Four types: single holistic, single embedded, multiple holistic, multiple embedded
The post-positive paradigm postulates there is one reality that can be objectively described and understood by “bracketing” oneself from the research to remove prejudice or bias. 27 Yin focuses on general explanation and prediction, emphasizing the formulation of propositions, akin to hypothesis testing. This approach is best suited for structured and objective data collection 9 , 11 and is often used for mixed-method studies.
Constructivism assumes that the phenomenon of interest is constructed and influenced by local contexts, including the interaction between researchers, individuals, and their environment. 27 It acknowledges multiple interpretations of reality 24 constructed within the context by the researcher and participants which are unlikely to be replicated, should either change. 5 , 20 Stake and Merriam’s constructivist approaches emphasize a story-like rendering of a problem and an iterative process of constructing the case study. 7 This stance values researcher reflexivity and transparency, 28 acknowledging how researchers’ experiences and disciplinary lenses influence their assumptions and beliefs about the nature of the phenomenon and development of the findings.
A key tenet of case study methodology often underemphasized in literature is the importance of defining the case and phenomenon. Researches should clearly describe the case with sufficient detail to allow readers to fully understand the setting and context and determine applicability. Trying to answer a question that is too broad often leads to an unclear definition of the case and phenomenon. 20 Cases should therefore be bound by time and place to ensure rigor and feasibility. 6
Yin 22 defines a case as “a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context,” (p13) which may contain a single unit of analysis, including individuals, programs, corporations, or clinics 29 (holistic), or be broken into sub-units of analysis, such as projects, meetings, roles, or locations within the case (embedded). 30 Merriam 24 and Stake 5 similarly define a case as a single unit studied within a bounded system. Stake 5 , 23 suggests bounding cases by contexts and experiences where the phenomenon of interest can be a program, process, or experience. However, the line between the case and phenomenon can become muddy. For guidance, Stake 5 , 23 describes the case as the noun or entity and the phenomenon of interest as the verb, functioning, or activity of the case.
Yin’s approach to a case study is rooted in a formal proposition or theory which guides the case and is used to test the outcome. 1 Stake 5 advocates for a flexible design and explicitly states that data collection and analysis may commence at any point. Merriam’s 24 approach blends both Yin and Stake’s, allowing the necessary flexibility in data collection and analysis to meet the needs.
Yin 30 proposed three types of case study approaches—descriptive, explanatory, and exploratory. Each can be designed around single or multiple cases, creating six basic case study methodologies. Descriptive studies provide a rich description of the phenomenon within its context, which can be helpful in developing theories. To test a theory or determine cause and effect relationships, researchers can use an explanatory design. An exploratory model is typically used in the pilot-test phase to develop propositions (eg, Sibbald et al. 31 used this approach to explore interprofessional network complexity). Despite having distinct characteristics, the boundaries between case study types are flexible with significant overlap. 30 Each has five key components: (1) research question; (2) proposition; (3) unit of analysis; (4) logical linking that connects the theory with proposition; and (5) criteria for analyzing findings.
Contrary to Yin, Stake 5 believes the research process cannot be planned in its entirety because research evolves as it is performed. Consequently, researchers can adjust the design of their methods even after data collection has begun. Stake 5 classifies case studies into three categories: intrinsic, instrumental, and collective/multiple. Intrinsic case studies focus on gaining a better understanding of the case. These are often undertaken when the researcher has an interest in a specific case. Instrumental case study is used when the case itself is not of the utmost importance, and the issue or phenomenon (ie, the research question) being explored becomes the focus instead (eg, Paciocco 32 used an instrumental case study to evaluate the implementation of a chronic disease management program). 5 Collective designs are rooted in an instrumental case study and include multiple cases to gain an in-depth understanding of the complexity and particularity of a phenomenon across diverse contexts. 5 , 23 In collective designs, studying similarities and differences between the cases allows the phenomenon to be understood more intimately (for examples of this in the field, see van Zelm et al. 33 and Burrows et al. 34 In addition, Sibbald et al. 35 present an example where a cross-case analysis method is used to compare instrumental cases).
Merriam’s approach is flexible (similar to Stake) as well as stepwise and linear (similar to Yin). She advocates for conducting a literature review before designing the study to better understand the theoretical underpinnings. 24 , 25 Unlike Stake or Yin, Merriam proposes a step-by-step guide for researchers to design a case study. These steps include performing a literature review, creating a theoretical framework, identifying the problem, creating and refining the research question(s), and selecting a study sample that fits the question(s). 24 , 25 , 36
Using multiple data collection methods is a key characteristic of all case study methodology; it enhances the credibility of the findings by allowing different facets and views of the phenomenon to be explored. 23 Common methods include interviews, focus groups, observation, and document analysis. 5 , 37 By seeking patterns within and across data sources, a thick description of the case can be generated to support a greater understanding and interpretation of the whole phenomenon. 5 , 17 , 20 , 23 This technique is called triangulation and is used to explore cases with greater accuracy. 5 Although Stake 5 maintains case study is most often used in qualitative research, Yin 17 supports a mix of both quantitative and qualitative methods to triangulate data. This deliberate convergence of data sources (or mixed methods) allows researchers to find greater depth in their analysis and develop converging lines of inquiry. For example, case studies evaluating interventions commonly use qualitative interviews to describe the implementation process, barriers, and facilitators paired with a quantitative survey of comparative outcomes and effectiveness. 33 , 38 , 39
Yin 30 describes analysis as dependent on the chosen approach, whether it be (1) deductive and rely on theoretical propositions; (2) inductive and analyze data from the “ground up”; (3) organized to create a case description; or (4) used to examine plausible rival explanations. According to Yin’s 40 approach to descriptive case studies, carefully considering theory development is an important part of study design. “Theory” refers to field-relevant propositions, commonly agreed upon assumptions, or fully developed theories. 40 Stake 5 advocates for using the researcher’s intuition and impression to guide analysis through a categorical aggregation and direct interpretation. Merriam 24 uses six different methods to guide the “process of making meaning” (p178) : (1) ethnographic analysis; (2) narrative analysis; (3) phenomenological analysis; (4) constant comparative method; (5) content analysis; and (6) analytic induction.
Drawing upon a theoretical or conceptual framework to inform analysis improves the quality of case study and avoids the risk of description without meaning. 18 Using Stake’s 5 approach, researchers rely on protocols and previous knowledge to help make sense of new ideas; theory can guide the research and assist researchers in understanding how new information fits into existing knowledge.
Columbia University has recently demonstrated how case studies can help train future health leaders. 41 Case studies encompass components of systems thinking—considering connections and interactions between components of a system, alongside the implications and consequences of those relationships—to equip health leaders with tools to tackle global health issues. 41 Greenwood 42 evaluated Indigenous peoples’ relationship with the healthcare system in British Columbia and used a case study to challenge and educate health leaders across the country to enhance culturally sensitive health service environments.
An important but often omitted step in case study research is an assessment of quality and rigour. We recommend using a framework or set of criteria to assess the rigour of the qualitative research. Suitable resources include Caelli et al., 43 Houghten et al., 44 Ravenek and Rudman, 45 and Tracy. 46
Although “pragmatic” case studies (ie, utilizing practical and applicable methods) have existed within psychotherapy for some time, 47 , 48 only recently has the applicability of pragmatism as an underlying paradigmatic perspective been considered in HSR. 49 This is marked by uptake of pragmatism in Randomized Control Trials, recognizing that “gold standard” testing conditions do not reflect the reality of clinical settings 50 , 51 nor do a handful of epistemologically guided methodologies suit every research inquiry.
Pragmatism positions the research question as the basis for methodological choices, rather than a theory or epistemology, allowing researchers to pursue the most practical approach to understanding a problem or discovering an actionable solution. 52 Mixed methods are commonly used to create a deeper understanding of the case through converging qualitative and quantitative data. 52 Pragmatic case study is suited to HSR because its flexibility throughout the research process accommodates complexity, ever-changing systems, and disruptions to research plans. 49 , 50 Much like case study, pragmatism has been criticized for its flexibility and use when other approaches are seemingly ill-fit. 53 , 54 Similarly, authors argue that this results from a lack of investigation and proper application rather than a reflection of validity, legitimizing the need for more exploration and conversation among researchers and practitioners. 55
Although occasionally misunderstood as a less rigourous research methodology, 8 case study research is highly flexible and allows for contextual nuances. 5 , 6 Its use is valuable when the researcher desires a thorough understanding of a phenomenon or case bound by context. 11 If needed, multiple similar cases can be studied simultaneously, or one case within another. 16 , 17 There are currently three main approaches to case study, 5 , 17 , 24 each with their own definitions of a case, ontological and epistemological paradigms, methodologies, and data collection and analysis procedures. 37
Individuals’ experiences within health systems are influenced heavily by contextual factors, participant experience, and intricate relationships between different organizations and actors. 55 Case study research is well suited for HSR because it can track and examine these complex relationships and systems as they evolve over time. 6 , 7 It is important that researchers and health leaders using this methodology understand its key tenets and how to conduct a proper case study. Although there are many examples of case study in action, they are often under-reported and, when reported, not rigorously conducted. 9 Thus, decision-makers and health leaders should use these examples with caution. The proper reporting of case studies is necessary to bolster their credibility in HSR literature and provide readers sufficient information to critically assess the methodology. We also call on health leaders who frequently use case studies 56 – 58 to report them in the primary research literature.
