How to Approach a Case Study
A case study examines a phenomenon, person, event, or any other subject of analysis. However, it can take you weeks, if not months, to come up with a good case study. This is because you are required to develop a topic, state your hypothesis, and do thorough research.
The case study can also require both qualitative and quantitative research. And depending on the topic and size of the study, your paper can be hundreds of pages. Finally, you need impressive research abilities and writing skills to handle a series of case studies. We provide this all-inclusive guide to help you in case study research and writing.
What is a Case Study?
The case study definition come in various forms. However, case study research is defined as a detailed, intensive, and systematic analysis of a group, person, or unit. This type of research assignment is commonly given to students pursuing degrees in marketing, business, psychology, medicine, law, among other disciplines.
Benefits and Limitations
The case study is one of the assignments used in obtaining accurate results on different projects. Besides, it effectively finds even minute features and details of a particular system, business, service, or product. However, during the research, you can face some benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, let us explore case studies from both sides to evaluate if they are still useful research methods.
Benefits
- Challenges Established Theories: A case study methodology can open new sides of an established theory. Of course, this is an indication that not all theories are correct. But, as a result, it provokes researchers to change them and make accurate findings.
- Extensive Thinking: Carrying out a case study will broaden your thinking horizons and enhance your analytical thinking. This method gives you better insights about a particular subject of research.
- Captures In-depth Details: A case study offers an exhaustive investigation of the subject. The data collected is, therefore, rich and accurate compared to any other method.
Limitations
- Time-consuming: Although the research provides successful results, it takes tons of effort and time. The process is long, detailed, and tiresome.
- Cannot be Generalized: Typically, case studies focus on one unit at a time and are unique. Therefore, they cannot be generalized to suit an entire process.
How to Write Case Studies?
Developing a compelling case study requires organizational skills. Usually, the paper follows an outline that helps you state your ideas expressively. Segment your study into the following sections for better writing.
- Executive summary– It outlines the aim of the study and the field of research.
- Findings – Investigate and identify the problems in a given subject.
- Discussion– Give an alternative solution to the identified problems
- Summary/Conclusion – Wrap up your findings. Make the sentences short and precise for easy understanding.
- Give Recommendations – Recommend a solution and justify your choice by explaining how it is a remedy for major problems. If possible, analyze the financial and time cost of the solution.
- Referencing- Ensure all citations are done correctly.
When to Do a Case Study
Cases studies help learners gain invaluable information concerning a particular event, person or group. Therefore, you can do a case study dissertation to get in-depth knowledge about one specific subject. In addition, the research allows you to explore hidden meanings or characteristics of a single unit.
Case Study Selection
Selecting a case study involves more than picking a topic and identifying a problem. A nursing case study seeks to analyze, interpret and discuss a subject extensively. To select a successful case study, ask yourself these questions.
- Can your case identify a problem and offer a solution?
- Does your case illuminate important insight?
- Does the study provide a counter-point to a prevailing assumption?
- Do you have enough research material and resources?
- Will the cases provide fresh ideas for future research?
Building A Theoretical Framework
Developing a dissertation case study involves explaining phenomena, making predictions and drawing connections. The theoretical framework lays a solid foundation for your research to interpret your findings and support the analysis. Build theoretical framework by:
- Picking Key Terms – Ensure you define key terms and discuss their objective.
- Analyze Relevant Theories– Aim to evaluate and compare approaches proposed by different authors critically.
- The relevance of your research – The theoretical research should indicate how the research fits in. You can decide to do a challenge or critique theory.
Collect Your Data (Where to Find Data)
Ideally, the case study research examines real-life situations. The student should use a methodical approach to ensure clarity and objectivity. You can gather evidence and information from primary and secondary sources.
Primary sources offer first-hand information, such as works of art, interviews, and statistical data. This means you have direct access to your research subject. On the other hand, secondary sources give you second-hand information, such as academic books, journals, magazines, and reviews.
Discussion and Analysis of the Case
Finalizing your case should restate your thesis and ensure you draw conclusions from the findings. The important thing is to evaluate your study to ensure the reader is informed. Do you think the findings are helpful for a better understanding of the current topic?
Be subjective and offer alternative explanations. Don’t forget to point out the limitations of your case studies. Finally, end your research with recommendations for further exploration.
Case Study Uses
Case studies help students to explore real situations and offer viable solutions. They come in different formats to allow learners to have a wide array of skills and knowledge. By studying and developing case study research, students develop their skills consequently. Therefore, cases studies can be used in:
- Making decisions in complex situations
- Solving problems
- Coping with life ambiguities
- Finding optimal elucidations in critical circumstances
Case Study Examples
- Case Study Examples Psychology -It focuses on a film or book character.
- Mental Health Case Study Examples– It explores various types of mental issues, sources, and diagnoses.
- Business Case Study Examples– It examines specific dilemmas in the business arena and how to solve them.
- Marketing Case Study Examples– Crafting a good case study template for marketing will help prospects understand the buyer’s journey. It also tells readers about your marketing exertions.
Writing a fascinating case study can be overwhelming. You are expected to do intensive research and deliver a quality paper. Are you overloaded? Fortunately, nursingassignmentservice.com can offer professional case study help with guaranteed anonymity and 100% authentic assignment.
