Case studies are a thorough examination of a particular topic that includes an individual or group, location or event, or a phenomenon. Case studies are often employed in education, social as well as clinical research.
A case study research plan typically involves qualitative techniques however, quantitative techniques are also sometimes employed. Case studies are great to describe and compare the various aspects of a research issue.
When to do a case study
Case studies are a suitable research method when you wish to gain concrete, specific and in-depth information about the subject matter in question. It lets you explore the primary aspects, significances as well as implications for your particular case.
Case studies are usually an excellent option for a dissertation or thesis. They can help you stay organized and manageable even when you do not have the resources or time to conduct massive research.
It is possible to use a single complicated case study to investigate a particular topic with great depth. Or, you can conduct several case studies to contrast and highlight the various elements of the research.
| Research question | Case study |
| What are the effects on the environment of the reintroduction of wolves into the wild? | A case study of wolf reintroduction Yellowstone National Park |
| How do populist politicians make use of stories about the past to win popularity? | Study that focus on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US president Donald Trump |
| How can teachers use the active learning methods in classrooms with mixed levels? | Study of a local school which encourages active learning |
| What are the major benefits and drawbacks in wind farm farms to rural areas? | Three case studies of project development of rural wind farms that are located in different regions of the country |
| What are the strategies for viral marketing that are changing the relationship between businesses and their customers? | A case study from this iPhone X marketing campaign |
| What is the experience of workers within the gig-based economy vary according to race, gender, and the years of age? | Studies that examine Deliveroo as well as Uber chauffeurs in London |
Step 1: Choose an appropriate case
After you’ve developed your research questions, you’ll be prepared to pick the case you’d like to study. A great case study will include the following:
- Offer new or surprising insight into the topic
- Refute or challenge existing assumptions and theories
- Offer practical solutions to solve a problem
- New directions can be opened up for future research
In contrast to research that is quantitative or experimental A solid case study doesn’t require an unrepresentative or random sample. Indeed, case studies usually focus on obscure, under-studied or outlying cases that could shed insights into the research issue.
An example of an outlying instance study
In the early 1960s, the city located in Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low levels of heart disease, compared to those in the US average. It was an important research study in understanding the the causes previously overlooked for heart diseases.
You can, however, pick a more familiar or representative case that exemplifies the particular experience, category or the phenomenon.
A case study that is representative of the study
The 1920s saw two social scientists used Muncie, Indiana as a study of a typical American city, which was believed to be an example of the evolving culture of the US in the 1920s.
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Step 2: Develop an theoretical framework
While case studies concentrate more on the specifics rather as opposed to generally-based theories, they must generally have some connection to theories in the subject. In this way, the case study doesn’t become only a single description that is not a part of existing knowledge of the subject. The goal could be to:
- Show how it is able to explain the incident that is being investigated.
- Expand upon a concept by revealing new ideas and concepts which need to be included
- Test a theory by looking at an outlier situation that isn’t compatible with the accepted theories
For ensuring that the understanding of the situation is based on a solid academic basis You should do a literature review of relevant literature to the subject and create an understanding of the conceptual framework. This involves identifying the most important concepts and theories that will help you analyze and interpret the case.
Step 3: Collect your data
There are a variety of methods for research that you can utilize to gather data about your topic. Case studies usually focus on qualitative information using techniques like interviews, observations, or an analysis of secondary and primary sources (e.g. newspaper articles, photos or official data). Sometimes, a case study may also gather the data in a quantitative manner.
An example of a mixed methods case study
To study an wind farm’s development in a rural location it is possible to gather quantitative data on the number of employees and revenues, as well as qualitative information on local residents’ opinions and experiences, as well as study national and local reports on the developments.
The objective is to gain the most thorough understanding possible about the situation and the context in which it is situated.
Step 4: Define and evaluate the situation
When you write your case study, it is necessary to combine all relevant elements to present as comprehensive an understanding as you can of the matter.
How you share your findings is contingent on the type of study you’re doing. Certain case studies are formatted as a standard paper or thesis, and include distinct chapters or sections for methods, findings and discussions.
Other have been written with a narrative style, which aims to look at the issue from a variety of angles and then analyze its implications and meanings (for instance, by using discourse analysis or textual analysis).
What is a case study?