The purpose of this article is to advocate for the continued and advanced use of case study in HSR and to provide literature-based guidance for decision-makers, policy-makers, and health leaders on how to engage in, read, and interpret findings from case study research. As health systems progress and evolve, the application of case study research will continue to increase as researchers and health leaders aim to capture the inherent complexities, nuances, and contextual factors. 7
Published by Alvin Nicolas at August 14th, 2021 , Revised On August 29, 2023
A case study is a documented history and detailed analysis of a situation concerning organisations, industries, and markets.
A case study:
You can use a case study in your research when:
You can consider a single case to gain in-depth knowledge about the subject, or you can choose multiple cases to know about various aspects of your research problem .
There are different types of case studies that can be categorised based on the purpose of the investigation.
Types of Case Study | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
Explanatory case study | Explanatory research is used to determine the answers to and two or more variables are interrelated. Researchers usually conduct experiments to know the effect of specific changes among two or more variables. | A study to identify the impact of a nutritious diet on pregnant women. |
Exploratory case study | Exploratory research is conducted to understand the nature of the problem. It does not focus on finding evidence or a conclusion of the problem. It studies the problem to explore the research in-depth and covers such topics that were not considered before. | An investigation of the growing crimes against women in India. |
Descriptive case study | is carried out to describe real-life situations, programs. It provides information about the issue through surveys and various fact-finding methods. | The widespread contaminated diseases in a specific area of the town. Investigation reveals that there is no trash removal system in that area. A researcher can hypothesise why the improper trash removal system leads to the widespread of contaminated disease. |
Intrinsic case study | This type of case study is conducted to get an in-depth understanding of a specific case. | A case study of the academic performance of class 12th students. |
Instrumental case study | This type of case study supports other interests by providing a base to understand other issues. | The challenges of learning a new language can be studied in a case study of a bilingual school. |
Collective/Multiple case study | A researcher focuses on a single issue but selects multiple cases. It aims at analysing various cases. A researcher repeats the procedures for each case. | If you want to research the national child care program, you also need to focus on a child’s services agencies, reasons for child labour, or abandonment, as they may be separate cases that are interrelated to your case. These multiple cases may help you find your primary answers and uncover various other facts about the other relevant cases. |
Longitudinal cumulative case study | Researchers collect the information at multiple points in time. Usually, a specific group of participants is selected and examined numerous times at various periods. | A researcher experiments on a group of women to determine the impact of a low-carb diet within six months. The women’s weight and a health check-up will be done multiple times to get the study’s evidence. |
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The first step is to select a case to conduct your investigation. You should remember the following points.
It’s necessary to formulate a research question to proceed with your case study. Most of the research questions begin with how, why, what, or what can .
You can also use a research statement instead of a research question to conduct your research which can be conditional or non-conditional.
Case Topic | Research Question | Research Statement |
---|---|---|
The process of decision making of men between 25-40 years | How do men between 25 and 40 decide whether to set up their own business or continue their job? What factors influence their decision? | There is a difference between decision-making among the men of 25-30 years of age related to their career options. |
The experience of 25-40 years while choosing their career options whether to set up their business or take a job. | How do men of 25-40 years of age describe their experiences of doing a job and running their own business? Do these experiences influence their decision-making related to their career? | Men of 25-30 years of age share various experiences related to their field of work. These experiences play a crucial role in deciding on their career. |
The decision-making of 25-40 years of age attending various seminars of career guidance. | How do men of 25-30 years of age attending various career guidance seminars describe their decision-making related to their career? | Men of 25-30 years of age attending various career guidance seminars describe their career decision-making experiences. |
Once you formulate your research statement or question, you need to extensively review the documentation about the existing discoveries related to your research question or statement.
You need to select a specific case or multiple cases related to your research. It would help if you treated each case individually while using multiple cases. The outcomes of each case can be used as contributors to the outcomes of the entire study. You can select the following cases.
You can choose both qualitative or quantitative approaches for collecting the data . You can use interviews , surveys , artifacts, documentation, newspapers, and photographs, etc. To avoid biased observation, you can triangulate your research to provide different views of your case. Even if you are focusing on a single case, you need to observe various case angles. It would help if you constructed validity, internal and external validity, as well as reliability.
Example: Identifying the impacts of contaminated water on people’s health and the factors responsible for it. You need to gather the data using qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand the case in such cases.
Construct validity: You should select the most suitable measurement tool for your research.
Internal validity: You should use various methodological tools to triangulate the data. Try different methods to study the same hypothesis.
External validity: You need to effectively apply the data beyond the case’s circumstances to more general issues.
Reliability: You need to be confident enough to formulate the new direction for future studies based on your findings.
Also Read: Reliability and Validity
Beware of the following when collecting data:
The research data identifies the relationship between the objects of study and the research questions or statements. You need to reconfirm the collected information and tabulate it correctly for better understanding.
It’s essential to prepare a report for your case study. You can write your case study in the form of a scientific paper or thesis discussing its detail with supporting evidence.
A case study can be represented by incorporating quotations, stories, anecdotes, interview transcripts , etc., with empirical data in the result section.
You can also write it in narrative styles using textual analysis or discourse analysis . Your report should also include evidence from published literature, and you can put it in the discussion section.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
It’s useful for rare outcomes. An ample amount of information is obtained with few participants. Helps in developing strong reading, analytical, and planning skills. Develops analytical thinking. | It consumes a lot of time compared to other research methods. It cannot estimate the incidence of disease. Limited results can be studied. The information obtained can be biased. |
What is the case study.
A case study is a research method where a specific instance, event, or situation is deeply examined to gain insights into real-world complexities. It involves detailed analysis of context, data, and variables to understand patterns, causes, and effects, often used in various disciplines for in-depth exploration.
This article provides the key advantages of primary research over secondary research so you can make an informed decision.
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Explanatory research is designed to do exactly what it sounds like: explain, and explore. You ask questions, learn about your target market, and develop hypotheses for testing in your study. This article will take you through some of the types of explanatory research and what they are used for.
Explanatory research is defined as a strategy used for collecting data for the purpose of explaining a phenomenon. Because the phenomenon being studied began with a single piece of data, it is up to the researcher to collect more pieces of data.
In other words, explanatory research is a method used to investigate a phenomenon (a situation worth studying) that had not been studied before or had not been well explained previously in a proper way. It is a process in which the purpose is to find out what would be a potential answer to the problem.
This method of research enables you to find out what does not work as well as what does and once you have found this information, you can take measures for developing better alternatives that would improve the process being studied. The goal of explanatory research is to answer the question “How,” and it is most often conducted by people who want to understand why something works the way it does, or why something happens as it does.
Read: How to Write a Problem Statement for your Research
By using this method, researchers are able to explain why something is happening and how it happens. In other words, explanatory research can be used to “explain” something, by providing the right context. This is usually done through the use of surveys and interviews.
Explanatory research helps researchers to better understand a subject, but it does not help them to predict what might happen in the future. Explanatory research is also known by other names, such as ex post facto (Latin for “after the fact”) and causal research.
The most important goal of explanatory research is to help understand a given phenomenon. This can be done through basic or applied research .
Basic explanatory research, also known as pure or fundamental research, is conducted without any specific real-world application in mind. Applied explanatory research attempts to develop new knowledge that can be used to improve humans’ everyday lives.
Read: How to Write a Thesis Statement for Your Research: Tips + Examples
For example, you might want to know why people buy certain products, why companies change their business processes, or what motivates people in the workplace. Explanatory research starts with a theory or hypothesis and then gathers evidence to prove or disprove the theory.
Most explanatory research uses surveys to gather information from a pool of respondents . The results will then provide information about the target population as a whole.
