What is actually a case study? It is a method that occurs in many different types of research. It can be within academia but it is even more common for case studies to be conducted within the public and private sectors.

The method involves a thorough investigation of a single case. It could be an individual, group, organization, or event that is being studied. A simple example might be a company wanting to implement a change, such as introducing a new business system, and wanting to see the effects of that change.

With a case study, one can examine complex things in their real context, which is very valuable.

What characterizes a case study?

1. In-depth investigation: A very thorough analysis of a specific case.
2. Contextual analysis: The case is studied in its real-life context.
3. Flexible design: There are many different methods available for data collection, such as interviews, surveys, and observations.
4. Qualitative focus: Although quantitative data can be used, case studies often focus on qualitative data to provide a deeper understanding of the subject.

Applications

• Education: To analyze educational processes and methods in real classroom situations.
• Business: Used to explore business strategies, leadership styles, and marketing methods.
• Social Science: To study social, political, or cultural phenomena within a specific group or society.

This is just a selection and case studies are used in many more areas than these.

How to conduct a case study

Conducting a case study requires a well-planned and methodical approach. Here are the basic steps:

1. Choose a case

The first step is to identify and select an appropriate case to study. It could be an individual, group, organization, or event. The choice should be based on the objectives of the case study and the research questions. The case should be representative of the phenomenon being investigated and have the potential to provide insights and understanding.

2. Define purpose and research questions

Clarify the purpose of the study and formulate specific research questions. These questions should be open and investigative to allow for an in-depth analysis of the case.

3. Data Collection

Collect data through various methods such as interviews, observations, document analysis, and surveys. It is important to use multiple sources of data to obtain a diverse and comprehensive view of the case. Document all collected information carefully.

4. Analyze data

Analyze collected data to identify patterns, themes, and key insights related to the research questions. Use various analytical techniques such as thematic analysis or coding to systematize and interpret the information.

5. Reporting

Present the results of the case study in a well-structured report. The report should include an introduction to the case, a description of the data collection and analysis methods, a presentation of the results, and a discussion that connects the results to the original research questions and the broader literature.

6. Reflection and Critical Evaluation

Conclude with a reflection on the study's limitations and potential biases. Also discuss the study's contribution to the understanding of the phenomenon under investigation and opportunities for future research.

By carefully following these steps, researchers can conduct case studies that provide valuable insight and in-depth understanding of complex issues in their real-world context.

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

• Provides in-depth insights and a detailed understanding of complex issues.
• Enables the study of subjects in their natural environments.
• Flexible and can be adapted to many different research contexts.

Limitations

• The risk of researcher bias, as the researcher's subjective interpretations can influence the analysis.
• The generalizability is limited, as the results are based on single case studies.
• Time-consuming and resource-intensive method.

I hope this article helps you in your work! When conducting case studies, interviews are one of the most important tools. At Klang.ai, we offer a tool that assists you through all the steps of the interview process. From scheduling interviews, transcription, to analysis.