The case study method involves a comprehensive observation of a social unit, such as individuals or groups, aimed at collecting detailed information. Key assumptions include uniformity of human nature and the applicability of findings across similar cases. Despite its limitations, such as potential for false generalization and time consumption, the method remains valuable in social science research when conducted by skilled researchers.

1. Case Study Method
T. THIRUVENKADAM
Lecturer
Sri Ramachandra College of
Management

2. Definition
 According to Pauline V. Young, “A
comprehensive study of a social unit, be
that unit a person, a group, a social
institution, a district or a community is
called a case study”.
 The case study method means a careful
and complete observation of a social unit.
This is a very popular method of collecting
information about personal life of an
individual or a group of persons.

3. Assumptions of Case-study Method
1. Uniformity of Human nature: the assumptions
of uniformity in the basic human nature in spite
of the fact that human behaviour may vary
according to situations. This assumption
underlines the collection of case-data.
2. Natural history of the unit
3. Applicability: Psychologists have stated that
some statements about human nature broadly
apply to each individual or to each member of a
large group.
4. Homogeneity: Case study is possible only
because of certain basic homogeneity or
similarity evidenced in the making.

4. Major phases / steps of case study
1. Defining or discovering or identifying the
specific problem
2. Collection of data and history of the
given phenomena
3. Analysis of problem
4. Application of remedial measures
5. Evaluating, finding and establishing
conclusions
6. Follow-up program: to determine the
effectiveness of the treatment applied.

5. Characteristics of the case study
method
1. Single unit analysis
2. Intensive study
3. Integrated study
4. Interrelationship can be studied
5. Behaviour pattern can be studies
6. It helps to generalize social science
7. Flexible method

6. Sources of case study method
 Personal documents
 Life history

7. Limitations of case study method
1. It develops overconfidence
2. False generalization
3. It consumes more time, money and man-power
4. Unscientific, unsystematic and invariable method
5. It is difficult to apply
6. It is seldom comparable
7. The scope for errors
8. Objectivity is lost
9. Not useful for quantitative studies
10. Unrealistic assumptions
11. Limited scope

8. Conclusion
 In spite of the several limitations and
shortcomings faced by the case study
method, it has been widely used in social
science research.
 If the researcher is conscious enough, well
trained and skilled he can apply modern
techniques of data collecting, classifying
and processing the same and thus can
reduce the shortcomings of the technique.