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How to Write the Case Studies and Case Report: Techniques
Article in SSRN Electronic Journal · June 2023
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4492970
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How to write the case studies and case report: Techniques
By
Dr. V Thangavel*
Abstract: There have been numerous appeals for case study research to be used more
frequently, but there are far fewer actual instances of its utilization. Lack of knowledge of the
contributions such research can make as well as awareness of its limitations are two factors
contributing to this, among others. This essay evaluates four published case studies that the
authors were closely involved with to highlight the merits and drawbacks of the strategy. The
case study technique can be helpful in many different contexts, but more clarity is required in
how such work is written up to realize the most advantage. It is asserted that case-based method
researchers are responsible for being explicit about their original theoretical beliefs and
interpreting their findings in a way that highlights the theoretical alteration that the empirical
observations have sparked. Before prescriptions for the method's proper use can be made with
any degree of confidence, further experience with the method is required.
Keywords: Case study- case research-case report- case study techniques- cased study writing
styles- Meteorologist studies- research approach- case design- citation formats of cases- the
terminology of cases- case figure design- case guidelines-case standards.
0. Introduction:
The situation, in this case, is actual. The case study analyses this circumstance. Even
though case studies are a need for meteorological work, few meteorologists excel at them. This
article offers 16 guidelines that authors can use to strengthen their case studies during research
and writing. These guidelines cover study design, research approach and organization, paper
writing, and figure design. Citations and reference lists, terminology, and formatting are also
taught.
1. Purpose of the Case Study:
By offering some advice to those who conduct the research and write the case studies,
this article aims to contribute to improving the standard of case studies. From these inputs,
principles or norms that represent best practices, common approaches, and straightforward
instructions are provided to authors to aid in the communication of their study. My opinion on
these issues is not final, but I have observed what is scientifically sound, what stands up to peer
review, and what works. The best scientific articles do in fact follow many of these guidelines.
Even though some who adhere to these 16 characteristics have seen success, the rules are not
meant to confine authors to a rigid framework where uniqueness and creativity are
compromised.
2. The focus of the Study:
Articles don't have to focus on a single instance. Indeed, the author can demonstrate
what might control the observed differences by contrasting two or more situations. Such
manuscripts need to be targeted to cut out pointless details because recounting two or more
occurrences runs the risk of producing a long report. Here are some examples of manuscripts
that compare two distinct occurrences in each one.
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Page 2 of 14
3. Online Publication of the case studies:
Finally, published case studies allow for the compilation of all instances in the literature
that satisfies criteria, which is valuable to writers conducting meta-analyses on a given issue.
Such a study may be a potent weapon against conventional wisdom. Examples are Schultz and
Mass's meta-analysis of occluded fronts from 1993, which showed that cold type of
conclusions, if they existed at all, were uncommon, and Bryan and Fritsch's meta-analysis from
the 2000 Table, which revealed the occurrence of moist completely unstable layers.
4. What is a case study or case technique?
A case study is a tale that puts readers in the protagonist's position so they can
experience solving a specific issue or problem. Case studies can assist students in making the
transition from theory to practice in the classroom when used appropriately. Public affairs
training programs were among the first to use the case technique, however, there are currently
fewer case studies on the subject than in other professional fields. This article offers advice to
authors on the principles of a case study and how to create an excellent case study to promote
the development of more case studies in the field of public affairs.
5. Approaches to writing case studies:
There are two different approaches to case studies:
Type 1: The Analytical Approach
Type 2: The Problem-Oriented Method.
Type 1: The case study is analysed to attempt and understand what happened and
why it is not required to pinpoint issues or offer solutions.
Type 2: The Problem-Oriented method: The case study is studied using the
problem-oriented method to pinpoint the main issues that exist and offer solutions.
This Quick Reference Highlights type 2: Using a problem-oriented approach Always
validate the type of assignment needed with your lecturer. A successful case study examines
a situation in real life where difficulties need to be fixed. It ought to:
Relate the theory to a real-world circumstance. For instance, use the concepts and
information covered in class in the real-world case study scenario.
➢ Determine the issues.
➢ Pick out the case's main issues.
