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Questions and Answers
What does realism refer to in a research study?
What does realism refer to in a research study?
Why are case studies considered valuable tools in research?
Why are case studies considered valuable tools in research?
What is the purpose of comparing different case studies?
What is the purpose of comparing different case studies?
If a study on infant feeding practices among low-income families is highly realistic, what does this imply?
If a study on infant feeding practices among low-income families is highly realistic, what does this imply?
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In a research context, what does relevance refer to?
In a research context, what does relevance refer to?
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How can comparing different case studies contribute to research?
How can comparing different case studies contribute to research?
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What is one of the educational values of using case studies in teaching and learning?
What is one of the educational values of using case studies in teaching and learning?
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Which methodological challenge is associated with case studies?
Which methodological challenge is associated with case studies?
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What key insight can be gained from a case study of a large corporation?
What key insight can be gained from a case study of a large corporation?
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How do case studies contribute to research despite their challenges?
How do case studies contribute to research despite their challenges?
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What is a common concern related to the generalizability of findings from case studies?
What is a common concern related to the generalizability of findings from case studies?
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Why are case studies considered valuable tools in research despite their challenges?
Why are case studies considered valuable tools in research despite their challenges?
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What is the primary purpose of case studies in research and practice?
What is the primary purpose of case studies in research and practice?
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Which type of case study provides a thorough description of a situation without analyzing it?
Which type of case study provides a thorough description of a situation without analyzing it?
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What do case studies offer practitioners in terms of implementing effective approaches?
What do case studies offer practitioners in terms of implementing effective approaches?
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In what way do case studies contribute to understanding complex issues?
In what way do case studies contribute to understanding complex issues?
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What is the key characteristic of case studies that allows researchers to recognize successful practices?
What is the key characteristic of case studies that allows researchers to recognize successful practices?
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Which statement best describes the significance of case studies in research?
Which statement best describes the significance of case studies in research?
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What is the primary purpose of a comparative case study?
What is the primary purpose of a comparative case study?
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Which type of case study aims to discover phenomena without hypothesizing or testing a theory?
Which type of case study aims to discover phenomena without hypothesizing or testing a theory?
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What is the main challenge associated with the generalizability of case studies?
What is the main challenge associated with the generalizability of case studies?
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Which factor contributes to bias and subjectivity in case study findings?
Which factor contributes to bias and subjectivity in case study findings?
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In what aspect do case studies help in theory development?
In what aspect do case studies help in theory development?
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Why are case studies considered time-consuming and resource-intensive?
Why are case studies considered time-consuming and resource-intensive?
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What is a distinguishing factor of an instrumental case study?
What is a distinguishing factor of an instrumental case study?
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What distinguishes an exploratory case study from an explanatory case study?
What distinguishes an exploratory case study from an explanatory case study?
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What unique feature characterizes the methodology of a comparative case study?
What unique feature characterizes the methodology of a comparative case study?
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How do case studies contribute to practical implications in real-life situations?
How do case studies contribute to practical implications in real-life situations?
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Study Notes
Case Studies in Research
Case studies are in-depth examinations of particular events, situations, or subjects within their real-life contexts. They have been widely used in various disciplines such as business, education, social sciences, health research, environmental science, engineering, and other fields. There are several reasons why case studies are valuable tools in research:
Realism and Relevance
Realism refers to the degree to which findings from a study can be generalized to similar situations outside the study setting. For example, if you were studying infant feeding practices among low-income families, you might want to ask whether your results could be applied to middle-class families who also have babies. The more realistic your study is, the more applicable it will be beyond its immediate subject matter.
Relevance refers to the importance of your findings. If you conducted a case study on lower-middle-school students' attitudes towards science and found that they were positive, you could make a case for providing more resources to support science education in lower-middle schools.
Comparative Value
When we compare the results of different case studies, we can identify similarities and differences between the cases. This comparison can help us understand the characteristics that are common to all cases and those that are unique to each case. Comparing case studies can lead to new insights and a better understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Educational Value
Case studies can be useful for teaching and learning. Teachers and professors often use case studies in classes to encourage discussion and critical thinking among students. They can also be used to teach problem-solving skills and decision-making strategies.
Research Value
Case studies can provide valuable insights into complex phenomena that may be difficult to study using other research methods. For example, a case study of a large corporation might reveal important details about its management practices and organizational structure that would be difficult to obtain through surveys or interviews alone.
Methodological Challenges
Despite their many benefits, case studies also present methodological challenges. These challenges include:
- Generalizability: How can we be sure that the findings of one case study can be applied to other situations?
- Investigator Bias: Researchers may be biased by their own beliefs or expectations about the subject of the case study.
- Small Sample Size: Case studies typically involve a small number of subjects, which can limit the statistical power of the study.
Conclusion
In conclusion, case studies are valuable tools in research because they provide rich, detailed information about real-world situations, they can be compared to understand commonalities and differences, they have educational value, and they can provide valuable insights into complex phenomena. Despite their challenges, case studies can provide valuable insights that are difficult to obtain through other research methods.
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Description
Explore the significance of case studies in research across various disciplines such as business, education, social sciences, and more. Learn about the realism, relevance, comparative value, educational value, and research value of case studies. Understand the methodological challenges like generalizability, investigator bias, and small sample size that researchers face when conducting case studies.