This week we talked about case studies, and before the seminar I did not really understand the difference between a case study and other studies. We were told that typical for case studies is that they use different methods simultaniously. But as we’ve read several papers and articles during these weeks, we’ve met different studies where they used several methods, whitout being defined as case studies.
So, during the seminar, we spent some time discussing what a case study is:
A case study is an investigation about a subject that is real. It studies reality. This can be confusing, since this reality is relative. A good example Leif talked about was when investigating people with ADHD. This diagnosis did not exist a few years ago, and an investigation about ADHD would not be a case study then. Today, on the other hand, the diagnosis exist and therefor it is defined as “reality”. Today you can perform case studies about ADHD.
The subjects of case studies are real, and they exist. But it does not have to be present, it could have happened a hundred years ago. A case study combine and work with different methods simultaniously. It is important to be specific and know what to investigate and have a specified, limited area to research. When doing case studies you have a big amount of data to research, which can be a benefit but also a difficulty in the same time.
Hi Gabbi!
SvaraRaderaWhen we started to read about case-studies I did not either know the difference between a case study and other studies. But after the seminar with Leif I though it became much clearer. It was good that he came with examples of what a case-study is and is not because then you could more easily apply your knowledge about it. I agree with you that a benefit with case-studies is that you collect a lot of data. And also for it to be a case study, you investigate a phenomenon more thoroughly and then I think much data is needed! Great reflection and keep up the good work! /Hannah
You, like me and everyone else think the definition of case study is hard to understand. Fortunately it's easier when we got the examples like ADHD. I think it’s good to understand the method for further researches like our master thesis. It’s a useful method that has a big impact of the reliability of a study. Your reflections regarding this topic are interesting and it's sounds like you have the knowledge of the concept. Good job!
SvaraRaderaHello. Before the seminar I could hardly distinguish a case study for other research, however after the discussion we had at the seminar became much easier. I consider discussing examples of case studies was the best way to understand the theme. Among many of the examples we discussed, they usually used different quantitative and qualitative methods for the development of the research, which is consistent with what you mentioned in your post. Good reflection, it was interesting and easy to understand.
SvaraRaderaIsaac Rondon