Case study research design and methods

Abstract

The case study is but one of several ways of doing social science research. Other ways include experiments, surveys, histories, and the analysis of archival information (as in economic studies). Each strategy has peculiar advantages and disadvantages, depending upon three conditions: (a) the type of research question, (b) the control an investigator has over actual behavioral events, and (c) the focus on contemporary as opposed to historical phenomena. In general, case studies are the preferred strategy when "how" or "why" questions are being posed, when the investigator has littlecontrol over events, and when the focus is on a contemporary phenomenon within some real-life context. Such "explanatory" case studies also can be complemented by two other types-"exploratory" and "descriptive" case studies. Regardless of the type of case study, investigators must exercise great care in designing and doing case studies to overcome the traditional criticisms of the method.