The purpose of explanatory research is to explore a topic and develop a deeper understanding of it so that it can be described or explained more fully. The researcher sets out with a specific question or hypothesis in mind, which will guide the data collection and analysis process.
Explanatory research can take any number of forms, from experimental studies in which researchers test a hypothesis by manipulating variables, to interviews and surveys that are used to gather insights from participants about their experiences. Explanatory research seeks neither to generate new knowledge nor solve a specific problem; rather it seeks to understand why something happens.
For example, imagine that you would like to know whether one’s age affects his or her ability to use a particular type of computer software. You develop the hypothesis that older people will have more difficulty using the software than younger people.
In order to test your hypothesis and learn more about the relationship between age and software usage, you design and conduct an explanatory study.
Read: How to Write An Abstract For Research Papers: Tips & Examples
Explanatory research is used to explain something that has already happened but it doesn’t try to control anything, nor does it seek to predict what will happen. Instead, its aim is to understand what has happened when it comes to a certain phenomenon.
Here are some of the characteristics of explanatory research, they include:
Explanatory research generally focuses on the “why” questions. For example, a business might ask why customers aren’t buying their product or how they can improve their sales process. Types of explanatory research include:
1. Case studies: Case studies allow researchers to examine companies that experienced the same situation as them. This helps them understand what worked and what didn’t work for the other company.
Explore: Formplus Customer Success Stories and Case Studies
2. Literature research: Literature research involves examining and reviewing existing academic literature on a topic related to your projects, such as a particular strategy or method. Literature research allows researchers to see how other people have discussed a similar problem and how they arrived at their conclusions.
3. Observations: Observations involve gathering information by observing events without interfering with them. They’re useful for gathering information about social interactions, such as who talks to whom on a subway platform or how people react to certain ads in public spaces, like billboards and bus shelters.
4. Pilot studies: Pilot studies are small versions of larger studies that help researchers prepare for larger studies by testing out methods, procedures, or instruments before using them in the final study design.
Read: Research Report: Definition, Types + [Writing Guide]
5. Focus groups: Focus groups involves gathering a group of people so participants can share opinions, instead of answering questions
Explanatory research is a type of research that answers the question “why.” It explains why something happens and it helps to understand what caused something to happen.
Explanatory research always has a clear objective in mind, and it’s all about the execution of that objective. Its main focus is to answer questions like “why?” and “how?”
Exploratory research on the other hand is a form of observational research, meaning that it involves observing and measuring what already exists. Exploratory research is also used when the researcher doesn’t know what they’re looking for.
Its purpose is to help researchers better understand a subject so that they can develop a theory. It is not about drawing any conclusion but about learning more about the subject.
Explanatory research will make it easier to find explanations for things that are difficult to understand.
For example, if you’re trying to figure out why someone got sick, explanatory research can help you look at all of your options and figure out what happened.
In this way, it is also used in order to determine whether or not something was caused by a person or an event. If a person was involved, you might want to consider looking at other people who may have been involved as well.
It can also be useful for determining whether or not the person who caused the problem has changed over time. This can be especially helpful when you’re dealing with a long-term relationship where there have been many changes.
Read: 21 Chrome Extensions for Academic Researchers in 2022
Let us assume a researcher wants to figure out what happened during an accident and how it happened.
Explanatory research will try to understand if a person was driving while intoxicated, or if the person had been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of their death. If they were not, then they may have had some other medical condition that caused them to pass away unexpectedly.
In the two examples, explanatory research wanted to answer the question of what happened and why did it happen.
Here are some of the advantages of explanatory research:
Explanatory research is beneficial in many ways as listed above, but here are a few of the disadvantages of explanatory research.
1. Clarity on what is not known: The first disadvantage is that this kind of research is not always clear about what is and isn’t known. Which means it doesn’t always make the best use of existing information or knowledge.
You need to be specific about what you know already and how much more there might be left for future studies in order for this kind of research project to be useful at all times. This can help avoid wasting time by focusing on an issue that has already been studied enough without knowing it yet (or vice versa).
2. No clear hypothesis: Another disadvantage is that when designing experiments using this method there often isn’t any clear hypothesis about what will happen next which makes it impossible for scientists to predict
Explanatory research is taking a topic and explaining it thoroughly so that audiences have a better understanding of the topic in question. With explanatory research, having great explanations takes on more importance, so if you are a researcher in the social science field, you might want to put it to use.
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Last updated
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The search for knowledge and understanding never stops in the field of research. Researchers are always finding new techniques to help analyze and make sense of the world. Explanatory research is one such technique. It provides a new perspective on various areas of study.
So, what exactly is explanatory research? This article will provide an in-depth overview of everything you need to know about explanatory research and its purpose. You’ll also get to know the different types of explanatory research and how they’re conducted.
Get a deeper understanding of your explanatory research when you analyze it in Dovetail
Explanatory research is a technique used to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying reasons for, causes of, and relationships behind a particular phenomenon that has yet to be extensively studied.
Researchers use this method to understand why and how a particular phenomenon occurs the way it does. Since there is limited information regarding the phenomenon being studied, it’s up to the researcher to develop fresh ideas and collect more data.
The results and conclusions drawn from explanatory research give researchers a deeper understanding and help predict future occurrences.
Descriptive research aims to define or summarize an event or population without explaining why it exists. It focuses on acquiring and conveying facts.
On the other hand, explanatory research aims to explain why a phenomenon occurs by working to understand the causes and correlations between variables.
Unlike descriptive research, which focuses on providing descriptions and characteristics of a given phenomenon, explanatory research goes a step further to explain different mechanisms and the reasons behind them. Explanatory research is never concerned with producing new knowledge or solving problems. Instead, it aims to explain why and how something happens.
Explanatory research explains why specific phenomena function as they do. Meanwhile, exploratory research examines and investigates an issue that is not clearly defined. Both methods are crucial for problem analysis.
Researchers use exploratory research at the outset to discover new ideas, concepts, and opportunities. Once exploratory research has identified a potential area of interest or problem, researchers employ explanatory research to delve further into the specific subject matter.
Researchers employ the explanatory research technique when they want to explain why and how something occurs in a certain way. Researchers who employ this approach usually have an outcome in mind, and carrying it out is their top priority.
Explanatory research may be helpful in the following situations:
When testing a theoretical model: explanatory research can help researchers develop a theory. It can provide sufficient evidence to validate or refine existing theories based on the available data.
When establishing causality: this research method can determine the cause-and-effect relationships between study variables and determine which variable influences the predicted outcome most. Explanatory research explores all the factors that lead to a certain outcome or phenomenon.
When making informed decisions: the results and conclusions drawn from explanatory research can provide a basis for informed decision-making. It can be helpful in different industries and sectors. For example, entrepreneurs in the business sector can use explanatory research to implement informed marketing strategies to increase sales and generate more revenue.
When addressing research gaps: a research gap is an unresolved problem or unanswered question due to inadequate research in that space. Researchers can use explanatory research to gather information about a certain phenomenon and fill research gaps. It also enables researchers to answer previously unanswered questions and explain different mechanisms that haven’t yet been studied.
When conducting program evaluation: researchers can also use the technique to determine the effectiveness of a particular program and identify all the factors that are likely to contribute to its success or failure.
Here are the different types of explanatory research:
Case study research: this method involves the in-depth analysis of a given individual, company, organization, or event. It allows researchers to study individuals or organizations that have faced the same situation. This way, they can determine what worked for them and what didn’t.
Experimental research: this involves manipulating independent variables and observing how they affect dependent variables. This method allows researchers to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between different variables.
Quasi-experimental research: this type of research is quite similar to experimental research, but it lacks complete control over variables. It’s best suited to situations where manipulating certain variables is difficult or impossible.
Correlational research: this involves identifying underlying relationships between two or more variables without manipulating them. It determines the strength and direction of the relationship between different variables.
Historical research: this method involves studying past events to gain a better understanding of their causes and effects. It’s mostly used in fields like history and sociology.
Survey research: this type of explanatory research involves collecting data using a set of structured questionnaires or interviews given to a representative sample of participants. It helps researchers gather information about individuals’ attitudes, opinions, and behaviors toward certain phenomena.
Observational research: this involves directly observing and recording people in their natural setting, like the home, the office, or a shop. By studying their actions, needs, and challenges, researchers can gain valuable insights into their behavior, preferences, and pain points. This results in explanatory conclusions.
Take the following steps when conducting explanatory research:
The first step is to familiarize yourself with the topic you’re interested in and clearly articulate your specific goals. This will help you define the research question you want to answer or the problem you want to solve. Doing this will guide your research and ensure you collect the right data.
