Case Study Example

Conducting and Completing a Case Study A case study is one method of non-experimental research. Case studies are very important in that it allows researchers the freedom to conduct safe and exclusive research to discover behaviors and situations that would normally be dangerous or impossible to study (Crawford, 2017, p. 78). Rayburn & Davidson (2001) discuss the advantages of using case studies in research and describe it as a “time-honored research method” (p. 269). Sigmund Freud is probably the most recognized researcher to use case studies in 1895, publishing (with Josef Breuer) Studies on Hysteria (Midgley, 2006, p. 124). The magnitude of Freud & Breuer’s case study was different from earlier case studies in that time; it was more intense, and the

Deciding which method to use for research depends on resources (time, finances, etc.), and the subject of the research. Case studies have their pros and cons. A major positive aspect of the case study, is one I mentioned earlier, researchers are able to study rare occurrences or situations. Another positive aspect of the case study is there are several sources to attain information such as, observation, surveys, questionnaires, interview, personnel records, and the like.
One negative aspect of the case study is, the researcher can be partial to his or her own opinion. Upon completion of a case study, results are compiled. After analyzing, the researcher reaches a broad rationalization (Creswell et.al, 2007, p. 248). This rationalization or interpetation may be untentionally subjective. Another negative aspect of the case study is the failure to determine a cause for the behavior (Crawford, 2017, p. 79). In the example I provided above about the abused adult’s behavior. If he abuses his own children, is it because he was abused or some other reason?
Why use the Case Study