The Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Research

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Research Introduction This work is to present the case study as a research approach, showing that its characterization is not an easy task, due mainly to its many different approaches and applications. It highlights its increasing importance as a research tool, exploring its origins, meanings and delineation as an investigation methodology. In order to demonstrate its application, it indicates its most common advantages and constraints, stressing the important role played by the researcher, who must be careful about generalizations, striving constantly for scientific rigor in the treatment of the subject. The case study method is considered a kind of qualitative analysis (GOODE, 1962) and has been considered, according to Yin (1994, p. 10): the weaker brother of the methods of Social Sciences. But despite the weaknesses and limitations, the case study has had widely use not only in social research, but also as a modality research, with applications in many other areas or in disciplines that has a strong orientation to legal practice and administration, besides being used for the preparation of theses and dissertations. The main objective of this work is to present the case study method as a research approach and to consider issues relevant for the conduct using this method, analyzing its advantages and disadvantages that should be considered in light of the kinds of problems and questions to be answered. Case study can accomplish many of the same goals as other methods. For example, the case study can be exploratory (create new knowledge), constructive (solve some problem), or confirmatory (test a hypothesis with empirical evidence). The case study can also use either a primary (the researcher collects the data) or secondary (the researcher uses someone elses data) approach. In the view of Yin, à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"the case study represents an empirical research that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, and includes a method comprehensive, with the logic of planning, gathering and data analysis.à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  Can include both single case studies as multiple, as well as quantitative approaches and qualitative research. (Yin 1994 p.23), help us, he says, to understand and distinguish the case study method to other research strategies such as the historical method and in-depth interview, the experimental method and survey. The method often is presented as being more appropriate for exploratory research and particularly useful for hypothesis generation and this may have contributed to complicate the understanding of what the study method cases, how it is designed and conducted. (Yin, 1994) According to different authors, the case study has originated in medical research and psychological research, with analysis in detail of an individual case that explains the dynamics and pathology of a given disease. With this procedure it is assumed that one can acquire knowledge of the phenomenon studied from intense exploration of a single case. Besides the medical and psychological, it became a major methods of qualitative research in human and social sciences. Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Research Cast in a narrative format, descriptive case studies can make complex science and technology projects accessible and interesting to a non-scientist audience. The potential scope of the case study format is flexible and broad, ranging from brief descriptive summaries to long, detailed accounts. Using a storytelling approach, the evaluator may present the genesis of ideas, explore what happened and why, give an account of the human side of a project, explain goals, explore project dynamics, investigate particular phenomenon, and present outcomes in their complexity without being subject to the confines inherent in most other evaluation methods. The freedom to collect multiple kinds of information makes the case study method useful for exploring ideas and constructing theories about program or project dynamics. Despite its advantages, the case study method is traditionally considered to have several major limitations as an evaluation tool. Descriptive case studies are qualitative and unreliable. And, whether qualitative or quantitative, case studies typically relate to single projects, or, at best, small clusters of projects, such that their results usually cannot be generalized to the entire portfolio of projects. Noting that distinguished scholars frequently use case study as a method of analysis, Yin, in his landmark book on case studies, asks, If the case study method has serious weaknesses, why do investigators continue to use it? (Yin, 1994) Among the possible explanations Yin considers are that people are not trained in the use of other methods, or, for governmentally sponsored research, that the difficult permission procedures required for surveys and questionnaires have made their use a bureaucratically hazardous affair, leading researchers to the case study method, which is relatively unencumbered by restrictions and requirements. Identifying three types of case studies à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory, Yin argues that the case study method qualifies as a serious research tool. He states, In general, case studies are the preferred strategy when how or why questions are being posed, when the investigator has little control over events, and when the focus is on a contemporary phenomenon within some real-life context. (Yin 1994 p.1) One of the biggest disadvantages to using the case study method has to do with external vs. internal validity. Using the case study method, the researcher often does not have control over certain variables and events and, therefore, cannot control them as the researcher could in a lab experiment Consequently, the researcher using the case study method must be content that his/her findings may only be applicable to similar cases. What the case study gains in internal validity, it loses in external validity. Construct validity is especially problematic in case study research. It has been a source of criticism because of potential investigator subjectivity. Yin proposed three remedies to counteract this: using multiple sources of evidence, establishing a chain of evidence, and having a draft case study report reviewed by key informants. Internal validity is a concern only in causal (explanatory) cases. This is usually a problem of inferences in case studies, and can be dealt with using pattern-matching, which has been described above. (Yin 1994) External validity deals with knowing whether the results