➢ Provide solutions to these important issues.
➢ Specify the optimum course of action for implementation.
➢ Give specifics on how to put this solution into practice.
6. Different Case Study Types:
The particulars of the circumstance as well as the case itself determine the kind of
case study that psychologists use. Psychologists and other researchers may employ the
following case study types:
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a). Collective Case Studies
b). Descriptive case studies
c). Illustrative or Explanatory case studies
d). Exploratory or Investigative case studies
e). Instrumental case studies
f). Investigation of Intrinsic cases or case studies
a). Collective case studies: Studying a group of people is included in collective case
studies. A community as a whole or a particular group of people may be the subject of a study.
For instance, psychologists might investigate how a community's resource accessibility has
impacted the residents' overall mental health.
b). Descriptive case studies: Start with a descriptive theory while doing a descriptive
case study. The information acquired is then compared to the pre-existing theory once the
subjects have been observed.
c). Illustrative or Explanatory case studies: These are frequently employed in causal
analysis. In other words, scientists are interested in examining elements that might be to blame
for specific events.
d). Exploratory or Investigative case studies: These are occasionally used as an
introduction to more extensive investigation. As a result, before formulating their study
questions and hypotheses, researchers might acquire additional data.
e). Instrumental case studies: In other words, it is known as case studies that are useful:
These happen when a person or group makes it possible for researchers to comprehend more
than what is initially clear to onlookers.
f). Investigations of Intrinsic cases or case studies: When a researcher does a case
study, they usually have a personal stake in the outcome. An intrinsic cast study can aid in the
creation of a psychological theory, as demonstrated by Jean Piaget's studies of his own children.
Intrinsic, instrumental, and collective case studies are the three basic types that are
frequently employed. Learn about unusual cases by using intrinsic case studies. Instrumental
case studies aid in understanding a larger issue by examining a specific person. Looking at
multiple instances at once can be helpful when conducting a collective case study.
7. Case Study Organising Advice:
a). Before starting to outline a case study, authors should choose no more than six key
issues. What is the topic of this case study, should case writers inquire? Every issue that is
intended for discussion should be expressed as a straightforward inquiry. What kinds of sales
objectives, for instance, are successful? It is too complex and unlikely for readers to recognize
or comprehend if it takes many words to pose a problem-defining inquiry.
b). Readers are likely to feel disoriented and miss the crucial issues the author wanted
to highlight if there are more than five problems in a case. It is challenging to address a case
study with more than five problems in a set amount of time or during a class period, and it is
likely to require many hours of winding conversation. The case study should be written in
sections if the situation under examination has more than five issues. Each segment should
continue the story while also offering potential fixes for the issues, i.e., responding to the
queries. For instance, activity- and task-oriented goals perform better than billing or revenueoriented ones. Several case authors might.
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c). Case studies don't have to be limited to issues and scenarios that show how not to.
Also, they can provide examples of how to handle various circumstances. A case study can
cover a variety of issues and demonstrate what was done correctly in their resolution. The most
effective teaching scenarios frequently include both good and improper answers to the
situation. By employing this method, authors avoid suggesting to readers that all possible
solutions are either correct or incorrect; case analysts must determine this for themselves. The
next step is to choose or make scenarios that clearly define the issues for readers and lead
naturally into a discussion of potential solutions.
d). The most effective way to depict a problem is to write situations or scenes that have
conflict in them. Scenes in which the characters have opposite points of view, disagreements,
or different solutions. Each situation or scene in a case study should either, a). carry the
narrative forward, b). Relate directly to one of the major problems in the case, or c) provide
insight into the personality and motives of one or more of the characters. The ideal situation is
one that the writer knows will elicit conflicting opinions about potential solutions.
