What is the case study method and how can it be applied to academic research?

The case study method is an empirical research approach focusing on investigating a contemporary phenomenon within its real-world context, particularly when boundaries between the phenomenon and context are unclear. It is widely applicable across social sciences, business, education, and health disciplines to explore complex questions. This method necessitates the detailed examination of one or a limited number of cases, emphasizing depth over breadth. Essential characteristics include an inherent contextual dependence, often studying unique or critical instances, and reliance on multiple data sources such as documents, interviews, observations, and artifacts to ensure triangulation and enhance validity. Researchers must carefully define the case, justify its selection, and be acutely aware of potential researcher subjectivity and limited generalizability inherent in the approach due to its intensive focus. Its application in academic research involves generating or testing theory by exploring underlying dynamics. Typical steps involve formulating research questions suitable for case study, selecting representative or information-rich cases, rigorously collecting and analyzing multi-source data within the context, and interpreting findings to draw theoretical insights or provide detailed explanations applicable to similar situations or offering significant contextual understanding.