are generalizable beyond the immediate case. Some of the criticism against case studies in this area relate to single-case studies. However, that criticism is directed at the statistical and not the analytical generalization that is the basis of case studies. Reliability is achieved in many ways in a case study. One of the most important methods is the development of the case study protocol. The secondary data is data previously gathered and recorded by other researchers. There are many advantages and disadvantages to using secondary data for research purposes. One of the most important advantages is the fact that a research can be built on previous research using required experience and knowledge. Moreover, secondary data are usually much cheaper than primary data and very often is freely provided. In addition to this, the collection of secondary data can be extremely rapid due to high-tech information accessibility and other media. However, the disadvantages of secondary data are equally very important and it must be gathered and used carefully. In most cases such data have been taken during past research with a specific target and this may not link with other research. Therefore, the circumstances under which secondary data have been created should be examined in detail; otherwise it has no value at all for further research (Zikmund, 2003). When a researcher uses this kind of data he/she should be aware of the time period these data refer to. Another disadvantage of secondary data is that researchers sometimes give different definitions for the same problem making the estimation of the final research result confusing. In addition, there can be many other difficulties when using secondary data. The researcher has to know extensive details about the process which has produced the data, such as the samples that have been used and whether the process has taken all the necessary into account. In many cases, adequate information is very difficult to be found or even impossible (Zikmund, 2003). Quantitative data also has advantages and disadvantages. A major advantage is that it is numerous and it is easily understood. Furthermore, the results are subjective. This means that if it is a result of a large sample, this result can be generally applied and it is scientific. Another great advantage is that quantitative data is considered as reliable. This means that if a researcher repeats research following the same process, he will find the same results. A major disadvantage of this kind of data is that they are narrow. In other words, it represents a reality without providing any explanation for the result. In a way, it gives picture of the symptoms and not the real problem. Qualitative data also has advantages and disadvantages. A major advantage is that produces more in-depth, comprehensive information. It emphasizes the importance of looking at variables in the natural setting in which they are found. Use subjective information and participant observation to describe the context, of natural setting, of the variables under consideration, as well as the interaction of different variables in context. A major disadvantage of this type of data is that the very subjectivity of the inquiry leads to difficulties in establishing the reliability and validity of the approaches and information. It is very difficult to prevent or detect researcher induced bias. Its scope is limited due to the in-depth, comprehensive data gathering approaches required. In conclusion this work presents some discussion of case study in terms of its advantages and disadvantages. Case studies are considered valuable in research as they enable researchers to examine data at depth analysis. As an alternative to quantitative or qualitative research, case studies can be a practical solution when a large sample population is difficult to gain. Although case studies have various advantages, in that they present data of real-life situations and they provide better understandings into the detailed behaviours of the topics of interest. The case study method, like all research methods, is more appropriate for some situations than others. When deciding to use this method of research, an investigator should keep in mind the dangers and criticisms that are usually made to the method in question and must take precautions and care necessary to avoid them or minimize their consequences. Nevertheless, the Case Study Method offers significant opportunities for the researcher; it may facilitate the study of many cases that wanted to be investigated. This method, as well as qualitative methods is useful when the phenomenon being studied is large and complex, where the body of knowledge is insufficient to support the proposition of causal questions, and where the phenomenon cannot be studied outside the context where it naturally occurs. The researcher must use the designated data gathering tools systematically and properly in collecting the evidence and need to define its object study, the type of research focus, control that the investigator has over actual issues, and the focus on contemporary phenomenon rather than historical and, from there, build a research process, limiting the universe to be studied. Throughout the design phase, researchers must ensure that the study is well constructed to ensure construct validity, internal validity, external validity, and reliability. A common point among several authors (GOODE, 1962 and Yin, 1994) is a recommendation for great care when the design phase, researchers must ensure that the study is well constructed to ensure construct validity, internal validity, external validity, and reliability. Like all research has advantages and limitations of its application, and deserves the care needed when the search for generalizations. Case study method has always been criticised for its lack of rigour and the tendency for a researcher to have a biased interpretation of the data. But despite the criticisms, weaknesses and limitations, the case study has had widely used in all areas. However, its importance is undeniable as an instrument research and the study should be located in academic discussion. External validity reflects whether or not findings are generalizable beyond the immediate case or cases; the more variations in places, people, and procedures a case study can withstand and still yield the same findings, the more external validity. Techniques such as cross-case examination and within-case examination along with literature review help ensure external validity. Reliability refers to the stability, accuracy, and precision of measurement. Exemplary case study design ensures that the procedures used are well documented and can be repeated with the same results over and over again.