8. General pointers for writing case studies:
a) Keep your audience in mind: You are writing for students or discussion participants
who might not be familiar with the situation's background, specifics, or terminology. As little
jargon as possible.
b). Apply short story writing techniques: A case involves real people who need to be
interesting. Each component of the story should advance the plot.
c). Openings: Openings should grab the reader's attention by introducing a character
who is dealing with their largest issue and setting the stage for the primary tensions, arguments,
and confrontations.
d). Present scenarios and scenes without making any attempt to examine them:
Scenes must be arranged logically and should highlight a certain idea, concept, or problem that
is related to the issues the author wants to have studied. Don't imply that one solution might
be favoured in any way.
e). Proved relevant details: After an opening that sets up the situation, provide relevant
details about goals, strategies, dilemmas, issues, conflicts, roadblocks, appropriate research,
relevant financial information, people, and relationships. Be stingy with numbers they must
help solve the problems, not confuse readers, or send them off on unproductive analytic
tangents.
f). Increase dialogue as much as you can: Create a speech that brings the characters
to life. The linear narrative is dull.
g). Endings: Leave the reader with a clear picture of the major problems-either ask or
imply “What is to be done now?”
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9. What is a Case Study:
A case study is a type of research design that focuses on examining issues and
proposing solutions. Case studies have a wide range of applications, from academic research
studies to corporate promotional materials used to promote an idea.
The key distinction between a case study and a research paper: It is that whereas
research papers draw the reader's attention to a particular issue, case studies go even further.
Students must focus on specifics when following case study rules. the close and thorough
examination of issues using various research techniques. If you study law or medicine, for
instance, case studies might be used to evaluate court proceedings or a patient's medical history.
Case studies explore specific scenarios for an individual or a group of individuals and typically
entail a lot of storytelling. This research methodology is quite beneficial because it is very
useful and can provide a lot of practical information. The average case study is between 500
and 900 words long. which is a lot less. A case study's format is quite like storytelling. It
features a protagonist or primary character, who in your case is a difficulty you're attempting
to overcome. In your story, you can employ the three-act structure. It needs an introduction,
rising action, a turning point where change takes place, falling action, and a resolution.
10. Other types of case studies:
A case study is intended to give in-depth information on a particular occasion,
institution, setting, individual, or pretty much anything. There are a few typical case study
types, however, the kind chosen will depend on the subject. The most typical fields where case
studies are required are as follows:
Historical: Historical case studies are excellent sources of knowledge. There are
several sources of information about historical events that offer various perspectives. Where
these viewpoints might be used, contrasted, and in-depth examined are always modern analogs.
Solving Problem: These case studies are typically used to address problems;
hence they are problem oriented. These are sometimes given as hypothetical circumstances
where you must experience them firsthand to analyse them. Imagine you are a startup
employee who has just become aware of a serious design problem in one of your products.
Prior to bringing it up with the senior management, you should thoroughly research the problem
and offer potential remedies. Problem-focused case studies are an important component of
pertinent socio-economic discourse on a larger scale.
Cumulative: Cumulative: Case studies provide comparisons and information
gathering, and they are frequently used in business to explain the worth of a product to
customers.
Important: Case studies examine a product's worth.
Illustrative: Case studies serve as illustrations by describing specific incidents
and examining the results and lessons learned.
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11. Case Study Format:
The case study format normally consists of eight parts: The list of them is below.
Executive Summary
a). What will you be looking at in the case study? Summarise the area of study
in your essay. Write a thesis statement and, in no more than two sentences, summarise the
findings of your observation.
b) Background: Give the most pertinent facts and background information.
Separate the problems.
c). Case Evaluation: Identify the study's key components and isolate them.
Describe why something works or doesn't work in it.
d). Proposed Solutions: Offer workable solutions to the problems that exist or
ways to enhance the situation as it is. Offer testable data to demonstrate why these strategies
are effective.
e). Conclusion: Summarise the key takeaways from the case analyses and
solution suggestions.
f). Recommendations: Discuss the approach you ought to take. Describe why
this option is the best one.
g). Implementation: Describe the steps necessary to carry out the plan.
h). Reference: Please include all citations when referencing.
12. Writing a case study for an MBA program:
Case analyses in writing are condensed, organized summaries. Typically, depending on
the complexity of the case, the instructor will require two to ten typed pages. Business case
studies may be given as group projects or as individual assignments. Others, however, can
involve only a small group of students working together on the analysis while each student is
required to create a unique written analysis. Your objective in creating your case analysis is to
integrate the case's elements and important topics with your observations and arguments. The
next step is to weigh your options, select the best course of action, and offer supporting data.
