Case Studies in Qualitative Research: Understanding Their Characteristics and Applications

Introduction

Qualitative case study is an essential approach to investigating complex phenomena, especially in the field of education. It allows for a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and historical dynamics that influence individuals’ behavior and perceptions. Content analysis is a central technique that enables the categorization and interpretation of qualitative data, revealing meanings and patterns that would not be captured by quantitative methods. In this article, we will explore the importance of case study in research and content analysis, the challenges faced, and the ethical and practical implications of this approach.

Concepts and characteristics of case study

Case Study

Case study is a research method that explores a phenomenon in its real-world context, allowing for detailed and contextualized analysis. This approach is particularly useful in situations where the complexity of the phenomenon demands deeper investigation, such as in educational settings, where social, cultural, and historical factors interact in intricate ways (Shrestha & Bhattarai, 2021). For example, the implementation of lesson study in schools has demonstrated significant benefits for teachers, while also highlighting barriers that can be overcome with systematic support (Khokhotva, 2018).

Case Study Characteristics

• The target cases of study can be either a subject, event, institutions or groups, constituting a research phenomenon of interest to the researcher (Chaves & Weiler, 2016)
• This is a qualitative study of an inductive nature because generalizations, hypotheses and theories arise from the observation of the case study in detail (Alonso, 2023).
• It is possible to use various qualitative techniques to collect data, although observation is one of the most prominent techniques. In this way, different data sources are worked with. (Alonso, 2023).
• There are simple/single and multiple single cases. In the first case, the research is carried out on a unit of analysis and the necessary requirements are met to draw consistent conclusions from this single study to explain the phenomenon in question. While in multiple cases, several cases are analyzed, comparing them and obtaining conclusions that allow the explanation of the differences and the reasons for them.

Types of Cases according to the scope of the research

• Exploratory: are used when the phenomenon addressed is new in the field of study or little explored
• Descriptive: The aim is to prepare a report describing the phenomenon under study as it is observed, without theoretical assumptions.
• Explanatory: consists of establishing causal relationships between the study variables, reaching the point of developing theories or hypotheses

In turn, there are the following cases:

• Intrinsic Case Study: the selected case has value in itself, being relevant to explore, describe or explain the research phenomenon (Chaves & Weiler, 2016).
• Instrumental Case Study: the case constitutes the essential basis for explaining or replicating theories and generalizations, starting from the case to delve deeper into theoretical principles. (Chaves & Weiler, 2016).
• Collective Case Studies: In particular, multiple cases are presented here with the aim of comparing and establishing similarities or differences between them and explaining the phenomenon studied (Alonso, 2023).

Important Questions About the Topic

What are the main challenges in conducting qualitative case studies?

Challenges include subjectivity in data interpretation, the need for methodological rigor, and the complexity of capturing the entirety of the phenomenon under study. The lack of specific training in qualitative methodologies among educators can result in inadequate application of the technique, compromising the validity of the findings (Hendricson et al., 2019).

What are the ethical implications of conducting qualitative studies?

Ethical implications include the need to ensure participant confidentiality, informed consent, and accountability in data interpretation. The research ethics Qualitative analysis is essential to ensure that participants' voices are respected and that their experiences are represented fairly. 

What tools can be used in qualitative case studies?

In case studies, quantitative instruments can be used, not just the qualitative approach, enabling data triangulation and providing more consistent conclusions. LAS ref that I put before

Data analysis of case studies

The following steps can be followed to develop the research project and analyze the data (Arroyo-Rodríguez et al., 2023):

• First, you must choose the case of interest, which contributes to understanding a research phenomenon where it is possible to observe the influence of the context. Throughout this article, you will be able to study a practical example.
• Next, as a researcher, you have to justify your choice and the relevance of the topic.
• Another important aspect has to do with defining the theoretical framework to analyze the case study, among these possibilities could be the use of Ethnography or other qualitative reference frameworks to understand the relationship with the context in which the case takes place.
• Furthermore, you should clarify your objectives depending on the research topic.
• In turn, choose the data collection techniques or instruments, taking into account that not only observation can be used but also interviews, records, and combined with quantitative instruments, depending on the research objective.
• After data collection, it is suggested to transcribe the interview data and observations for later analysis.
• The researcher must know that according to his study objective he can read the data and select those that are relevant, describing the phenomenon, the experiences or to generate new theories.
• A fundamental characteristic is to follow ethical criteria in research throughout the process, in this case the voluntary participation of subjects as well as in the analysis protecting the identity of participants.
• Finally, prepare the report presenting the conclusions in light of other evidence or, depending on the type of case chosen, describe it and its relationship with the context, responding to the objective of your study.

Content Analysis and its importance for the preparation of data in case studies

Content analysis is a technique that allows the interpretation of textual data, categorizing information to identify patterns and meanings. This methodology is widely used in qualitative research, as it allows for a systematic exploration of data, revealing insights that may not be evident at first glance. For example, in an educational study, content analysis can be applied to examine interviews with students, allowing the identification of recurring themes about their learning experiences (Galvis & Carvajal, 2022).