The Four Topics Method of Analysis: A Pregnant Accident Victim Essay

The Four Topics Method of Analysis is a tool developed by clinical ethicists used to examine clinical encounters. This method provides a consistent, organized framework for gathering information regarding the encounter in order to perform analysis. The method is organized into four parts: Medical Indications, Patient Preferences, Quality of Life, and Contextual Features. We can organize information regarding this case study by using the Four Topics Method beginning with the Medical Indications. Maria, a 20-year-old female, has been involved in a motor vehicle accident. She has a history of Sickle Cell disease and is currently twenty-five weeks pregnant with her first child. Initially Maria presents with somewhat stable vital signs. She displays tachypnea, and complains of severe abdominal cramping as well as weakness, light-headedness and left shoulder pain. She is neurologically intact with lung sounds that are within defined parameters. Maria’s condition changes and she begins to display signs and symptoms of internal bleeding. This is a life threatening condition. The problem is critical and can be reversed with a transfusion and surgery. The goal of transfusion would be to replace blood loss and restore vascular volume and the goal of surgery would be to repair the bleed. If the bleed is corrected in a timely manner and without c omplication, the probabilities of success are somewhat high. There is no plan in place to account for therapeutic failure. Medical care in this instance could not only save the life of this patient but also that of her unborn child. Further harm to Maria and her baby could be avoided if she would agree to the treatment. The next area to consider is Patient Preferences. In th... ...s driven by non-maleficence, or the intent to â€Å"do no harm†. They know that withholding treatment for religious beliefs will potentially be fatal to both. While Maria is acting out of loyalty to her religious beliefs, the medical staff is acting out of loyalty to the patient’s well being and that of her unborn child. It would be unfair if no party were acting on behalf of that child. In conclusion, providers in this case must pursue every option in delivering life saving treatment for this child. This may involve legal action. If it were just Maria providers may attempt to influence her decision, but ultimately it would be up to her to refuse suggested treatment. Since her decision affects the life of the baby providers are called upon to save that child . Works Cited Unborn Victims of Violence Act, 10 and 18 U.S.C.  § 1841 et seq. (Cornell Law 2004).

Madam & Eve

The story takes place in South Africa. The main characters are Madam Eve and her daughter, Thandi. During the apatheid Eve was Madam's slave, since the end they remained good friends. 1. It is the first school day for Thandi a black young girl. Her mother and madam and Madam accompanies her to the entrance of school and say her to enjoy herself. 2. Thandi meets two school young-boy-white. 3. One asks Thandi for what she is here. And the other one adds that this school was a great school until people as Thandi arrives. 4. By far Madam and Eve look at the scene and think Thandi is again a victim of rascisme. 5. Madam querels them, by explaining them that now it is the new South Africa. Where blacks and whites live together and have the same rights. 6. The boys are surprised of reactions of the ladies. Because the problem is not the skin colour of thandi, but the fact whether she is a girl. Cause this school used to an all-boys school. 7. A third black little boy makes his appearance. To show and press on the fact that the blacks are not a problem in this school but the girls yes! Furthermore for them the girls are Yucky !! 8. Madam et Eve Smile 9. But Thandi does not want that they get away like that. Conclusion : To conclude, we can say that this comic strip raises the new problem of this society, the sexism.

