In any of the research disciplines that exist, especially if they are in some way related to people or to both physical and psychological health, a series of research methods or techniques are required through which to develop the theories in which that each of these subjects are based on.
One of these techniques is the case study. A qualitative research method that we will talk about throughout this article. As well as its characteristics, objectives and how to carry it out correctly and effectively.
What is a case study?
The case study consists of a research method or technique, commonly used in health and social sciences which is characterized by requiring a search and investigation process, as well as the systematic analysis of one or several cases.
To be more exact, by case we understand all those circumstances, situations or unique phenomena about which more information is required or deserve some type of interest within the world of research.
Depending on the field of research in which it is carried out, the case study can focus on a wide variety of subjects or issues. In the field of psychology, this is usually related to the investigation of mental illnesses, disorders or alterations through the study of people who suffer from them.
Unlike other types of empirical research, This methodology is considered a qualitative research technique, since its development focuses on the exhaustive study of a phenomenon. And not in the statistical analysis of already existing data.
As a general rule, the case study is carried out with the intention of developing a series of hypotheses or theories about a specific topic or topic in order to, as a result of these theories, carry out more expensive and elaborate studies with a much larger sample.
However, case studies can be carried out either with a single person as the object of research, or with several subjects who have certain characteristics. To do this, the person or people who carry out the case study They resort to techniques such as observation or the administration of questionnaires or psychological tests. However, these procedures will vary depending on the discipline to which the research belongs.
What characteristics distinguish it?
In 1994, the pedagogue and researcher Gloria Pérez Serrano created a list with the main characteristics that define case studies. These are:
They are particularists
This means that they only cover a specific reality or topic, which It constitutes very effective techniques to analyze unique and specific situations.
They are descriptive
At the end of a case study we will obtain an exhaustive and qualitative description of a specific situation or condition.
They are heuristics
The heuristic concept means finding or discovering something. In the case study we can discover new aspects of a specific topic or confirm what we already know.
They are inductive
Based on inductive reasoning we can develop hypotheses and find new relationships from one or more specific cases.
What are the objectives?
Like any research technique, the case study is guided by specific objectives. These are:
Methodology: how is it done?
Traditionally, the development of a case study is divided into five well-defined phases. These phases are the following.
1. Case selection
Before starting any type of investigation, we must know what we want to study, and then select an appropriate and relevant case. We must establish the area for which the study may be useful, the people who may be interesting as case studies, and, how not to define the problem and objectives of the case study.
2. Preparation of questions
Once the topic of study has been identified and the case(s) to be investigated have been selected, it will be necessary to prepare a set of questions that determine what you want to find out once the study has finished.
Sometimes it is useful to establish a global question that serves as a guide, then determine more specific and varied questions. In this way we can get the most out of the situation to be investigated.
3. Location of sources and data collection
Through observation techniques, interviews with subjects or through the administration of psychological tests and tests We will obtain most of the information necessary to develop the theories and hypotheses that give meaning to the research.
4. Analysis and interpretation of information and results
Once all the data has been collected, the next step consists of comparing it with the hypotheses formulated at the beginning of the case study. Once the comparison stage is completed, the researcher(s) can obtain a series of conclusions and decide if the information or result obtained can be applied to more similar situations or cases.
5. Preparation of the report
Finally, a report is prepared that, chronologically, detail each and every case study data. It will be necessary to specify what steps were followed, how the information was obtained and the reason for the conclusions drawn.
All this in clear and understandable language that allows the reader to understand each of the points.
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PsychologyFor. (2024). Case Study: Characteristics, Objectives and Methodology. https://psychologyfor.com/case-study-characteristics-objectives-and-methodology/