A marketing or business case study is designed to show an effective partnership. This could be between the brand and a customer. The case study could analyze a brand’s campaign.
There is a misconception the case study is employed to promote brands. However, effective case studies, such as the one below help clients understand how a brand can assist the company.
Hubspot has created an analysis of one of its customers who successfully scaled the size of its business. The report details the various Hubspot tools that were used to get these outcomes.
Hubspot added an online video that includes testimonials from client company’s employees.
What’s the point of a case study to firms? There is plenty to compete with in the business world. Businesses are managed by people. They may be unsure on which brand to partner with.
Reports for business stand out visually and visually. They employ branding colors and fonts. Most often, it is a blend of the client’s and brand’s.
Utilizing Venngage’s My Brand Kit feature, companies can incorporate their brand’s logo into designs.
A case study for business such as the one below, provides social evidence. It helps consumers choose between your brand and those of your competition.
Do you not know how to create an effective report? Learn how to compose a case study by following Venngage’s help. We also offer design advice and examples to aid you in your conversion.
Is a case-study a study? psychology?
In the field of psychology cases studies are focused on a specific subject. Case histories in psychology also analyze the human behavior.
Case reports seek to identify commonalities between human beings. They also serve to guide more research. They can also elaborate on a solution to an ailment that causes behavior.
The American Psychology Association has a collection of case studies that focus that focus on real-life clients. It is important to note that the reports contain more text than a case study for business.
Famous psychologists like Sigmund Freud, and Anna O popularised the use of case studies in their field. They achieved this by frequently interviewing their subjects. Their meticulous observations form the field of psychology.
It is crucial to remember that psychological research must be conducted by professional researchers. Psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists must be the ones conducting research in these instances.
How do you define a case study?
Research is a crucial component of each case research. Certain research areas are needed to conduct research. They comprise healthcare, user research education, and social work.
For instance the UX Design report examined the impressions of the public about a brand. The brand conducted research and implemented new designs to enhance it. The study dissects the results of this research using lessons that were learned.
Clinical reports are essential within the field of medicine. They serve to communicate information to other medical professionals. They can also aid in the investigation of any new or unusual conditions or signs.
The pandemic has prompted significant increases in research. For instance, Spectrum Health studied the importance of health systems during the pandemic. The study was developed by studying outreach to the community.
The pandemic has profoundly affected the education field. This has led to many studies on remote study. There have been research studies of how students react to a decrease in peer interaction.
Social Work case reports usually are focused on communities. They may also look at public health interventions. In some regions social workers research the response to disasters.
We now know what the case studies from different disciplines are. In the next section on our list, we will explain the process of conducting case studies.
What is the method of case study?
Case analysis can be described as a thorough investigation into a topic. For this reason, case studies are based upon conversations and observation. This example could have been a result of many interviews.
Case studies are mostly qualitative. They describe and analyze things that happen. Although there are some facts included in a case analysis, it is not a quantitative analysis.
There are several steps to follow in the method of case. The first step is choosing the subject for the study. Next, determine the type of study is needed.
In the natural sciences, studies on case could take several years to finish. Reports for business, such as this one, do not require that much time. A couple of weeks of interviews is enough.
The way to make a case will differ in accordance with the business. Reports may also look different after being produced.
As you’ve seen the business reports are more vivid. The style is also more user-friendly. Reports on psychology and healthcare contain more text.
The benefits of Case studies
Writing case reports can take the time and energy. It is worth the effort to create these reports? Here are some benefits of writing case studies.
- Large amounts of data is collected
- Helps to formulate hypotheses
- Creates the argument for further investigation
- New insights are gained into an area
- Brand trust and loyalty is built.
- Reconnects customers with stories
For instance, the business study below tells the story of the brand’s partnership. It’s a great way to read. The study also provides evidence to support the claims.
We’ve explained the benefits of studies and the reasons why they are necessary. We’ll also discuss the drawbacks of establishing them.
Limitations of the case studies
There are a few drawbacks when conducting a case study. The limitations will differ depending on the field.
- Interview responses are based on subjective opinions.
- Subjects can tailor their responses to the needs of the researcher.
- Research can’t be replicated in every instance.
- In certain industries, studies may take a while and could cost a lot of money.
