Case Study Design

Case Study
“ A strategy for doing research which involves
an empirical investigation of a particular
contemporary phenomenon within it’s real life
context using multiple sources evidence “
(Robson 1993, p.146)
A Case Study may be:
• Descriptive
• Exploratory
• Explanatory
Focused on
• Process- how was it done?
• Outcome- does it work?
 Case Study Design

• A case study design is a problem solving technique

that the study is described from the past, present,
and future.
• Some writers categorize this method under
descriptive. But it is more distinct, if this technique
is placed in another design which is independent
from the other.
• Case study design is an intensive
investigation of a particular individual,
institution, community, or any group
considered as a unit which includes the
developmental, adjustment, remedial, or
corrective procedures that suitably follow
diagnosis at the causes of maladjustments or
of favorable development.
• This method is usually applied by guidance
counselors, midwives, nurses, physicians,
psychologists and educators.
• The case study is not only limited to
conditions of maladjustment such as a
behavior problem, underprivileged community,
substandard institutions, but also to normal or
well-adjusted individuals, well-organized
communities or school which aid in
understanding the normal situation or well-
adjusted.
The Cycle of Case Study
Good and Scates (1972) presents the following steps as cycle of
case study
1. Recognition and determination of the status of the
phenomenon to be investigated.
2. Collection of data related to the factors or circumstances
associated with the given phenomenon.
3. Diagnosis or identification of casual factors as a basis for
remedial or developmental treatment.
4. Application of remedial or adjustment measures
5. Subsequent follow-up to determine the effectiveness of the
corrective or developmental measures applied.
For instance, A researcher wishes to determine the
reading disability of a child. He collects data through
interview, observation schedule, and tests. He analyzes
the factors associated with reading disability such as
physical, intellectual, pedagogical, emotional, social or
environmental. Then, he diagnosis the casual factors
as basis for remedial treatment. And he applies
remedial or adjustment measure to remove the cause
of poor performance in reading, i.e., correctly fitted
glasses.
Subsequent follow-up is necessary to ascertain the
effectiveness of the corrective measure applied.
This study takes a long period of time due to
case work done intensively or thoroughly.
Inferences are difficult to make due to limited
sampling.
 Thank you !

Madonna Luz Clarita Hugo BEEd-III