This proof comes from conversations in class, text readings, outside research, and personal
experiences.
1. Choose the format for your paper and how you will express your ideas: Choose
the format for your paper and how you will express your ideas: Many case studies have a set
framework and structure and might vary greatly depending on the course they are utilized in,
like the ones that are detailed next. Consult your instructor to find out which components of
the case study analysis report are preferred. Instead of being essays, case study analyses are
prepared as reports with headings. The reader should be able to easily locate the pertinent areas
in the report.
Title Page: Use standard APA format (American Psychological Association) to develop
a title page.
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Introduction: Choose a paper or thesis and succinctly state the main finding of your
investigation. The first few paragraphs of your report should clearly describe the report's thesis.
The main issue is identified in the introduction.
Background: Give the reader background knowledge about the case by setting the main
issue in its proper context. Avoid restating or reiterating the case's facts. Place the case in
a research setting instead. The background part shows the reader that you have done research
on the issues covered in the case study, either in the classroom or on the job. Make sure your
written presentation concentrates your problem diagnosis on the key points.
Key Issues: Here, you should state your opinions regarding the issues that exist. It is
regarded as being a crucial component of the report. Start by asking the standard "whole-whenwhere-what-why-how" questions. As you consider the situation, ask yourself, "What are the
problems at this company?" Identify the issues you believe are crucial to the company's or its
project's success from the ones that are undoubtedly there.
Alternatives: Having done your study and put the issue(s) in their proper context, you
can now make an educated decision on potential alternatives to the issue(s). Although you do
not need to study every alternative, you should have taken a few of them into account when
forming your opinion about the situation. In deciding on your case's resolution, talk about
these potential solutions and why you chose not to pursue them. Why do you not propose the
alternative at this time and what limitations, such as those imposed by money, time, staff, and
resources, exist for these potential alternatives?
Solution Proposal: Describe your solution proposal and back it up with convincing
arguments. In general, you should just offer one suggestion for a solution. Remember that the
people or company can only begin working on one solution at a time in the case study setting.
Which do you recommend, and why? Make a rational case for why this solution is the best
choice using research to back up your claims. The suggested remedy must be specific and
workable.
Recommendations: If applicable, you might wrap up your written analysis with a
description of how the issues you found might affect how the organization runs or how the
people involved in the case interact with one another. You might also want to suggest additional
steps that could be made to address some of these problems. Be clear about what needs to be
done and who needs to execute it. This section covers tactics that the parties involved in the
case can use to implement the suggested solution. As for whether this portion belongs in your
case analysis report, check with your instructor.
2. Create the first draught of your report for your case study: At last, you are ready
to begin writing the rough draft of your case studies/research paper. Putting your thinking and
research into words is exciting. It can also be challenging. In this section, you will learn
strategies for handling the more challenging aspects of writing a research cast studied in the
paper, such as integrating material from your sources, citing information correctly, and
avoiding any misuse of your sources.
3. Revise and edit the draft: What distinguishes editing from revision? Revision,
editing, and proofreading are strictly speaking required to turn a rough draught into quality
content: Revision refers to correcting the content; it concerns the overall picture. Making each
sentence flow and picking the proper words are also parts of editing.
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➢ First, wait a little bit before returning to your draught. Taking a break from your
essay can let you evaluate yourself more objectively.
➢ Verify the paper's focal point.
➢ Request comments.
➢ Be truthful when considering your thesis.
➢ Look through the paper's balance
➢ Proofread.
➢ Writing effective sentences.
During the editing stage of the writing process, a writer or editor works to enhance a
draught by fixing errors and improving the clarity, precision, and effectiveness of words and
sentences.
Why revise and edit? Revising gives you the chance to preview your work on behalf of
the eventual reader. Revision is much more than proofreading, though, in the final editing stage,
it involves some checking of details. Good revision and editing can transform a mediocre first
draft into an excellent final paper.
Why is an edit required? The process of editing entails rewriting a piece of writing's
content, structure, grammar, and presentation. Making ensuring your thoughts are
communicated to your reader as clearly as possible is the goal of editing.