The next step is to formulate a hypothesis that will address your expectations. Some researchers find that literature material has already covered their topic in the past. If this is the case with you, you can use such material as the main foundation of your hypothesis. However, if it doesn’t exist, you must formulate a hypothesis based on your own instincts or literature material on closely related topics.
Choose an appropriate research type based on your research questions, available resources, and timeline. Consider the level of control you need over the variables.
Next, design and develop instruments such as surveys, interview guides, or observation guidelines to gather relevant data.
Collecting data involves implementing the research instruments and gathering information from a representative sample of your target audience. Ensure proper data collection protocol, ethical considerations , and appropriate documentation for the data you collect.
Once you have collected the data you need for your research, you’ll need to organize, code, and interpret it.
Use appropriate analytical methods, such as statistical analysis or thematic coding , to uncover patterns, relationships, and explanations that address your research goals and questions. You may have to suggest or conduct further research based on the results to elaborate on certain areas.
Finally, communicate your results to relevant stakeholders , such as team members, clients, or other involved partners. Present your insights clearly and concisely through reports, slides, or visualizations. Provide actionable recommendations and avenues for future research.
Here are some real-life examples of explanatory research:
Law enforcement organizations use explanatory research to pinpoint what causes high crime rates in particular cities. They gather information about various influencing factors, such as gang involvement, drug misuse, family structures, and firearm availability.
They then use regression analysis to examine the data further to understand the factors contributing to the high crime rates.
Educators and stakeholders in the Department of Education use questionnaires and interviews to gather data on factors that affect academic performance. These factors include parental engagement, learning styles, motivation, teaching quality, and peer pressure.
The data is used to ascertain how these variables affect students’ academic performance.
Researchers use correlational and experimental research approaches to gather information on variables like education levels, household income, and employment rates. They use the information to examine the causes of economic disparity in certain regions.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect from explanatory research:
Deeper understanding : the technique helps fill research gaps in previous studies by explaining the reasons, causes, and relationships behind particular behaviors or phenomena.
Competitive edge: by understanding the underlying factors that drive customer satisfaction and behavior, companies can create more engaging products and desirable services.
Predictable capabilities: it helps researchers and teams make predictions regarding certain phenomena like user behavior or future iterations of product features.
Informed decision-making: explanatory research generates insights that can help individuals make informed decisions in various sectors.
Explanatory research is a great approach for better understanding various phenomena, but it has some limitations.
It’s time-consuming: explanatory research can be a time-consuming process, requiring careful planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The technique might extend your timeline.
It’s resource intensive: explanatory research often requires a significant allocation of resources, including financial, human, and technological. This could pose challenges for organizations with limited budgets or constraints.
You have limited control over real-world factors: this type of research often takes place in controlled environments. Researchers may find this limits their ability to capture real-world complexities and variables that influence a particular behavior or phenomenon.
Depth and breadth are difficult to balance : explanatory research mainly focuses on a narrow hypothesis, which can limit the scope of the research and prevent researchers from understanding a problem more broadly.
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There are many types of research, but today, we want to talk to you about one, in particular, that will give you a new perspective on your objects of study; for that, we have created this guide with everything you need to know about explanatory research . After all, w hat is the purpose of explanatory research?
Explanatory research is a method developed to investigate a phenomenon that has not been studied or explained properly. Its main intention is to provide details about where to find a small amount of information.
With this method, the researcher gets a general idea and uses research as a tool to guide them quicker to the issues that we might address in the future. Its goal is to find the why and what of an object of study.
Explanatory research is responsible for finding the why of the events by establishing cause-effect relationships. Its results and conclusions constitute the deepest level of knowledge, according to author Fidias G. Arias. In this sense, explanatory studies can deal with the determination of causes (post-facto research) and effects ( experimental research ) through hypothesis testing.
Among the most critical characteristics of explanatory research are:
The most popular methods of explanatory research:
Check out our library of QuestionPro Case Studies to learn more about how we help organizations conduct market research.
Explanatory research is conducted to help researchers study the research problem in greater depth and understand the phenomenon efficiently.
The primary use for explanatory research is problem-solving by finding the overlooked data that we had never investigated before. At the same time, it might not bring out conclusive data; it will allow us to understand the issue more efficiently.
In carrying out the research process, it is necessary to adapt to new findings and knowledge about the subject. Although it is impossible to conclude, it is possible to explore the variables with a high level of depth.
Explanatory research allows the researcher to become familiar with the topic to be examined and design theories to test them.
Explanatory research is a great method to use if you’re looking to understand why something is happening. Here’s a quick guide on how to conduct explanatory research:
Remember that explanatory research is about understanding the relationship between variables, so be sure to keep that in mind when designing your research, collecting and analyzing your data, and communicating your findings.
This method is precious for social research . It a llows researchers to find a phenomenon we did not study in depth. Although it does not conclude such a study, it helps to understand the problem efficiently. It’s essential to convey new data about a point of view on the study.
People who conduct explanatory research do so to study the interaction of the phenomenon in detail. Therefore, it is vital to have enough information to carry it out.
Finally, we invite you to refer to our market research guide . You can do incredible research and collect data free with our survey software . Get started now!
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Megan Anne Simons, Jenny Ziviani, Explanatory Case Study Design—A Clarification, Journal of Burn Care & Research , Volume 32, Issue 1, January-February 2011, Page e14, https://doi.org/10.1097/BCR.0b013e3182033569
For the purpose of clarity for the readership, we wish to address the description of the explanatory case study design (ECSD) as a qualitative research method in the invited critique to our original article. 1 Yin, 2 the primary source for ECSD, described case study as suitable when the number of variables of interest exceeds the number of data points (i.e., participants). He has positioned the case study as a stand-alone method, in which the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data is appropriate. 3 We agree that within a qualitative research paradigm, the sample size of seven participants 1 would likely be insufficient to satisfy the sampling strategy. However, ECSD is “driven to theory.” 3 , p. 1212 The use of multiple case studies (as in the original study) is deemed the equivalent of multiple experiments. 2 Generalization from the case studies is accomplished using replication logic derived from theoretical propositions (hypotheses) or theories about the case. Results are considered even more potent when two or more cases support the same theory but not an equally plausible, rival theory. 2 The problem of generalizing from case studies is the same as generalizing from experiments—where hypotheses and theory are the vehicles for generalization. 3 With this point of clarification, we acknowledge that the findings from the original study are limited to children with lower injury severity (when measured as %TBSA) within a shortened timeframe postburn injury (6 months).
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Home » Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide
Table of Contents
A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth examination and analysis of a particular phenomenon or case, such as an individual, organization, community, event, or situation.
It is a qualitative research approach that aims to provide a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the case being studied. Case studies typically involve multiple sources of data, including interviews, observations, documents, and artifacts, which are analyzed using various techniques, such as content analysis, thematic analysis, and grounded theory. The findings of a case study are often used to develop theories, inform policy or practice, or generate new research questions.
Types and Methods of Case Study are as follows:
A single-case study is an in-depth analysis of a single case. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to understand a specific phenomenon in detail.
For Example , A researcher might conduct a single-case study on a particular individual to understand their experiences with a particular health condition or a specific organization to explore their management practices. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as content analysis or thematic analysis. The findings of a single-case study are often used to generate new research questions, develop theories, or inform policy or practice.
A multiple-case study involves the analysis of several cases that are similar in nature. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to identify similarities and differences between the cases.
For Example, a researcher might conduct a multiple-case study on several companies to explore the factors that contribute to their success or failure. The researcher collects data from each case, compares and contrasts the findings, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as comparative analysis or pattern-matching. The findings of a multiple-case study can be used to develop theories, inform policy or practice, or generate new research questions.
Exploratory Case Study
An exploratory case study is used to explore a new or understudied phenomenon. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to generate hypotheses or theories about the phenomenon.
For Example, a researcher might conduct an exploratory case study on a new technology to understand its potential impact on society. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as grounded theory or content analysis. The findings of an exploratory case study can be used to generate new research questions, develop theories, or inform policy or practice.
A descriptive case study is used to describe a particular phenomenon in detail. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to provide a comprehensive account of the phenomenon.
For Example, a researcher might conduct a descriptive case study on a particular community to understand its social and economic characteristics. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as content analysis or thematic analysis. The findings of a descriptive case study can be used to inform policy or practice or generate new research questions.
An instrumental case study is used to understand a particular phenomenon that is instrumental in achieving a particular goal. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to understand the role of the phenomenon in achieving the goal.
