The document discusses case study methodology. It defines a case study as an empirical inquiry that examines a contemporary phenomenon in its real-life context. Case studies can be exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory. They have strengths like providing rich detail but limitations like difficulty establishing causation and potential for bias. The document outlines key parts of a case study and characteristics like being holistic and context-sensitive.

1. Case Study
Method

2. Introduction
• Yin (1984:23) defines the case study method as
an empirical inquiry that investigates a
contemporary phenomenon within its real-life
context.
• Considered robust research method.
• Best used when issues are with regards
to education and community-based
problems.

3. • Researchers in this method may
adopt either single-case or
multiple case design
depending on the issue.

4. Category of Case Study
• Yin(1984) notes three categories in case study
method namely exploratory, descriptive and
explanatory.
• Expository case study set to explore any
phenomena in the data which serves as a point of
interest to the researcher.
• Descriptive case study set to describe the natural
phenomena which occur within the data in
question.
• Explanatory case study examine the data closely
both at a surface and deep level in order to explain
the phenomena in the data.

5. • Other researchers also mention about other
categories of case study.
According to McDough and McDough (1997)
other categories include interpretative and
evaluative case studies.
Interpretative case studies, the researcher
aims to interpret the data by developing categories,
supporting or challenging the assumptions made
regarding them.
Evaluative case studies, the researcher goes
further by adding their judgment to the phenomena
found in the data.

6. Parts of Case Study
1. Overview
2. Executive summary
3. Introduction
4. Analysis
5. Alternative and decision
criteria
6. Recommendations and
Conclusions
7. References

7. Characteristics of well
constructed case study
1. Holistic
2. Context sensitive
3. Comprehensive

8. Strengths
• It may offer larger details about a particular phenomenon.
For instance, it may include narrative and a specific
description about a particular activity, personal relationship
or a group interpretation.
• The readers of a case study may obtain naturalistic
generalizations from personal or vicarious experience. i.e.
people can share and understand others’ social experience
• Case study provides a holistic interpretation and always refers
to a social context.

9. Limitations
• The researchers may not be able to cover all
issues and offer a scientific generalization
because they tend to have limited evidence, not
as many as quantitative research
• Costly method in terms of time and money
• Cause-Effect relationship is not established

10. Limitations
• Case studies often rely on subjective data,
such as the participants’ statements or the
researchers’ observations, because most case
studies focus on human experiences.
Consequently, data will vary based on the
participant’s description, opinion, and feeling.
• The result of the study has the tendency for a
biased interpretation.
Stake (2005)