Lord Of The Flies Critical Analysis - 1864 Words

â€Å"This book is terrible, I don t get it, and it doesn t even make sense,† that s what most people would say about The Lord of the Flies. The reason such things are said about the book is because most don t pick up on underlying themes and metaphors William Golding uses to convey the terrifying message of the savageness that lives within all of us. Golding’s style of ambiguity, his character choice, and symbols bring the work together to express a powerful message of self control and awareness to ourselves and others. His ambiguous style creates a sort of humanity in the narrator to show the absolute insanity of the characters. Golding uses the persona of certain characters in the beginning of the book to explain their behavior in the†¦show more content†¦Golding portrayed the most intense and important scenes with no solid answer as to what happened because the reader knows that they ve died but without confirmation from the author the reader is left to gue ss what really happened and question their instinctive knowledge. The style could be described as a manipulative way to write knowing that it will make people question themselves and what they know subconsciously. Quotes are used to convey how people are feeling through others words that they can t express themselves or what stands out as truthful or is what resonates within someone. Quotes are small pieces of someone s work that make the reader feel the most. Some quotes are from characters that the reader most relates to, or the ones that they hate beyond compare, or from the omniscient narrator that tells all. One of the most memorable quotes in Lord of the Flies is on page 202, â€Å"And in the middle of them, with filthy body, matted hair, and an unwiped nose, Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.† Ralph had witnessed the murder of his only friend on the island and had no time to stop and cry or mourn for him. He was being hunted by the ones who once stood by his side to be killed like a pig. During the hunt ofShow MoreRelatedLord Of The Flies Critical Analysis1467 Words   |  6 PagesLord of the Flies is a twisted tale that blends the savagery of the human race with the civilization of everyday life. Golding shows that authority can corrupt the mind of those who try to abuse their power in the wrong way. Golding wrote in a manner that was realistic in order to show the imperfections of human nature. There was more significance behind the simple elegance of his words than just a fictional story. The many layers prevalent throughout the novel must be peeled back one by one in orderRead MoreLord Of The Flies Critical Analysis877 Words   |  4 PagesThe human nature according to Sigmund Freud is composed of three psyches, the id, the ego and the superego which play an important role in the decision making human brain. In the book, Lord Of The Fli es, William Golding analyzes these three components of the psychic composition of the human brain, its various manifestations and how it plays in during the formation of a government. In the book, a group of young English schoolboys, land on an abandoned island in the infancy of World War II, whereRead MoreLord Of The Flies Critical Analysis815 Words   |  4 PagesWilliam Golding, the author of Lord of the Flies, was in the British Royal Navy during WWII and witnessed first hand what happened. â€Å"Such a reading takes into account the state of the world at the end of World War II† (Henningfeld 188). In the war, he fought battleships and also was put in command of rocket-launching craft. Being a soldier in WWII helped influence on why he wrote the novel, Lord of the Flies. He was also a teacher to young British schoolboys, and that also helped him create the charactersRead MoreThe Lord Of The Flies Critical Analysis1055 Words   |  5 Pageslife, but are still taught in school, a book should teach a lesson or give food for thought, this book does. The Lord of the Flies is a novel that has become a mainstay in high school literature for decades, some detractors of this book believe that, since it has nothing to do with high school teens, its main audience, it should be removed from public schools. However, the Lord of the Flies acts as a social experiment, allowing for discussion of the way rules control our interactions in society. InRead MoreLord Of The Flies Critical Analysis1916 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"Lord of the Flies† is an outstanding, unique, and captivating novel written by the memorable William Golding. The novel is well written and eye-opening despite being relatively short and easily understandable. Golding provides a new perspective on the true nature within every person that will shock readers and leave them wondering the truth. The descriptive and gloomy diction within â€Å"Lord of the Flies† keeps readers intrigue d and never bored. William Golding writes with an eerie and dark tone thatRead MoreLord Of The Flies Critical Analysis2006 Words   |  9 Pagesto answer is the judgment and greed that consumes the mind of all mortals. For these reasons, it is painfully obvious that the grim grotesque core in all humans is what William Golding desperately delineates to the audience of readers in the Lord of the Flies. He created children who were nothing more than average boys and rattled their conflicts and created tension and corruption. Another key point the boys have in the deep meaning of the book is the personalities they begin with and the ones theyRead MoreLord of the Flies Critical Analysis Essay767 Words   |  4 PagesIn the novel Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, Golding illustrates many different themes. One of the themes he demonstrates is being away from a civilized society causes a person to become barbaric. Throughout the novel the conflict is demonstrated between Jack and Ralph who represent s avagery vs. civilization. The ways Golding demonstrates this theme is how the boys’ language changes throughout the story. Also the way their behavior changes, and how they lose their identities through out theRead MoreLord Of The Flies Critical Analysis Essay940 Words   |  4 PagesLord Of The Flies by William Golding William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, contributes many pessimistic events that overrule the good, but there are some optimistic inputs that are added to the story. Ralph, Jack and all the other boys have been trapped on an island with very little resources, and are basically doomed from the beginning, but they all have hope including Ralph. Golding has included hope into bad situations such as Ralphs defiance to Jack’s tribe, Sam and Erics refusal to betrayRead MoreSocietal Breakdown On The Island1720 Words   |  7 PagesSocietal breakdown on the island in ‘Lord of the Flies’ is due to the inherent evil of man 3.8: Develop an informed understanding of literature and/or language using critical texts. 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