For Example, a researcher might conduct an instrumental case study on a particular policy to understand its impact on achieving a particular goal, such as reducing poverty. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as content analysis or thematic analysis. The findings of an instrumental case study can be used to inform policy or practice or generate new research questions.
Here are some common data collection methods for case studies:
Interviews involve asking questions to individuals who have knowledge or experience relevant to the case study. Interviews can be structured (where the same questions are asked to all participants) or unstructured (where the interviewer follows up on the responses with further questions). Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.
Observations involve watching and recording the behavior and activities of individuals or groups relevant to the case study. Observations can be participant (where the researcher actively participates in the activities) or non-participant (where the researcher observes from a distance). Observations can be recorded using notes, audio or video recordings, or photographs.
Documents can be used as a source of information for case studies. Documents can include reports, memos, emails, letters, and other written materials related to the case study. Documents can be collected from the case study participants or from public sources.
Surveys involve asking a set of questions to a sample of individuals relevant to the case study. Surveys can be administered in person, over the phone, through mail or email, or online. Surveys can be used to gather information on attitudes, opinions, or behaviors related to the case study.
Artifacts are physical objects relevant to the case study. Artifacts can include tools, equipment, products, or other objects that provide insights into the case study phenomenon.
Conducting a case study research involves several steps that need to be followed to ensure the quality and rigor of the study. Here are the steps to conduct case study research:
Here are some examples of case study research:
Case studies have a wide range of applications across various fields and industries. Here are some examples:
Case studies are widely used in business and management to examine real-life situations and develop problem-solving skills. Case studies can help students and professionals to develop a deep understanding of business concepts, theories, and best practices.
Case studies are used in healthcare to examine patient care, treatment options, and outcomes. Case studies can help healthcare professionals to develop critical thinking skills, diagnose complex medical conditions, and develop effective treatment plans.
Case studies are used in education to examine teaching and learning practices. Case studies can help educators to develop effective teaching strategies, evaluate student progress, and identify areas for improvement.
Case studies are widely used in social sciences to examine human behavior, social phenomena, and cultural practices. Case studies can help researchers to develop theories, test hypotheses, and gain insights into complex social issues.
Case studies are used in law and ethics to examine legal and ethical dilemmas. Case studies can help lawyers, policymakers, and ethical professionals to develop critical thinking skills, analyze complex cases, and make informed decisions.
The purpose of a case study is to provide a detailed analysis of a specific phenomenon, issue, or problem in its real-life context. A case study is a qualitative research method that involves the in-depth exploration and analysis of a particular case, which can be an individual, group, organization, event, or community.
The primary purpose of a case study is to generate a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the case, including its history, context, and dynamics. Case studies can help researchers to identify and examine the underlying factors, processes, and mechanisms that contribute to the case and its outcomes. This can help to develop a more accurate and detailed understanding of the case, which can inform future research, practice, or policy.
Case studies can also serve other purposes, including:
There are several advantages of case study research, including:
There are several limitations of case study research, including:
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Published on 7 May 2022 by Tegan George and Julia Merkus. Revised on 20 January 2023.
Explanatory research is a research method that explores why something occurs when limited information is available. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic, ascertain how or why a particular phenomenon is occurring, and predict future occurrences.
Explanatory research can also be explained as a ’cause and effect’ model, investigating patterns and trends in existing data that haven’t been previously investigated. For this reason, it is often considered a type of causal research .
When to use explanatory research, explanatory research questions, explanatory research data collection, explanatory research data analysis, step-by-step example of explanatory research, explanatory vs exploratory research, advantages and disadvantages of exploratory research, frequently asked questions about explanatory research.
Explanatory research is used to investigate how or why a phenomenon takes place. Therefore, this type of research is often one of the first stages in the research process, serving as a jumping-off point for future research. While there is often data available about your topic, it’s possible the particular causal relationship you are interested in has not been robustly studied.
Explanatory research helps you analyse these patterns, formulating hypotheses that can guide future endeavors. If you are seeking a more complete understanding of a relationship between variables, explanatory research is a great place to start. However, keep in mind that it will likely not yield conclusive results.
You analysed their final grades and noticed that the students who take your course in the first semester always obtain higher grades than students who take the same course in the second semester.
Explanatory research answers ‘why’ and ‘what’ questions, leading to an improved understanding of a previously unresolved problem or providing clarity for related future research initiatives.
Here are a few examples:
After choosing your research question, there is a variety of options for research and data collection methods to choose from.
A few of the most common research methods include:
The method you choose depends on several factors, including your timeline, your budget, and the structure of your question.
If there is already a body of research on your topic, a literature review is a great place to start. If you are interested in opinions and behaviour, consider an interview or focus group format. If you have more time or funding available, an experiment or pilot study may be a good fit for you.
In order to ensure you are conducting your explanatory research correctly, be sure your analysis is definitively causal in nature, and not just correlated.
Always remember the phrase ‘correlation doesn’t imply causation’. Correlated variables are merely associated with one another: when one variable changes, so does the other. However, this isn’t necessarily due to a direct or indirect causal link.
Causation means that changes in the independent variable bring about changes in the dependent variable. In other words, there is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between variables.
Causal evidence must meet three criteria:
Correlation doesn’t imply causation, but causation always implies correlation. In order to get conclusive causal results, you’ll need to conduct a full experimental design .
Your explanatory research design depends on the research method you choose to collect your data . In most cases, you’ll use an experiment to investigate potential causal relationships. We’ll walk you through the steps using an example.
The first step in conducting explanatory research is getting familiar with the topic you’re interested in, so that you can develop a research question .
Let’s say you’re interested in language retention rates in adults.
You are interested in finding out how the duration of exposure to language influences language retention ability later in life.
The next step is to address your expectations. In some cases, there is literature available on your subject or on a closely related topic that you can use as a foundation for your hypothesis . In other cases, the topic isn’t well studied, and you’ll have to develop your hypothesis based on your instincts or on existing literature on more distant topics.
Next, decide what data collection and data analysis methods you will use and write them up. After carefully designing your research, you can begin to collect your data.
During the study, you test their Spanish language proficiency twice in a research design that has three stages:
You made sure to control for any confounding variables , such as age, gender, and proficiency in other languages.
After data collection is complete, proceed to analyse your data and report the results.
To determine whether these differences are significant, you conduct a mixed ANOVA. The ANOVA shows that all differences are not significant for the pretest, but they are significant for the posttest.
As you interpret the results, try to come up with explanations for the results that you did not expect. In most cases, you want to provide suggestions for future research.
However, this difference is only significant after the intervention (the Spanish class).
You decide it’s worth it to further research the matter, and propose a few additional research ideas:
It can be easy to confuse explanatory research with exploratory research. If you’re in doubt about the relationship between exploratory and explanatory research, just remember that exploratory research lays the groundwork for later explanatory research.
Exploratory research questions often begin with ‘what’. They are designed to guide future research and do not usually have conclusive results. Exploratory research is often utilised as a first step in your research process, to help you focus your research question and fine-tune your hypotheses.
Explanatory research questions often start with ‘why’ or ‘how’. They help you study why and how a previously studied phenomenon takes place.
Like any other research design , exploratory research has its trade-offs: while it provides a unique set of benefits, it also has significant downsides:
Explanatory research is a research method used to investigate how or why something occurs when only a small amount of information is available pertaining to that topic. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic.
Explanatory research is used to investigate how or why a phenomenon occurs. Therefore, this type of research is often one of the first stages in the research process , serving as a jumping-off point for future research.
Exploratory research explores the main aspects of a new or barely researched question.
Explanatory research explains the causes and effects of an already widely researched question.
Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.
Quantitative methods allow you to test a hypothesis by systematically collecting and analysing data, while qualitative methods allow you to explore ideas and experiences in depth.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.
George, T. & Merkus, J. (2023, January 20). Explanatory Research | Definition, Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 24 June 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/research-methods/explanatory-research-design/
Other students also liked, exploratory research | definition, guide, & examples, descriptive research design | definition, methods & examples, a quick guide to experimental design | 5 steps & examples.
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Blog Beginner Guides 6 Types of Case Studies to Inspire Your Research and Analysis
Written by: Ronita Mohan Sep 20, 2021
Case studies have become powerful business tools. But what is a case study? What are the benefits of creating one? Are there limitations to the format?
If you’ve asked yourself these questions, our helpful guide will clear things up. Learn how to use a case study for business. Find out how cases analysis works in psychology and research.
We’ve also got examples of case studies to inspire you.
Haven’t made a case study before? You can easily create a case study with Venngage’s customizable case study templates .