Practical Examples of Case Studies and Their Contributions to Education

Case studies in education can range from examining a single classroom to investigating large-scale educational policies. For example, a case study examining the implementation of a new teaching methodology may reveal not only academic outcomes but also student and teacher perceptions of the effectiveness of the approach (Khokhotva, 2018).

Another example is the descriptive case study in which the authors' objective was to explore and capture, through multiple cases, the experiences of visually impaired girls with their peers at school, teachers, family members, and educational policies on educational inclusion (Shrestha & Bhattarai, 2021). The study conducted both interviews and observations with the aim of analyzing the socioeconomic and cultural scenario. We invite you to read the case in more depth to study the tool in a more concrete way!

Current Relevance of the Topic and Future Implications

Qualitative research has become increasingly relevant in the information age. With the increasing complexity of social phenomena, qualitative research allows for richer and more contextualized analysis. Furthermore, the intersection between technology and qualitative research, such as the use of data analysis tools, is expanding the possibilities for research (Galvis & Carvajal, 2022).

Advances in data analysis technologies, such as artificial intelligence tools, can enhance content analysis in case studies, allowing for deeper and more efficient exploration of qualitative data. This can lead to new discoveries and insights in research, as well as making it easier to identify patterns that were previously difficult to discern.

Conclusions

The qualitative case study is a powerful tool for investigating complex phenomena from a single unit of analysis, whether the researcher is very careful and detailed or employs multiple cases to develop new theories. Regarding analysis, the technique of content analysis, as a central strategy, allows a deeper understanding of the meanings and contexts that shape the experiences of individuals. As methodologies and tools evolve, qualitative research will continue to play a crucial role in the production of meaningful and relevant knowledge. In this context, the tool of Requalify can assist in data analysis and in the process of developing analysis units.

References

Alonso, M. M. (2023). The Case Study as a qualitative investigation method: Approximation to its structure, principles and specificities. Academic Diversity, 2(2): 243-267. https://diversidadacademica.uaemex.mx/article/view/20623

Arroyo-Rodríguez, A., Amezcua, M., & Orkaizagirre-Gómara, A. (2023). I have keys to the elaboration of a qualitative Case Study. Nursing Index, 32(2), e14663. https://dx.doi.org/10.58807/indexenferm20235871

Chaves, VEJ, & Weiler, CC (2016). Case studies as a methodological approach. ACADEMO Journal of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities, 3(2): 1-11. https://revistacientifica.uamericana.edu.py/index.php/academo/article/view/54

Galvis, A. H., & Carvajal, D. (2022). Learning from success stories when using eLearning and bLearning modalities in higher education: a meta-analysis and lessons towards digital educational transformation. Int J Educ Technol High Educ 19(23). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00325-x

Hendricson, W. D., Seitz, S., & Kiefer English, D. (2019). Case Report of a Program to Enhance Dental Students' Interest in Academic Dentistry. Journal of Dental Education. 83(9): 1047-1056. https://doi.org/10.21815/JDE.019.097

Khokhotva, O. (2018). Lesson Study in Kazakhstan: case study of benefits and barriers for teachers. International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies, 7(4): 250-262 https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLLS-04-2018-0021

Shrestha, P., & Bhattarai, P. C. (2021). Application of Case Study Methodology in the Exploration of Inclusion in Education. AM J Qualitative Res, 6(1): 73-84. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/11461

FAQ – Case Study in Qualitative Research

What is a qualitative case study?

A qualitative case study is a research method that explores a phenomenon in its real-world context, allowing for detailed and contextualized analysis, especially in areas such as education.

What types of cases are there?

Depending on the objective of the research and its scope, they can be exploratory, descriptive or explanatory. Likewise, there are intrinsic, instrumental and collective cases, whose purpose depends on the nature of the study.

What are the main challenges in conducting qualitative case studies?

The main challenges include subjectivity in data interpretation, the need for methodological rigor, and the complexity of capturing the entirety of the phenomenon under study. The lack of specific training in qualitative methodologies can compromise the validity of the findings.

How to analyze the case study?

There are a series of steps to follow, from choosing the case and its objectives, to the methodological design according to the type of case study defined, to analyzing the data and developing categories of analysis. Finally, the report with the appropriate conclusions is prepared. 

What are the ethical implications of conducting qualitative studies?

Ethical implications include ensuring participant confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and being responsible in the interpretation of data, ensuring that participants' voices are respected.

How can content analysis enrich the understanding of case studies?

Content analysis can be applied through the systematic coding of collected data, allowing the identification of themes and patterns that inform educational practices. The use of digital technologies can facilitate this analysis. In turn, content analysis allows a deeper exploration of participants’ experiences and perceptions, identifying nuances that reveal the social and cultural dynamics present in case studies.