- There is a risk of generalizing results across a wider population
These are just a few of the most common flaws in creating cases reports. If you’re unsure consider looking at your competition in your field.
Some other brands or professionals are creating reports, such as this one. If you’re in that situation it is possible to build a similar report.
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Case studies of various types
There are six typical kinds of case reports. Depending on the field you work in you could employ one of these types.
- Descriptive case studies
- Explanatory cases
- Case reports from investigations
- Case studies that are intrinsically linked to the study
- Case studies with a purpose.
- Reports on collective cases
We provide more information about each kind of study in the following guide.
Descriptive case studies
If you already have an idea, you can plan the study in a descriptive manner. The report begins with an overview. The purpose is to identify connections between the subject that is being examined and a theory.
If these connections are discovered Once these connections are established, the study can be concluded. The findings of this kind of research will typically suggest how to develop a theoretical framework further.
A study such as the one below provides tangible results. A descriptive report could utilize the quantitative information as a basis for a deeper study of the subject thoroughly.
Explanatory cases
If an incident happens in the field the need for an explanation is needed. A detailed report will investigate the root of the incident. It will also provide explanations of the cause.
The report will also provide information about the consequences of the incident. In the majority of cases the report will use data to predict future events. The findings of the explanation report are conclusive.
It is important to note that there is not space for interpretation in this case. The results are definitive.
The case study below is an excellent illustration. It details how one brand utilized the services of another. The report concludes by providing conclusive proof that the collaboration worked.
Another possible example is in the automotive industry. When a vehicle fails to pass a test, an explanation study is conducted to discover the reasons. The results may reveal that the reason for the failure is because of a specific component.
Reports on cases that are exploratory
A report that explains the situation is a document that can be self-contained. An exploratory report is the start the process of investigation.
Exploratory cases are the basis for studies. It is typically done as a prelude to investigations of a larger scale. The results of the research are used to determine why additional studies are required.
An exploratory study could be used to provide ways to further investigate.
For instance, the analysis might have revealed inconclusive results. In such a case this would serve as the basis for a more in-depth investigation.
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Case studies that are intrinsically linked to the study
Intinsic research is more frequent in the area of psychology. They are also carried out in social or healthcare work.
These kinds of studies concentrate on a specific area, for example, an individual patient. Sometimes, they focus on groups that are close to the research.
The goal of these studies is to make you understand the subject more deeply. This involves learning about their past. Researchers will also study what they do in their surroundings.
If, for instance, the study was about a distinct brand It could be an original study.
When the research is completed after the study is completed, the researcher will have an understanding of the phenomenon. The phenomenon is likely to not have been investigated or discussed before.
Experiments of intrinsic case analysis are found throughout the field of psychology. For instance Jean Piaget’s theories about the development of cognition. He developed the theory based on the studies he conducted on his children.
Case studies with a purpose.
It is a different kind of research that is common in the fields of psychology and medicine. Instrumental reports are made to look at more than the subject matter.
If research is conducted as an objective purpose, the goal serves as the foundation for a bigger phenomenon. The subject is typically the most appropriate instance that the phenomenon. This is the reason it is being investigated.
Consider the hypothetical brand below.
Let’s assume that it’s studying ways to increase lead. It could want to prove visually-based marketing as the best lead generation method. Brands could conduct a case study to investigate the phenomenon.
FAQs regarding case studies
What is it that makes a case study an actual case study?
A case study is specific research method. They’re a comprehensive examination of a particular person or a group of people. They could also be a study of the community or the organization. Case reports analyze real-world events in a specific environment.
How much time should a case study be?
The length of your studies will depend on the field. It’s also dependent on the type of story you’re telling. The majority of cases must be between 500 and 1500 words in length. However, you can extend the length when you have more information to provide.
What should you inquire about in the case study?
The only thing you shouldn’t ask questions that are ‘yes’ or ‘no questions. The case studies you study are not quantitative. These types of questions will not provide the details you require.
Discuss with your clients the issues they encountered. Find out what solutions they have found. What do they consider to be the most effective solution. Allow them to ask additional questions. This will aid in building the research.
Summary
Once you are aware of what a”case study” is it is time to start by creating one. They are an excellent way to analyze brands. They also serve in various other areas.