Click to jump ahead:
6 types of case studies, what is a business case study, what is a case study in research, what is a case study in psychology, what is the case study method, benefits of case studies, limitations of case studies, faqs about case studies.
A case study is a research process aimed at learning about a subject, an event or an organization. Case studies are use in business, the social sciences and healthcare.
A case study may focus on one observation or many. It can also examine a series of events or a single case. An effective case study tells a story and provides a conclusion.
Healthcare industries write reports on patients and diagnoses. Marketing case study examples , like the one below, highlight the benefits of a business product.
Now that you know what a case study is, let’s look at the six different types of case studies next.
There are six common types of case reports. Depending on your industry, you might use one of these types.
Explanatory case studies, exploratory case reports, intrinsic case studies, instrumental case studies, collective case reports.
We go into more detail about each type of study in the guide below.
Related: 15+ Professional Case Study Examples [Design Tips + Templates]
When you have an existing hypothesis, you can design a descriptive study. This type of report starts with a description. The aim is to find connections between the subject being studied and a theory.
Once these connections are found, the study can conclude. The results of this type of study will usually suggest how to develop a theory further.
A study like the one below has concrete results. A descriptive report would use the quantitative data as a suggestion for researching the subject deeply.
When an incident occurs in a field, an explanation is required. An explanatory report investigates the cause of the event. It will include explanations for that cause.
The study will also share details about the impact of the event. In most cases, this report will use evidence to predict future occurrences. The results of explanatory reports are definitive.
Note that there is no room for interpretation here. The results are absolute.
The study below is a good example. It explains how one brand used the services of another. It concludes by showing definitive proof that the collaboration was successful.
Another example of this study would be in the automotive industry. If a vehicle fails a test, an explanatory study will examine why. The results could show that the failure was because of a particular part.
Related: How to Write a Case Study [+ Design Tips]
An explanatory report is a self-contained document. An exploratory one is only the beginning of an investigation.
Exploratory cases act as the starting point of studies. This is usually conducted as a precursor to large-scale investigations. The research is used to suggest why further investigations are needed.
An exploratory study can also be used to suggest methods for further examination.
For example, the below analysis could have found inconclusive results. In that situation, it would be the basis for an in-depth study.
Intrinsic studies are more common in the field of psychology. These reports can also be conducted in healthcare or social work.
These types of studies focus on a unique subject, such as a patient. They can sometimes study groups close to the researcher.
The aim of such studies is to understand the subject better. This requires learning their history. The researcher will also examine how they interact with their environment.
For instance, if the case study below was about a unique brand, it could be an intrinsic study.
Once the study is complete, the researcher will have developed a better understanding of a phenomenon. This phenomenon will likely not have been studied or theorized about before.
Examples of intrinsic case analysis can be found across psychology. For example, Jean Piaget’s theories on cognitive development. He established the theory from intrinsic studies into his own children.
Related: What Disney Villains Can Tell Us About Color Psychology [Infographic]
This is another type of study seen in medical and psychology fields. Instrumental reports are created to examine more than just the primary subject.
When research is conducted for an instrumental study, it is to provide the basis for a larger phenomenon. The subject matter is usually the best example of the phenomenon. This is why it is being studied.
Take the example of the fictional brand below.
Assume it’s examining lead generation strategies. It may want to show that visual marketing is the definitive lead generation tool. The brand can conduct an instrumental case study to examine this phenomenon.
Collective studies are based on instrumental case reports. These types of studies examine multiple reports.
There are a number of reasons why collective reports are created:
A researcher could use multiple reports, like the one below, to build a collective case report.
Related: 10+ Case Study Infographic Templates That Convert
A business or marketing case study aims at showcasing a successful partnership. This can be between a brand and a client. Or the case study can examine a brand’s project.
There is a perception that case studies are used to advertise a brand. But effective reports, like the one below, can show clients how a brand can support them.
Hubspot created a case study on a customer that successfully scaled its business. The report outlines the various Hubspot tools used to achieve these results.
Hubspot also added a video with testimonials from the client company’s employees.
So, what is the purpose of a case study for businesses? There is a lot of competition in the corporate world. Companies are run by people. They can be on the fence about which brand to work with.
Business reports stand out aesthetically, as well. They use brand colors and brand fonts . Usually, a combination of the client’s and the brand’s.
With the Venngage My Brand Kit feature, businesses can automatically apply their brand to designs.
A business case study, like the one below, acts as social proof. This helps customers decide between your brand and your competitors.
Don’t know how to design a report? You can learn how to write a case study with Venngage’s guide. We also share design tips and examples that will help you convert.
Related: 55+ Annual Report Design Templates, Inspirational Examples & Tips [Updated]
Research is a necessary part of every case study. But specific research fields are required to create studies. These fields include user research, healthcare, education, or social work.
For example, this UX Design report examined the public perception of a client. The brand researched and implemented new visuals to improve it. The study breaks down this research through lessons learned.
Clinical reports are a necessity in the medical field. These documents are used to share knowledge with other professionals. They also help examine new or unusual diseases or symptoms.
The pandemic has led to a significant increase in research. For example, Spectrum Health studied the value of health systems in the pandemic. They created the study by examining community outreach.
The pandemic has significantly impacted the field of education. This has led to numerous examinations on remote studying. There have also been studies on how students react to decreased peer communication.
Social work case reports often have a community focus. They can also examine public health responses. In certain regions, social workers study disaster responses.
You now know what case studies in various fields are. In the next step of our guide, we explain the case study method.
In the field of psychology, case studies focus on a particular subject. Psychology case histories also examine human behaviors.
Case reports search for commonalities between humans. They are also used to prescribe further research. Or these studies can elaborate on a solution for a behavioral ailment.
The American Psychology Association has a number of case studies on real-life clients. Note how the reports are more text-heavy than a business case study.
Famous psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and Anna O popularised the use of case studies in the field. They did so by regularly interviewing subjects. Their detailed observations build the field of psychology.
It is important to note that psychological studies must be conducted by professionals. Psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists should be the researchers in these cases.
Related: What Netflix’s Top 50 Shows Can Teach Us About Font Psychology [Infographic]
The case study method, or case method, is a learning technique where you’re presented with a real-world business challenge and asked how you’d solve it.
After working through it independently and with peers, you learn how the actual scenario unfolded. This approach helps develop problem-solving skills and practical knowledge.
This method often uses various data sources like interviews, observations, and documents to provide comprehensive insights. The below example would have been created after numerous interviews.
Case studies are largely qualitative. They analyze and describe phenomena. While some data is included, a case analysis is not quantitative.
There are a few steps in the case method. You have to start by identifying the subject of your study. Then determine what kind of research is required.
In natural sciences, case studies can take years to complete. Business reports, like this one, don’t take that long. A few weeks of interviews should be enough.
The case method will vary depending on the industry. Reports will also look different once produced.
As you will have seen, business reports are more colorful. The design is also more accessible . Healthcare and psychology reports are more text-heavy.
Designing case reports takes time and energy. So, is it worth taking the time to write them? Here are the benefits of creating case studies.
For example, the business study below creates a story around a brand partnership. It makes for engaging reading. The study also shows evidence backing up the information.
We’ve shared the benefits of why studies are needed. We will also look at the limitations of creating them.
Related: How to Present a Case Study like a Pro (With Examples)
There are a few disadvantages to conducting a case analysis. The limitations will vary according to the industry.
These are some of the common weaknesses of creating case reports. If you’re on the fence, look at the competition in your industry.
Other brands or professionals are building reports, like this example. In that case, you may want to do the same.
A case study has a very particular research methodology. They are an in-depth study of a person or a group of individuals. They can also study a community or an organization. Case reports examine real-world phenomena within a set context.
The length of studies depends on the industry. It also depends on the story you’re telling. Most case studies should be at least 500-1500 words long. But you can increase the length if you have more details to share.
The one thing you shouldn’t ask is ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. Case studies are qualitative. These questions won’t give you the information you need.
Ask your client about the problems they faced. Ask them about solutions they found. Or what they think is the ideal solution. Leave room to ask them follow-up questions. This will help build out the study.
When you’re ready to present a case study, begin by providing a summary of the problem or challenge you were addressing. Follow this with an outline of the solution you implemented, and support this with the results you achieved, backed by relevant data. Incorporate visual aids like slides, graphs, and images to make your case study presentation more engaging and impactful.
Now you know what a case study means, you can begin creating one. These reports are a great tool for analyzing brands. They are also useful in a variety of other fields.
Use a visual communication platform like Venngage to design case studies. With Venngage’s templates, you can design easily. Create branded, engaging reports, all without design experience.
