Case studies are in-depth, detailed examinations of a particular case (or cases) within a real-world context. They can focus on various subjects, such as individuals, groups, events, organizations, or phenomena. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research to gain a better understanding of a subject or process.
The main characteristics of case studies are:
- They can be one observation (N=1) or include many observations (one or multiple individuals and entities across multiple time periods, all within the same case study).
- Research projects involving numerous cases are called cross-case research, while a study of a single case is called within-case research.
- Case studies examine complex phenomena in their natural setting to increase understanding.
- They often have a connection with theory in the field, exemplifying or testing existing knowledge about the topic.
