An important technique of social research is the case study. Frederice Leplay (1806 to 1882) was the first to apply this method to social science when he studied the “family budget”. Again, sociologist Herbert Spacer applied the comparative observation method of different cultures. Later, its use and expansion were found in various fields of social, medical and behavioral sciences to understand the emergence and development of social problems. In fact, today, case study is known as a social micro-analysis or macro-analysis. Its value is to reveal the nature of a specific problem and provide proper assistance in planning a healthy solution. Due to this, its use in practical needs in comparative behavior, medicine and society has gained considerable recognition. This method is being successfully applied in the fields of social work, law, medicine, psychiatry, education, sociology, psychology, economics, political science, etc.
Definition of Case Study:
Different scholars have expressed different views on the nature of case study. According to some, it is a method of social research. Others consider it as a research technique, analytical process, data presentation method, etc. However, some have not considered case study as a fundamental method of social research. P.V. Young (1984: 247) in his definition of case study has mentioned,
“A case study is a method of discovering and analyzing the life of a social unit – that unit may be an individual, a family, an institution, a cultural group or an entire community:
G.R. Adams and J.D.Schvaneveldt (1985:114) mentioned about the case study, “The case study is limited to one or a small number of incidents, the drivers and projections of the investigation are usually ext
ensive and the investigation process is extensive and deep.
Generally speaking, it can be said that the case study is a method by which a small, comprehensive and deep study of a unit, about which the researcher has intentions and adopts methods, is carried out.
Case Study Characteristics:
1. Case study is a descriptive, exploratory and exploratory technique of social research.
2. One or several individuals, groups, groups, institutions, events and situations are considered as a unit.
3. The unit strives to gain deep and extensive knowledge and explanation of all related issues.
4. This method is more application-oriented in solving problems.
5. It is a flexible research method.
6. It is a qualitative research method
Case Study Steps:
Case study method is not considered as a basic method of scientific research. In this context, George A. Lundburg has mentioned that case study method is not a scientific method at all but only an initial step of the scientific process. But at present, as this method is applied in real cases to solve various clinical and complex problems, an attempt is made to maintain scientific standards as much as possible in all its aspects. That is why case study has become based on a specific design or plan. Moreover, since the possibility of limitations and bias is relatively high, an attempt is made to reach conclusions by taking sufficient precautions. In order to work in a systematic and consistent manner, the general steps followed in this method are:
1.Selection of the necessary cases:
The work of a case study does not begin by selecting any problem or topic, but rather by selecting suitable cases that are considered to be examples of the researcher’s specific problem. All these relevant cases are actually considered as one unit. The depth and breadth of the problem is measured by considering all the relevant aspects of these units. For example, a researcher who wants to know about the rural poor can select a particular village and analyze its overall characteristics.
2. Formation of temporary assumptions:
In case studies, for the purpose of collecting accurate information, some assumptions are organized which are completely temporary and only helpful to maintain the relevance of the researcher. Because without guidance for such assumptions, there is a possibility of various irrelevant and biased elements being included in this case.
3. Selection of appropriate sources and media for collecting information:
In case studies, the necessary information is usually collected from multiple sources using various materials or media. There are mainly two sources of information.
A. Direct sources; such as: listening to the statements of the unit, observing the condition of the unit, etc.; and
B. Indirect sources; such as documents, records, literature, personal writings, etc.
In addition, observation, discussion, checklists, guides, etc. are notable among the techniques and methods used for collecting information. In order to increase the accuracy and reliability of the information at this stage of the case study, the selection of sources and materials needs to be done with sufficient care and skill. Moreover, it is advisable to make every possible effort to prevent bias by being free from the influence of different values.
4. Data collection: At this stage, when collecting acceptable data from different sources using multiple techniques, adequate prior knowledge and training is taken for the researcher and his/her data users about the purpose and method of case study, data collection techniques, etc. Moreover, careful supervision and cross-checking are maintained during data collection.
5. Data analysis: From the field level, the data is presented in a descriptive manner according to the purpose of the researchers by making it suitable for analysis.
6. Problem solving and follow-up: Geore J. Mouly mentioned, “Case study can be considered primarily as a diagnostic method and secondarily as a research technique”. For this reason, case studies conducted for various clinical needs try to find possible solutions to the related cases and follow up on their status later. That is, in the case study, there will be a decision on how to eliminate the problem of the related case. Moreover, there will also be instructions here on following up or following up the services provided according to the decision.
Case study advantages:
1. Deep and comprehensive understanding of different individuals, groups, groups, institutions, events and situations can be obtained;
2. The nature, impact, depth of a specific problem and its emergence and development can be found out here. No assumptions are required;
3. Sampling is not required here. However, it helps in sampling;
4. In this method, the self-confidence of the individual such as personality, attitude, emotion, mentality, etc. can be known.
5. Through this, new ideas, insights and guidance can be obtained about the individual;
6. This method is helpful in formulating hypotheses. In this context, Goode and Hatt (1952:332) said “…it is true that the deep insight gained through case study can help in formulating fruitful hypotheses for a later full-fledged research”;
7. This method prepares for later research;
8. Helps in developing appropriate data collection strategies.
Disadvantages and limitations:
1. This method has the potential to collect irrelevant, overly subjective, value-laden and biased information;
2. There is no scope for generalization and comparison;
3. Since the scope for following the scientific method is less, researchers can be mistaken about the conclusions reached in this method;
4. The absence of an immediate mechanism for verifying the information obtained and the tendency to consider contemporary objective issues reduce the accuracy and reliability of the research results.
5. To work in this method, it is necessary to have adequate knowledge, skills and experience, capacity and necessary resources such as documents, records, journals, etc., which are not always easily available.