4. Format and pro of reading the final report: Case study reports are written in a
structured fashion rather than as essays, which has the advantage of making for easy reading.
An executive summary is typically included in case study reports and provides concise
summaries of the report's introduction, background, and suggested solution parts. These three
major sections of the case study are summarised succinctly and clearly in the executive
summary. Find out from your instructor whether an executive summary needs to be included
in your report.
Tips for formatting the final report: i). if an executive summary is to be included, it
should be single-spaced with relevant headings identifying the sections. The executive
summary should summarize those sections of the report and not contain any information not
discussed by the report. ii). The case study analysis should be written as a structured report,
with relevant headings. The case study analysis is not an essay.
5. Include any relevant appendices and references in a proper APA format: Include
an appendix only if it facilitates the reader's comprehension, assessment, or replication of the
study or argument. After the list of references, appendices should appear at the end of the essay.
Every appendix should start on a different page. There should be a title AND a label for each
appendix. Use the author-date approach of in-text citation when employing the APA style. This
implies that the source's last name and the year it was published should be included in the text,
such as (Jones, 1998), and that a complete citation should be included in the reference list at
the end of the essay. The 'author-date' citation format is called APA7 (American Psychological
Association - 7th edition). The author's name and the resource's publication date are cited intext, and at the end of the paper, a reference list with more comprehensive item information is
used.
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13. Benefits of case studies with Review of Related Literature:
Case studies in social science research have the following advantages:
Olaiya et al (2018)3: The case study method, which uses the kind of test Karl Popper
called falsification, is also effective for the aim of generalization. For example, Popper himself
suggested that a single instance of a black swan should automatically disclaim the general
proposition that "all swans are white" (Ogundowole 1981 Eisenhardt 1989). If a single
observation or instance does not align with the proposition, it is rendered invalid and should
subsequently be revised or discarded.
Ogunbameru and Ogunbameru (2010)7: Explain the case study's additional benefits
and applications, such as the fact that case studies are effective at creating realistic scenarios
but are difficult to organize. In comparison, some research methodologies might be easily
organized and structured but are weak at creating reality. Case studies are realistic, grab/hold
researchers' attention, are in sync with the listeners' own life experiences, and may therefore
improve generalization capacity. Additionally, they contend that case studies are easily
understood by all audiences since they are typically written in straightforward language, are
overtly direct, and identify unique characteristics that may be missed by more extensive
research methods like surveys. Additionally, case studies can be carried out by a single
researcher without the aid of a research team; they can offer insights into other like situations,
assisting in the study of such cases.
Yin (1984)2: Explains the advantages of employing case studies while distinguishing
between several types of case studies, such as the critical, the unique, and the revelatory
examples; First off, a case is important when only one instance can be used to test an idea.
Second, a case is distinct when there is only one instance of something. For instance, Margaret
Mead conducted research in Samoa, where she held the opinion that gender relations differ
from those in other countries. Thirdly, a case is revelatory if the investigator is only able to
access a previously unreachable area of social life. The researcher will be in the best position
to recognize his possibilities and pursue them when such distinctions are noted. Therefore,
case studies should be considered for usage in both social and natural sciences since they
provide various advantages to researchers.
Becker (1970)6: According to Becker, one of the most important advantages of a case
study is that it enables researchers to gain a thorough grasp of the person or group being
examined, such as when a researcher chooses to investigate a specific or isolated society just
to comprehend that community. He will then have a thorough awareness of that community.
Backer also asserts that case studies could be quite helpful in formulating broad theoretical
assumptions regarding the regularities of social processes. A case study of a particular
community, for instance, can be used to challenge a widely held belief about social life and
lead to fresh insights into society, as was said above.
Charles Warner: According to Charles Warner, there are two categories of case
studies: fictional ones that, while typically loosely based on real persons and events, do not
utilize the names of genuine organizations or people but instead depict real organizations,
people, and situations. The benefits of factual case studies include their ability to offer a
plethora of detail, lend legitimacy to circumstances and issues, and—most importantly—
provide real outcomes. Real-world solutions are provided to people who study a situation by
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actual results: How did the business or manager handle the issues? Are the solutions effective?
