c examination of the subject which allows for the perspective or worldview of the subject to enter the research equation. The case study has four aspects that make it advantageous and four that inherently limit its use for research. The following table shows the advantages and limitations of the case study for research:
CASE STUDY RESEARCH ADVANTAGES & LIMITATIONS
______________________________________________________________________________
Case studies focus on only one individual or one thing (e.g., a person or school district). This allows for very close examination and scrutiny and the collection of a great deal of detailed data.
Case studies encourage the use of several different techniques to get the necessary information ranging from personal observations to interviews of others who might know the focus of the case study to schools’ or doctors’ records regarding health and other matters.
There is simply no other way to get a richer account of what is occurring than through a case study.
While case studies do not necessarily result in hypotheses being tested, they suggest directions for further study.
The case study if the most time-consuming research method imaginable. Data need collected in a wide variety of settings, under a variety of conditions.
The notes you record in a log or journal may accurately reflect reality or what is being observed or they may not. Researchers must try not to let bias interfere with data collection and interpretation.
What case studies make up for in depth, they lack in breadth. They are not nearly as comprehensive as other research methods.
No cause-and-effect conclusions are possible from the case study approach. There is insufficient data to conclude that a cause-effect relationship exists and is not the purpose of the method. Study of causal relationship require different research tools.
This analysis will analyze the use of the case study method a...