Case Studies

Case Studies: What Are They?

Cara Savelli

MOL 500A Introduction to Accelerated Graduate Study

Prof. Chris Tucker

Warner Pacific College

February 15, 2012


























Case Studies: What Are They?

Reflection

In a portion of my classes as an undergraduate, we used case studies to complete more in depth study of certain topics. The professors often used examples from case studies or asked us to look at several different case studies on a particular topic in order to better understand what we were studying. However, even with this experience, I feel that I cannot definitively give a detailed definition of what a case study encompasses.

Based on my prior knowledge, I think that a case study is an in-depth look at one unit. This unit can be a person, an organization, or a particular group. The research for a case study is done in several different ways and can include observation, interviews, and statistics gathered and generated when looking at factual data. This large scope data is usually collected over a longer period of time and is not as strict as a scientific study may be. The case study method is designed to produce results that show a more holistic or liberal view of a subject matter as opposed to a strict “by-the-book” statistical or scientific method of study.

Key Points of Chapters 1 & 2

According to The Case Study Handbook (2007), “when students enter a case-based program, they understandably assume that regurgitation of case facts is a central task. They are surprised when their professors not only expect them to know the facts but to use them to support an opinion about an issue the case raises” (p.7). This statement is a good starting point in understanding the key points illustrated in the reading chapters, which all revolve around the idea that case study is designed to prepare the learner for real life situations by presenting scenarios with fluid variables that require honed... [continues]

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