Hi Maha,
I am sending some of the details about case studies. Its copied from some of the sites. But its quite important info.
Check for the attachment also.
Case Study: Introduction and Definition
Writing@CSU Home Page | Writing Guides | Case Study
Case Study: Introduction and Definition
Case study refers to the collection and presentation of detailed information about a particular participant or small group, frequently including the accounts of subjects themselves. A form of qualitative descriptive research, the case study looks intensely at an individual or small participant pool, drawing conclusions only about that participant or group and only in that specific context. Researchers do not focus on the discovery of a universal, generalizable truth, nor do they typically look for cause-effect relationships; instead, emphasis is placed on exploration and description.
Case Studies: Types and Design Concerns
Under the more generalized category of case study exist several subdivisions, each of which is custom selected for use depending upon the goals and/or objectives of the investigator. These types of case study include the following:
Illustrative Case Studies
These are primarily descriptive studies. They typically utilize one or two instances of an event to show what a situation is like. Illustrative case studies serve primarily to make the unfamiliar familiar and to give readers a common language about the topic in question.
Exploratory (or pilot) Case Studies
These are condensed case studies performed before implementing a large scale investigation. Their basic function is to help identify questions and select types of measurement prior to the main investigation. The primary pitfall of this type of study is that initial findings may seem convincing enough to be released prematurely as conclusions.
Cumulative Case Studies
These serve to aggregate information from several sites collected at different times. The idea behind these studies is the collection of past studies will allow for greater generalization without additional cost or time being expended on new, possibly repetitive studies.
Critical Instance Case Studies
These examine one or more sites for either the purpose of examining a situation of unique interest with little to no interest in generalizability, or to call into question or challenge a highly generalized or universal assertion. This method is useful for answering cause and effect questions.
Conducting case studies:
To obtain as complete a picture of the participant as possible, case study researchers can employ a variety of approaches and methods.
These methods and approaches are:
- Single or Multi-modal approach
Participant Selection
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Composing the Report
Issues of Validity and Reliability
You can use this guide as a template or you can use your own format.
Title - What? (no more than 3 lines):
The title describes the project or the focus of the case study. Use a headline style to catch people's attention.
Aims/Objectives - Why, Where? (approx 200 words):
Why was this project developed? Give some background on reasons for the project.
Where it is located and whether it is rural or urban.
What group is the focus of the project (youth, elderly, families. general community etc).
The Project - How, Who, When? (approx 350 words):
Funding - who provided funds and other resources?
Stakeholders - who ran the project, who else was involved and how did they contribute?
Community participation - how did you involve the community and stakeholders in the project
Implementation -what were the steps in carrying out the project?
Time frame - what was the time frame for the project and the short-term and long-term developments?
Results/Evaluation (approx. 200 words):
How did you monitor/evaluate the project?
What changes/benefits happened for the target group from the project? (short-term and long-term)
Did the project achieve its aims/objectives?
Were there any unexpected outcomes? What are they?
Sustainability (approx. 150 words):
How will the project and its benefits continue into the future?
Can the project be replicated with other groups and in other areas?
Lessons Learnt (approx. 200 words):
What did you and other stakeholders learn from the project?
What were the main challenges in implementing the project? How did you meet these challenges or difficulties?
Did anything unexpected happen? How did you handle this?
What would you do the same/differently if you implement such a project again?
Any advice for others implementing a similar project?
Contacts/Links/Resources:
Please list any contacts, links or resources that you found particularly useful in carrying out the project and which could be helpful to others.
bye then
regards,
prachi