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Acute and subacute hepatotoxicity of genipin in mice and its potential mechanism, gardenia extract protects against intrahepatic cholestasis by regulating bile acid enterohepatic circulation., scaaga: single cell data analysis framework using asymmetric autoencoder with gene attention, dcamcp: a deep learning model based on capsule network and attention mechanism for molecular carcinogenicity prediction, hepatotoxicity assessment investigations on pfass targeting l-fabp using binding affinity data and machine learning-based qsar model., predicting metabolite-disease associations based on auto-encoder and non-negative matrix factorization, artificial intelligence in drug toxicity prediction: recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives, gene function and cell surface protein association analysis based on single-cell multiomics data, modeling and analyzing single-cell multimodal data with deep parametric inference, identification of slc3a2 as a potential therapeutic target of osteoarthritis involved in ferroptosis by integrating bioinformatics, clinical factors and experiments, related papers.
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This Case study highlights the importance of prioritizing container security in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Vishnu T Pavithran
PUBLISHED ON:
July 1, 2024
In recent years, containerization has gained widespread adoption for its efficiency and scalability benefits. However, with the increasing use of containers, ensuring robust security measures becomes paramount. This case study explores how a leading payment and financial company successfully improved its security posture through effective container security practices.
What is Container security testing?:
Container penetration testing involves testing the security of containerized applications, container
Orchestration systems, and underlying systems to identify and address potential issues and security weaknesses. The goal is to measure the security of your warehouse and reduce the risk of attack by criminals.
Image security: Assess the security of container images, ensuring they are built from secure base images, do not contain unnecessary components, and do not have vulnerabilities.
This process involves the following activities but not limited to:
Container Runtime Security: Evaluate the security of the container runtime environment, including the host operating system and the container runtime engine (e.g., Docker).
Key considerations for Container Runtime Security:
Orchestration System Security: If containers are managed using an orchestration system (e.g., Kubernetes), assess the security of the orchestration environment, including the control plane and worker nodes.
Key considerations for Container Runtime Security:
Network Security: Review the network architecture and security configurations within the containerized environment, including communication between containers and with external systems.
Access Controls: Evaluate the effectiveness of access controls and permissions within the container environment, ensuring that only authorized entities have the necessary privileges.
Key considerations for Container Runtime Security:
Secrets Management: Assess how sensitive information such as API keys, passwords, and certificates are managed within containers, ensuring proper encryption and secure storage.
Container Registry Security: Assess the security of the container registry where images are stored, ensuring proper access controls and image signing.
Methodology Diagram
Customer:
The client operates as an online payments platform certified by PCI. They offer a comprehensive solution equipped with robust features such as full branded invoices, product links, a promo code system, discount system, ticketing system, mini-store, CRM, and advanced reports. Their platform is integrated with over 15 payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Meeza, Vodafone Cash, Orange Cash, and various bank mobile wallets, Fawry among others. This solution has been developed entirely in-house by their team and is supported by strategic partnerships with prominent banks and financial institutions in Egypt.
Challenges:
As the client, a rapidly expanding payment firm, faced security concerns as it transitioned from traditional monolithic applications to containerized microservices. The challenges included:
Solution Implementation:
As the customer is new to container security and aims to ensure the absence of vulnerabilities in their containers, they required a security assessment. Previously, ValueMentor’s penetration testing team had conducted a series of tests on the client’s systems, resulting in a positive experience. Based on this, the customer opted to engage ValueMentor once more.
Strategies Adopted:
To address these challenges, ValueMentor pentest team implemented a comprehensive container security strategy:
Results and Benefits:
Implementing container security measures on the client side resulted in several significant advantages:
Conclusion:
This case study highlights the importance of prioritizing container security in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By adopting a multifaceted approach that includes image scanning, network policies, runtime monitoring, and access controls.
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Employees who use AI as a core part of their jobs report feeling more isolated, drinking more, and sleeping less than employees who don’t.
The promise of AI is alluring — optimized productivity, lightning-fast data analysis, and freedom from mundane tasks — and both companies and workers alike are fascinated (and more than a little dumbfounded) by how these tools allow them to do more and better work faster than ever before. Yet in fervor to keep pace with competitors and reap the efficiency gains associated with deploying AI, many organizations have lost sight of their most important asset: the humans whose jobs are being fragmented into tasks that are increasingly becoming automated. Across four studies, employees who use it as a core part of their jobs reported feeling lonelier, drinking more, and suffering from insomnia more than employees who don’t.
Imagine this: Jia, a marketing analyst, arrives at work, logs into her computer, and is greeted by an AI assistant that has already sorted through her emails, prioritized her tasks for the day, and generated first drafts of reports that used to take hours to write. Jia (like everyone who has spent time working with these tools) marvels at how much time she can save by using AI. Inspired by the efficiency-enhancing effects of AI, Jia feels that she can be so much more productive than before. As a result, she gets focused on completing as many tasks as possible in conjunction with her AI assistant.
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A review of impedance spectroscopy technique: applications, modelling, and case study of relative humidity sensors development.
da Silva, G.M.G.; Faia, P.M.; Mendes, S.R.; Araújo, E.S. A Review of Impedance Spectroscopy Technique: Applications, Modelling, and Case Study of Relative Humidity Sensors Development. Appl. Sci. 2024 , 14 , 5754. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135754
da Silva GMG, Faia PM, Mendes SR, Araújo ES. A Review of Impedance Spectroscopy Technique: Applications, Modelling, and Case Study of Relative Humidity Sensors Development. Applied Sciences . 2024; 14(13):5754. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135754
da Silva, Georgenes M. G., Pedro M. Faia, Sofia R. Mendes, and Evando S. Araújo. 2024. "A Review of Impedance Spectroscopy Technique: Applications, Modelling, and Case Study of Relative Humidity Sensors Development" Applied Sciences 14, no. 13: 5754. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135754
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The Alaska Supreme Court is weighing a case that challenges as unconstitutional laws that have allowed families with children in home-study programs to use public money for education-related expenses at private schools
JUNEAU, Alaska -- The Alaska Supreme Court is weighing a case that challenges as unconstitutional laws that have allowed families with children in home-study programs to use public money for education-related expenses at private schools.
The court heard arguments Thursday in Anchorage, more than two months after Superior Court Judge Adolf Zeman sided with a group of parents and teachers who brought the challenge.
The case centers on provisions of state law passed a decade ago that have allowed families with kids in correspondence school programs to receive thousands of dollars a year in reimbursements for instruction-related costs.
The allotments drew scrutiny after Jodi Taylor, the wife of Attorney General Treg Taylor, wrote an opinion piece in 2022 about “an opportunity — which has been hiding from public view – for families to use their children’s education allotment” for classes at private schools and other educational options.
Zeman ruled in April that the provisions “were drafted with the express purpose of allowing purchases of private educational services with the public correspondence student allotments." He said that conflicts with the Alaska Constitution, which says public funds cannot be paid “for the direct benefit of any religious or other private educational institution."
Attorneys for the state asked the state Supreme Court to reverse Zeman's ruling , arguing in part that the ruling was overly broad. Attorneys for parents who have used their allotments to pay their children’s private school tuition and intervened in the case said the allotments are a direct benefit to families, not private schools. They say parents have a federal right to choose private schooling.
The Legislature wasn't obligated to create a correspondence study option, Kirby Thomas West, an attorney with the Institute for Justice representing the intervening parents, told the court Thursday. “But once it did, once it has said, We are going to allow you to use this allotment benefit ... to do a wide array of things, including home schooling, tutoring, books, curriculum, all kinds of things, the state can’t — as the Superior Court’s interpretation would do — then say, except for one, except for send your kids to private school.”
The Supreme Court did not indicate Thursday when it would rule.
More than 22,000 students are enrolled in correspondence schools, a type of homeschooling supported by local school districts. It can be an option for families living in remote reaches of Alaska, but some families in more urban areas also choose correspondence programs as an alternative to traditional neighborhood schools. Allotments can be used for such things as physical or speech therapy for students with special needs or for help paying for some college courses, according to court filings.
At issue in the case are provisions of a 2014 law that says districts with correspondence programs are to provide individual learning plans for correspondence students. Parents can use allotments to buy “nonsectarian services and materials from a public, private, or religious organization” if those services or materials are required for the child's learning plan and meet other standards, such as approval by the school district and support "a public purpose.”
Those provisions, which Zeman ruled unconstitutional, originated in a bill proposed by then-Sen. Mike Dunleavy, who is now governor. The Republican — a former teacher and school administrator who has advocated for greater school choice and parental involvement in education — also had proposed a companion constitutional amendment that would have allowed public money to go to private or religious schools. That amendment proposal stalled for lack of support.
