Understanding Case Studies

• Case studies involve detailed investigations of specific subjects and use qualitative research to explore complex issues.
• Case studies use interviews, observations, documents, and artifacts as sources of data.

Purposes of a Case Study

• Case studies identify new areas for research.
• Case studies provide a comprehensive picture of a phenomenon.
• Case studies help understand cause-effect relationships.

Key Characteristics of a Case Study

• Case studies examine the subject in great detail.
• They explore real-world background and environment.
• Case studies answer specific research questions.
• They use interviews, observations, and document analysis.
• Case studies ensure validity and reliability of findings.
• Case study findings are story-based rather than statistical.

Types of Case Studies by Research Design

• Exploratory case studies identify research questions and methods for a broader study.
• For example studying the effects of remote work on company culture.
• Descriptive case studies provide detailed accounts of an event or phenomenon.
• For example how indigenous tribes maintain modem traditions.
• Explanatory case studies explain causal relationships between variables.
• For example the impact of social media on teenage self-esteem.
• Intrinsic case studies focus on a unique subject with no intention of generalization.
• For example the life of a child prodigy and their learning experiences.
• Instrumental case studies examine a case to understand a larger issue.
• For example studying one school's teaching method to improve the national curriculum.
• Multiple or collective case studies compare several cases to draw broader conclusions.
• For example, comparing education systems in different countries.

Conducting a Case Study

• The subject should be unique or relevant to a broader issue.
• It has to be researchable and accessible for data collection.

Formulating Research Questions

• Use "how" and "why" questions.
• Research questions must align with study objectives.
• For example: "How does remote work affect employee engagement?"

Reviewing Literature

• Find relevant studies, books, reports, and articles.
• Identify gaps in existing knowledge.
• Cite sources properly using APA format.

Collecting Data

• Use structured, semi-structured, or open-ended interviews.
• Record behaviors and interactions through observations.
• Collect reports, emails, articles, and legal documents.
• Gather objects, marketing materials, and designs.

Analyzing Data

• Organize collected data into themes.
• Identify patterns, trends, and relationships.
• Employ narrative or thematic analysis.

Writing the Case Study Report

• The report includes an overview of the research problem and objectives.
• Include context and history of the case in the background.
• The methodology includes Data collection techniques.
• Present key observations and patterns, and interpretation of findings with connections to literature.
• The conclusion and recommendations summarize insights and action steps.

The Case Method as a Learning Tool

• It uses real-world cases to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• The case method is used in business, law, education, and social sciences.

Benefits of the Case Method

• Prepares students for actual situations.
• Students evaluate different perspectives.
• Requires students to formulate solutions.

Challenges of the Case Method

• Subjectivity may arise.
• Researchers may form attachments to subjects.
• Findings may not apply to all cases.

Writing the Research Paper

• The title page must be clear and precise.
• The abstract summarizes objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
• The introduction includes background, problem statement, and significance.
• Review related literature and include analyses of previous studies.
• Fully describe research design data collection, and analysis methods in the methodology.
• Interpret findings using tables, charts, and textual analysis.
• Summarize key insights and suggest future research in the conclusion.
• References must be cited properly.

APA Research Paper Format

• Use Times New Roman, 12-pt font.
• Spacing must be double-spaced throughout.
• Margins should be 1-inch on all sides.
• Include right-aligned page numbers in the header.
• Avoid using "I" or "We".

Research Ethics in Case Studies

• Participants must agree to be part of the study.
• Protect participant identity, using pseudonyms if necessary.
• Explain the study's purpose before data collection.
• Research should not cause psychological or physical harm.

Steps in Writing the Methodology

• Explain whether the study is qualitative or quantitative.
• Specify your use of interviews, surveys, or observations in the descriptive data collection methods.
• Explain inductive or deductive analysis.
• Provide reasons for selecting methods.

Organizing Notes

• Sort gathered information based on your outline.
• Summarize and analyze key points.
• Avoid plagiarism by properly citing sources.

Finding Reliable Sources

• Use credible websites (.edu, .gov, .org).
• Search books, journals, and government reports.
• Search public/university libraries.