Running head: INTRO TO CASE STUDIES 1
Intro to Case Studies
Richard S. Stainback Jr.
BUSI 830
August 27, 2023
Dr. Jonathon Philebaum
Author’s Note: By submitting this assignment, I attest this submission represents my own work,
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this work for any other class.
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to identify different types of case studies, the design elements,
methods, and tests used to validate the research. Case studies are becoming a more prominent
method of research in social sciences. These types of research studies are prevalent in the
technology and medical sector. There are two main types of research case studies: single case
studies and multiple case studies. Researchers should evaluate the research question and desired
outcome proposition to determine the design type necessary for a viable case study. Case studies
are subject to validity and reliability tests to ensure their research value.
Keywords: Case Study, Single Case, Multiple Case, Research Design, Validity, Reliability
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Intro to Case Studies
Case studies offer researchers the ability to define and rigorously answer research
questions with a well-defined methodology that must be adhered to for the research to be
relevant (Yin, 2018). Case studies are further used to explain phenomenon that otherwise
research fails to explore at a depth reasonable to ascertain conclusions (Quintao & Andrade,
2020). A large criticism to case study research is the validity and reliability factors; brought into
question as a derivative of narrow sampling and research bias (Quintao & Andrade, 2020;
Siedlecki, 2020; Yin, 2018). The purpose of this writing is to explore the reason to perform a
case study, the different types of case studies, different designs available, methods of testing case
studies, and defining “readily bound” in relation to case studies.
The Case for a Case Study
Case studies are a relevant form of qualitative analysis. Researchers use case studies to
dig deeper into research questions and phenomenon that may not fit into other research methods.
Case studies are common practice in technology research and the medical research field
(Andrade, 2022; Siedlecki, 2020; Wholin, 2021). The key to a successful case study is well-
defined parameters and procedures built into the research design to narrow the scope of the
research. The research design will change dependent on the type of case study the research
question requires. There are three types of case studies explanatory, descriptive, and exploratory
that are used to answer the questions “how” and “why” (Stanberry et al., 2021).
Case Study Definition
Case studies are loosely defined as a method of determining the how and why decisions
are made in other research methods (Yin, 2018). Case studies seek to understand the motivation
behind decisions, occurrences, and phenomenon to apply it to a real-world context (Yin, 2018).
Dependent on the design of the case study, they can be exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory.
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Exploratory, Descriptive, and Explanatory Case Studies
Exploratory case studies are often used to lay groundwork for further research and
developing complex questions into researchable formats using other methods (Alghamdi &
Alotaibi, 2021; Yin, 2018). An example of an exploratory case study is the research completed
by Alghamdi and Alotaibi (2021) where the research tested using science fiction storytelling and
imaginative visualization techniques to increase interest and grades in Saudi Arabian female 10th
grade students.
Descriptive case studies are used to study people in their natural environment. The most
common methods are surveys and observations. Descriptive case studies may scrutinize previous
research at different points in time looking to further explain the phenomenon. Davis and
Morrow (2020) utilized strengths, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) analysis to
complete a descriptive case analysis to analyze diversification in the Doctorate of Nurse
Practitioner (DNP) program. Descriptive case studies are also used to evaluate events after a
predetermined period.
Explanatory case studies focus on the why a particular phenomenon occurred. Stanberry
et al. (2021) completed this type of case study during the Covid-19 pandemic to explain cost and
benefit factors for the purchase of surgical gloves. The outcome of this study aided purchasers
with different criteria to evaluate the different gloves available. Another example would be
researching why the financial crisis in 2008 occurred. These examples seek to explain a
phenomenon. Looking at all three case study types it is reasonable to define them in simple
terms: exploratory studies seek to explore phenomenon, descriptive studies seek to describe the
phenomenon, and explanatory studies seek to explain the phenomenon.
Case Study Research Design
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The connection between the research question and the empirical data often comprises the
specific research design for the case study (Yin, 2018). Research design is paramount in
developing the case study to ensure that the data collected answers the question being
researched. Yin (2018) notes that there is not a current collection of research designs for case
studies and all designs therefore are unique to the study. Case studies are part of the qualitative
research methods arena. Siedlecki (2020) notes that case studies employ many methods of
research to collect and analyze data. The research designs can be single case holistic, single case
embedded, multiple case holistic, or multiple case embedded. These different designs can also be
combined to obtain a better understanding of the research question.
Single Case Holistic
Single-case study designs are prevalent under five circumstances: critical, unusual,
common, revelatory, and longitudinal (Yin, 2018). Single case holistic describes a case study
with only one unit of analysis. This method of case design is imperative when the research aims
to analyze a singular case against a determined output. Like assessing cause and effect in social
science where there is one known cause and one known effect that are being analyzed. Andrade
(2022) identifies the use of control-case studies in the medical diagnostic field where control
groups are researched against groups that may have a condition. In this case study example, the
history of the patients will be analyzed to determine possible causation for the medical condition.