Even though factual examples offer real-world, rather than hypothetical, remedies, they
nevertheless have significant limitations. Students or case discussants frequently get bogged
down in arguing the case's specifics as they may recall them.
Some participants in the discussion make insider claims or refer to later developments
that cast doubt on the organization's ideas. When analysing factual cases, analysts frequently
place more emphasis on the veracity of the facts than the suitability of the solutions. Because
organizations, strategies, issues, and people evolve over time, actual situations frequently
become out of date. A factual case may also raise issues of taste, fairness, or even libel if it
disparages real organizations or people.
Finally, since writers must adhere to the facts of a factual case, they are only able to
discuss the management issues that are inherent in the case. Factual instances are most useful
when used to describe current organizational issues, then to analyse and try to find solutions
using a consultative method. The disadvantage of fictional instances is that students can never
tell whether a remedy works or not. Since fictional cases are theoretical, they frequently lack
the believability of true ones.
However, writers of fictional cases are not restricted by the truth. To concentrate
primarily on the subjects they want to discuss, case writers can use their poetic license to
exaggerate problems, issues, settings, and persons. The most effective method of instruction
is frequently to create fictitious examples that closely resemble real-world events.
14. Features of Case Study:
The case-study method relies on a variety of sources of evidence and can use a single
case or several cases. It can either be quantitative or qualitative. When choosing a case for
research, academics think that prudence should be used. Based on the existing classifications
and typologies, this warning is required. For instance, a key might be present. Cases, outlier
cases, or cases based on local knowledge. Although key situations are uncommon and out of
the ordinary, they contain valuable information that could be uncovered for human
understanding. Key examples have inherent interests because of the circumstances
surrounding them, but outlier cases are exceptional and aberrant and offer the chance to delve
deeply.
Aluko (2017)1: Aluko asserts that a case study typically employs an atypical sample,
meaning that the entire study is focused on a single instance or person. Longer, unstructured
interviews are typically used to conduct it to allow for in-depth investigation without time
restrictions. A case study also typically takes a long time to complete, but because the subject
is unusual, this has the primary drawback that the conclusion may not be applicable in all
circumstances. Additionally, because the case study focuses on providing a thorough and
understandable explanation of what happened, it describes the events in chronological and
sequential order, synchronizes the description and explanation of phenomena with accurate
analysis, and emphasizes the actors to comprehend their perspectives on what happened.
Importantly, the researcher is actively participating in the Ogunbameru and Ogunbamery case
being investigated.
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Thomas (2011)4: According to Thomas and Mieviroka, the goal of a case study can be
either to investigate or to evaluate. He also notes that the methodologies can be to show, test or
create theory, use multiple or single procedures, and make diachronic, snapshot-style or
retrospective decisions. As a result, careful consideration is required to determine the optimum
decisions and combinations for the success of the research.
15. Writing or preparing case study styles:
Writing or producing case study formats required you to explore a business
problem, consider potential solutions, and then suggest the best option with accompanying
data.
Preparing the Case: To prepare for and comprehend the case study, follow these
instructions before you start writing:
Read and examine the case thoroughly: Read the case carefully, then look it
over Make notes, underline important issues, and highlight pertinent information.
Focus your Analysis: Describe two to five major issues. Why are they there?
What effect do they have on the company? Who oversees them?
Uncover Possible Solutions or changes needed: Review the course readings,
the discussions, outside research, and your personal experience.
Select the Best Solution: Think about compelling arguments, advantages, and
disadvantages. Is this remedy practical?
16. Drafting the Case:
Once you have gathered the necessary information, a draft of your analysis should these
general sections, but these may differ depending on your assignment directions or your specific
case study.
Introduction: Find the case study's major concerns and challenges in the introduction.
Additionally, create a thesis statement that, in one to two words, summarises the findings of
your investigation.
Background: Create the scene with Background information, pertinent data, and the
key issues. Show that you have done research on the issues raised in this case study.
Evaluation of the Case: List the different aspects of the case study that you will be
concentrating on. Discuss the aspects of these pieces that work and don't work to evaluate
them. Explain why these case study components are or are not performing well.
