sought. For example, a communal riot: how it started with conflict between two persons of two different religious groups, how each person sought support of persons of his own religion present at the spot, how police was informed, how police arrested persons of one particular religious group, how did public and media react , and so on. Pulling all these views together, a depth is provided that contributes significantly to the understanding of the event. 5) Clinical case studies: this approach aims at understanding in depth a particular individual such as a patient in the hospital, a prisoner in the jail, a woman in a rescue home, a problem child in a school, etc. These studies involve detailed interviews, observation, going through records and reports, and so on. 6) Multi- case studies: it is a collection of case studies or a form of replication, i.e. multiple experiments. For example, we can take three case studies and

analyze them on replication logic. This logic is that each case will either produce contrary results or similar results. The outcome will demonstrate either support for the initial propositions or a need to revise and retest with another set of cases. The advantage of multi-case design is that the evidence can be more compelling. However, this approach requires more time and effort.

Uses or advantage of case study:

It makes in-depth study possible It is flexible with respect to using methods for collecting data e.g., questionnaire, interview, observation, etc. It could be used for studying any dimension of the topic, i.e., it could study one specific aspect and may not include other aspects. It could be conducted in practically any kind of social setting. It helps in formulating relevant hypotheses along with the data which may be helpful in testing them. Case studies, thus, enable the generalized knowledge to get richer and richer. The method facilitates intensive study of social units which is generally not possible if we use either the observation method or the method of collecting information through schedules. This is the reason why case study method is being frequently used, particularly in social researches. Information collected under the case study method helps a lot to the researcher in the task of constructing the appropriate questionnaire or schedule for the said task requires thorough knowledge of the concerning universe. The researcher can use one or more of the several research methods under the case study method depending upon the prevalent circumstances. In other words, the use of different methods such as depth interviews, questionnaires, documents, and study reports of individuals, letters, and the like is possible under case study method.

 Case studies constitutes the perfect type of sociological material as they represent a real record of personal experiences which very often escape the attention of most of the skilled researchers using other techniques. Case study techniques are indispensible for the therapeutic and administrative purposes. They are also of immense value in taking decisions regarding several management problems. Cases data are quite are useful for diagnosis, therapy and other practical case problems.

Limitations of case studies:

1. Subjective bias: the case study design is regarded with disdain because of investigators subjectivity in collecting data for supporting or refuting a particular explanation. Many a time the investigator allows personal views to influence the direction of the findings and his conclusions. The external checks on the investigator are so weak that he does not miss opportunity to advance personal views. 2. Time consuming: case study is time consuming as it produces a lot of information which is difficult to analyze adequately. Selectivity has naturally a tendency to be biased. But if the case study is focused on relevant issues of person or event under study, it need not be lengthy. 3. Doubtful reliability: it is very difficult to establish reliability in the case study. The investigator cannot prove his authenticity for obtaining data or having no bias in analyzing them. It is not easy to fix steps and procedures explicitly to the extent that others are enabled to replicate the same study. 4. Missing validity: the investigators in the case study fail to develop a sufficiently operational set of measures. As such, checks and balances of reliable instruments are found missing. For investigator, what seems true is more important than what is true. The case study can oversimplify or exaggerate leading to erroneous conclusions. The validity questions also arise because the investigator by his presence

and actions affects the behavior of the observed but he does not give importance to this reaction while interpreting the facts. 5. The danger of generalization is always there in view of the fact that no set rules are followed in collection of the information and only few units are studied. 6. Case study method can be used only in limited sphere; it is not possible to use it in case of a big society. Sampling is also not possible under case study method.

Conclusion:
Despite the above stated limitations, we find that case studies are being undertaken in several disciplines, particularly in sociology, as a tool of scientific research in view of the several advantages indicated earlier. Most of the limitations can be removed if the researchers are always conscious of these and are well trained in the modern methods of collecting case data and ii nth scientific techniques of assembling, classifying and processing the same. Besides, case studies, in modern times, can be conducted in such a manner that the data are amenable to quantification and statistical treatment. Possibly this is also the reason why case studies are becoming popular day by day.

References:

Books: Research methods Ram Ahuja Research methodology, methods and techniques - CR Kothari

Websites: http://www.gslis.utexas.edu/~ssoy/usesusers/l391d1b.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case_method http://www.uiweb.uidaho.edu/ag/agecon/391/casestudmeth.html http://www.icmrindia.org/Case%20Study%20Method.htm www.nvcc.edu/home/elanthier/methods/case-study.htm www.landfood.unimelb.edu.au/research/grass_eco/CaseMeth.PDF