The Five Rationales. Previously stated there are five rationales for the use of a single
case method. The first rationale is described as critical. Critical subject case studies are
characterized by defined circumstances in which the hypothesis would be deemed true (Yin,
2018). The second rationale is described as unusual or extreme. Unusual case studies are
characterized by occurrences that are not common in nature (Yin, 2018). This rationale is
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common in clinical psychology. The third rationale is described as a common case. Common
case studies are characterized by researching a everyday common occurrence. The fourth
rationale is a revelatory case study. Revelatory case studies are characterized by observing
phenomenon previously unavailable to research (Yin, 2018). The fifth rationale is described as a
longitudinal case study. Longitudinal case studies are characterized by studying the same case at
different points in the timeline (Yin, 2018).
Single Case Embedded
Single case embedded studies are utilized when the single case study operates at multiple
levels (Yin, 2018). It is important to note that these levels or subunits must fall within the scope
of the original case study design. An example model of a single case embedded study is
identifying logistical efficiencies across multiple departments. The subunits to transportation
would be fleet, finance, end-users, and vendors. All of these departments would play a role in the
organization’s logistics and be included in an embedded case study.
Multiple Case Design
Multiple case designs consist of several cases, or points of interest, in the same case
design. Researchers find that multiple case studies are considered more robust and often held in
higher research regard than single case studies. One of the rationales for a multiple case study is
the predictive nature of assumptions being equal across multiple cases (Yin, 2018). Another key
factor for multiple case study design is the necessity for the presence of replication, either
theoretical or literal. It is important when deciding to use a multiple case study design that the
data should have some theoretical importance not just predictive (Yin, 2018). The logic used in
multiple case studies is replication logic apposed to the sampling logic found in single case
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studies. Multiple case designs can exist holistically or embedded dependent on the structure of
the research.
Case Study Design Test and Tactics
There are four tests that are common to social science research: construct validity,
internal validity, external validity, and reliability. Yin (2018) offers several tactics to address the
four tests of the case study. These tactics are means of ensuring the integrity of the case study
and should be used as checkmarks during the implementation and design. Construct validity
identifies the presence of correct operational measures for the research (Yin, 2018). The tactics
for construct validity include using multiple sources of evidence and having someone review the
research. Internal validity is only applicable in explanatory or casual studies and aims to assess
the presence of casual relationships. The tactics identified for ensuring internal validity are
pattern matching, explanation building, and using logic models (Yin, 2018). External validity
works to show if and how results can be generalized. The main tactic for this test is to use the
correct case study design. Finally, reliability is the fourth test and determines if the case study
can be repeated. The key tactic for reliability is to maintain a secure chain of evidence (Yin,
2018).
Cases Not Readily Bound
Case studies that are not bound will struggle to meet the tests for reliability and validity.
Researchers should strive to set boundaries and adhere to them to protect the outcome of the case
study. There are two types of case studies open and closed. Open case studies leave room for
further research and may not have stringent boundaries specifically if exploratory. Closed case
studies are finite from a research point-of-view and the data is bound to the research question and
outcome.
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Biblical Integration
There are several references to research in the Holy Bible. Acts 17:11 states, “Now these
Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness,
examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Holy Bible: New International
Version 1973/2011). This reference shows where the Jews continuously studied His teachings
offering exploration and validity. Just as researchers test case studies for validity and reliability,
God calls man to test everything and hold back what is good. This command is found in 1
Thessalonians 5:19-21, “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test
everything; hold fast what is good” (Holy Bible: New International Version 1973/2011).
Conclusion
Case studies range from simple single case designs to more elaborate multi-case designs.
The key to a successful case study is being deliberate and meticulous in designing the research
methods that will be used to answer the proposed research question. Researchers should
determine whether to use a single case study or multiple case study ensuring the tests for validity
and reliability are maintained. Future research is necessary to continue exploring the use and
validity of case studies in social sciences. Further research will add to the positive perception of
case studies as meaningful research.
Reference
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Alghamdi, A. K., & Alotaibi, W. H. (2021). Bringing science fiction story writing to Saudi
Science Education. Science & Education, 31(2), 525–541.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-021-00254-7
Andrade, C. (2022). Research design: Case-control studies. Indian Journal of Psychological
Medicine, 44(3), 307–309. https://doi.org/10.1177/02537176221090104
Davis, J. H., & Morrow, M. R. (2020). Using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
analysis to pursue a doctor of nursing practice education. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 34(6),
295–297. https://doi.org/10.1097/nur.0000000000000553
Quintao, C., & Andrade, P. (2020). How to Improve the Validity and Reliability of a Case Study
Approach. Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education, 9(2), 274–285.
Siedlecki, S. L. (2020). Case Study Research Design in nursing. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 34(6),
250–256. https://doi.org/10.1097/nur.0000000000000554
Stanberry, B., Bothma, G., & Harrison, K. (2021). Using the meat VBP framework to analyse
and understand the value of surgical gloves: An explanatory case study. Health Economics
Review, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13561-021-00325-z
Wohlin, C. (2021). Case study research in software engineering—it is a case, and it is a study,
but is it a case study? Information and Software Technology, 133.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infsof.2021.106514
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE.
Zondervan. (2011). Holy Bible: New International Version.
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