Proposed Solution or Changes: Offer the desired changes or solutions in a specific and
realistic manner. Why was this solution selected? Provide strong proof for this solution, such
as ideas from lectures, conversations, and text readings from class. Anecdotes or personal
experience, as well as independent research.
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Recommendations: Establish and discuss concrete plans of action for implementing
the suggested remedy. If necessary, suggest further steps to take to address some of the
problems, along with what should be done and who should do it.
Complete the case: Read your case study analysis after you've finished the first draught
to look for any gaps in the material or inconsistent formatting: Is your thesis statement
unambiguous and concise? Have you offered credible proof? Is there anything missing from
the analysis? After making the required changes, proofread and update your analysis before
submitting the last version.
17. Case Analysis for Final:
Preparing the case, before you begin writing follow these guidelines to help you
prepare and understand the case study. The review is the last section of a case analysis. Read
over your draught to confirm that it is comprehensive, accurate, appealing to project
stakeholders and that it is clear and simple for your intended audience before presenting or
implementing any portion of your analysis.
18. Where to Find Data:
Researchers can utilize a variety of sources and techniques to compile data about
an individual or group. Researchers have identified six main sources, including:
Archival records: Archival records include things like census records, survey
records, and name lists.
Direct Observations: In this technique, the subject is frequently observed in a
natural environment. While a solo observer may occasionally be employed, groups of
observers are most frequently used.
Documents: Examples of the kinds of documents frequently used as sources
include letters, newspaper articles, administrative records, etc.
Interviews: One of the most crucial strategies for acquiring data for case studies is
the interview. Structured survey questions may be used in an interview, as well as more openended inquiries.
Participant observation: Participant observation is when a researcher takes part
in an event as a participant and then watches the activities and results.
Physical artifacts: During a direct observation of the subject, tools, items,
instruments, and other artifacts are frequently noticed.
19. Words for the future:
Case studies can be useful research tools, but they need to be used wisely. In many
cases, they are best utilized in situations where conducting an experiment would be difficult or
impossible. They are helpful for looking at unique situations and allow researchers to gather a
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deal of information about a specific individual or group of people. If you have been directed to
write a case study for a psychology course, be sure to check with your instructor for any specific
guidelines that you are required to follow. If you are writing your case study for a professional
publication, be sure to check with the publisher for their specific guidelines for submitting a
case study.
20. Drawbacks of Case Study:
Case studies, on the other hand, have several drawbacks.
Oliya (2018)3: Oliya and Ogunbameru contend that case studies are inevitably
lacking in external validity since they include the in-depth analysis of a particular instance of
an event or person. The difficulty of generalizing case study research's conclusions to different
contexts is another significant limitation. In other words, it is impossible to demonstrate how
a study into one sort of occurrence can lead to findings that are applicable to others.
Bryman (1988)5: However, it may not be possible to directly compare the results
of other studies conducted by other researchers or by the same researcher at different times.
Bryman believes that one way this difficulty might be avoided is by employing multiple cases
of the same sort of scenarios. If a single investigator or team of investigators conducts the
study simultaneously utilizing the same social groups, the results are likely to be more accurate.
When this is done, the research, however, stops being a case study.
Conclusion:
From the foregoing, it can be shown that the case study methodology is a solid
method for demonstrating an explanation of a single example or a small group of cases that
occur in people's everyday lives. The case study has evolved into a crucial qualitative research
technique in the modern research environment. A case study gives new and future researchers
plenty of opportunities to learn about a particular instance, while it also enables more seasoned
researchers to gather data using a variety of ways and combine them to provide a rich reservoir
of knowledge. A case study has various advantages, chief among them the opportunity it gives
for a thorough, detailed, and in-depth analysis of the subject of investigation. Despite its
disadvantage, a case study is a great form and source of rich material for scholarly
investigation. Its relevance spans both the social and life sciences areas.
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* Librarian – Head LIRC, St. Francis Institute of Management and Research Mumbai India v.thangavel@rocketmail.com
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4492970
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* Librarian – Head LIRC, St. Francis Institute of Management and Research Mumbai India v.thangavel@rocketmail.com
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