The document discusses case study methodology. It defines a case study as an in-depth examination of a single instance or case that is investigated using multiple data sources. Case studies aim for a rich, detailed description of the case and its relationships. They study a phenomenon and its context. The document outlines characteristics of case studies such as depth over breadth and examining phenomena in their natural settings. It also describes different types of case studies including exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, longitudinal, historical, holistic, and embedded case studies. The document notes challenges with generalizing from case studies but possibilities such as developing concepts and theories. It discusses advantages like suitability for complex problems but also disadvantages like challenges in access and confusion.

1. IT3010
Research Methodology
Case study method
Name, title of the presentation

2. Figure 3.1 in: B. J. Oates, Researching Information Systems and Computing. London: Sage Publications, 2006.
The research process

3. Case study: Definition
• A case study focuses on one instance (case) of the
‘thing’ that is to be investigated.
– In-depth,
– Using multiple data generation methods,
– The goal: A rich and detailed description of the thing and its
relationships and processes.
• As opposed to surveys and experiments where the goal
is to eliminate complex relationships and focus on few
parameters.

4. J McGrath

5. Phenomenon (case) of study
Context
Phenomenon
Important to identify the edge
Case study
studies the
phenomenon,
its context, and
the relationship
between them.
Unit of analysis

6. Case study: Characteristics
• Depth rather than breadth
• Natural settings
• Holistic study
• Multiple sources and data generation methods

7. Types of case study
• Exploratory
– Used initially in order to define hypotheses about a new research topic.
– When there is little literature available about the research topic.
• Descriptive
– Describes without speculating about why things happened.
• Explanatory
– Tries to explain why things happened.

8. Types of case study
Time
Now
Historical study Longitudinal study
Contemporary study

9. Types of case study
Context
Phenomenon
Context
Phenomenon
Embedded
Unit of
Analysis 1
Embedded
Unit of
Analysis 2
Context
Phenomenon
Context
Phenomenon
Context
Phenomenon
Context
Phenomenon
Context
Phenomenon
Context
Phenomenon
Context
Phenomenon
Context
Phenomenon
U1 U2
U1 U2
U1 U2
U1 U2
Embedded
(multiple units
of analysis)
Holistic
(single unit
of analysis)
Single-case Designs Multiple-case Designs

10. Types of case study
• Typical instance: So typical that it can actually be
generalized.
• Extreme instance: If it works here, it will work
everywhere!
• Test-bed for theory: School example of an instantiation
of a theory.
• Convenience: The simplest. Because you were lazy.
• Unique opportunity: An offer you could not refuse.

11. Generalization
• Normally not required from a case study
– But not impossible.
• What type of findings can be generalized?
– Concepts, e.g. "boundary object", "informate", "coordination
mechanism".
– Theories, i.e. a theory that describes case A can describe also another
case B. Needs a large number of cases for proper validity.
• Build a theory, e.g. a grounded theory.
• Test a theory,
• Evaluate alternative theories.
– Implications, not as strong as theories but can guide decisions in
similar other cases.
– Rich insight, even if the researcher does not attempt to generalize.

12. Advantages and disadvantages
• Advantages:
– Good for complex problems with lots of parameters (social).
– Good where there is low degree of control (over e.g. parameters).
– Helps us understand attitudes, cultures, meanings and other non-
objective aspects of a situation.
• Disadvantages:
– It is not considered a hard-core method by the positivist camp.
– It is not an easy method.
– Can take time.
– Can be confusing (e.g. difficult to create good research questions).
– Can be difficult to get access to a good case.