Jodi Taylor, in her 2022 opinion piece, said two of her children at the time attended full-time a private school in Anchorage and also were enrolled in an Anchorage School District correspondence program. She said she planned to request that allotment funds for the children be used to help pay tuition costs at the private school, which she said was an approved vendor for the correspondence program. It was not clear, though, if that happened.
Two months after the piece was published, the Department of Law, headed by Treg Taylor, released a legal opinion on allotments penned by Deputy Attorney General Cori Mills. It said use of allotments to pay most or all of the tuition at a private school was “almost certainly unconstitutional,” but said they could be used in some circumstances to pay for certain classes at a private school that supported a child's home-based education. Treg Taylor had recused himself from the matter.
But the attorney general said after the lawsuit was filed in 2023 that he sought ethics advice that ultimately determined he could participate in the case. He said by email this week that the ethics advice was confidential, and he did not respond to questions about his children's schooling.
The state has gotten outside help in the case. It signed a contract worth up to $100,000 with attorney Elbert Lin, a former solicitor general for the state of West Virginia who argued the state's case Thursday. The Texas-based First Liberty Institute, a self-described religious liberty legal organization, is providing pro bono legal advice on the case “and any subsequent appeals,” according to contracts released by the Alaska Department of Law.
State lawmakers in response to Zeman’s decision earlier this year passed a bill with provisions aimed at providing stability for correspondence students while the litigation plays out. The move came near the end of a contentious legislative session in which they clashed with Dunleavy on public school funding .
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Published on December 3, 2021 by Tegan George and Julia Merkus. Revised on November 20, 2023. Explanatory research is a research method that explores why something occurs when limited information is available. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic, ascertain how or why a particular phenomenon is occurring, and predict ...
Explanatory Single-Case Study: Using an explanatory case study method, we explain how opposition efforts (i.e. strategies and activities) have influenced the maintenance of fuel poverty policies and programmes in England during a time of fiscal austerity (O'ampo et al., Manuscript in preparation). Explanatory Multiple-Case Study:
To enhance the validity and reliability of a case study, especially of an explanatory case study, the researcher should make use of rival propositions to try to explain the social phenomenon under investigation, in order to ensure that the proposition developed by the researcher based on her own fieldwork, is the most compelling, cogent ...
Here are the common types of case study design: Explanatory. An explanatory case study is an initial explanation of the how or why that is behind something. This design is commonly used when studying a real-life phenomenon or event. Once the organization understands the reasons behind a phenomenon, it can then make changes to enhance or ...
They are particularly important in explanatory case studies, which seek to understand the relationships among concepts within the studied phenomenon. Units of analysis. The unit of analysis refers to the case, or the main entity or entities that are being analyzed in the study. In case study research, the unit of analysis can be an individual ...
The purpose of case study research is twofold: (1) to provide descriptive information and (2) to suggest theoretical relevance. Rich description enables an in-depth or sharpened understanding of the case. It is unique given one characteristic: case studies draw from more than one data source. Case studies are inherently multimodal or mixed ...
Case studies involve an in-depth investigation of a specific case or situation. This method is often used in social sciences and allows researchers to explore complex phenomena and contexts. ... Explanatory research may involve the use of invasive or risky procedures, which can raise ethical concerns and require careful consideration of the ...
Authors sometimes use incongruent methods of data collection and analysis or use the case study as a default when other methodologies do not fit. 9,10 Despite these criticisms, ... Yin 30 proposed three types of case study approaches—descriptive, explanatory, and exploratory. Each can be designed around single or multiple cases, creating six ...
Step 4: Choose the Precise Case to Use in your Study. You need to select a specific case or multiple cases related to your research. It would help if you treated each case individually while using multiple cases. The outcomes of each case can be used as contributors to the outcomes of the entire study.
Although case studies have been discussed extensively in the literature, little has been written about the specific steps one may use to conduct case study research effectively (Gagnon, 2010; Hancock & Algozzine, 2016).Baskarada (2014) also emphasized the need to have a succinct guideline that can be practically followed as it is actually tough to execute a case study well in practice.
Explanatory research generally focuses on the "why" questions. For example, a business might ask why customers aren't buying their product or how they can improve their sales process. Types of explanatory research include: 1. Case studies: Case studies allow researchers to examine companies that experienced the same situation as them ...
The purpose of case study research is twofold: (1) to provide descriptive information and (2) to suggest theoretical relevance. Rich description enables an in-depth or sharpened understanding of the case. Robert Yin, methodologist most associated with case study research, differentiates between descriptive, exploratory and explanatory case studies:
Here are the different types of explanatory research: Case study research: this method involves the in-depth analysis of a given individual, company, organization, or event. It allows researchers to study individuals or organizations that have faced the same situation. ... Law enforcement organizations use explanatory research to pinpoint what ...
Case studies: This method allows researchers to deal with carefully selected cases. Case analysis allows the organization to observe companies that have faced the same issue and deal with it more efficiently. ... The primary use for explanatory research is problem-solving by finding the overlooked data that we had never investigated before. At ...
Often explanatory case studies and instrumental case studies begin with a particular theory and seek to apply it to one or more cases and sometimes in different contexts. For example, Sims' and Sinclair's (2008) study of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad in Costa Rica draws on transformative learning as a theoretical lens to ...
To the Editor: For the purpose of clarity for the readership, we wish to address the description of the explanatory case study design (ECSD) as a qualitative research method in the invited critique to our original article. 1 Yin, 2 the primary source for ECSD, described case study as suitable when the number of variables of interest exceeds the number of data points (i.e., participants).
A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth examination and analysis of a particular phenomenon or case, such as an individual, organization, community, event, or situation. It is a qualitative research approach that aims to provide a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the case being studied.
Explanatory case study methodology has been used to research complex systems in the fields of business, public policy and urban planning, to name a few. While it has been suggested by some that this might be a useful way to progress complex research issues in health science research, to date, there has been little evidence of this happening. ...
Explanatory case study methodology has been used to research complex systems in the fields of business, public policy and urban planning, to name a few. While it has been suggested by some that this might be a useful way to progress complex research issues in health science research, to date, there has been little evidence of this happening. ...
Published on 7 May 2022 by Tegan George and Julia Merkus. Revised on 20 January 2023. Explanatory research is a research method that explores why something occurs when limited information is available. It can help you increase your understanding of a given topic, ascertain how or why a particular phenomenon is occurring, and predict future ...
The strength of this study is the use of a multiple case study design as it allowed us to extend beyond a descriptive and explorative case study design, enabling greater rigour in research (Fisher ...
Explanatory case studies. When an incident occurs in a field, an explanation is required. An explanatory report investigates the cause of the event. It will include explanations for that cause. The study will also share details about the impact of the event. In most cases, this report will use evidence to predict future occurrences.
Construction of an explanatory model for predicting hepatotoxicity: a case study of the potentially hepatotoxic components of Gardenia jasminoides Qi Yang a School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China;b Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine ...
@article{Yang2024ConstructionOA, title={Construction of an explanatory model for predicting hepatotoxicity: a case study of the potentially hepatotoxic components of Gardenia jasminoides.}, author={Qi Yang and Lili Fan and Erwei Hao and Xiaotao Hou and Jiagang Deng and Zhengcai Du and Zhongshang Xia}, journal={Drug and chemical toxicology ...
In recent years, containerization has gained widespread adoption for its efficiency and scalability benefits. However, with the increasing use of containers, ensuring robust security measures becomes paramount. This case study explores how a leading payment and financial company successfully improved its security posture through effective
principal features of a case study research methodology, making use of some of the most relevant and authoritative literature produced on this approach to social . Priya 95 ... One of the finest explanatory case studies is Allison and Zelikow's (1971) study of the Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962. It is still considered a political science
Employees who use AI as a core part of their jobs report feeling more isolated, drinking more, and sleeping less than employees who don't. The promise of AI is alluring — optimized ...
Roughly 15,000 car dealerships across the US and Canada have gone days without software systems crucial to running their business, following multiple cyberattacks on CDK Global. The company is one ...
Lastly, the authors present a case study of their most recent efforts of a circuit model development of relative humidity (RH) sensors based on heterogeneous mixed metal oxide (MMO) nanostructures, used to understand and identify existing contributions to the overall electrical response of the sensors to moisture; in their case, the electrical ...
The Alaska Supreme Court is weighing a case that challenges as unconstitutional laws that have allowed families with children in home-study programs to use public money for education-related ...