A case study is a research regarding a situation that involves an individual, a little group of partakers, or an event. The method consists of amassing detailed data associated with the topic at hand and analyzing it precisely. As a result, a case study is a type of research with great magnitude used by several researchers and industries to resolve issues worldwide. However, besides their advantages, several disadvantages associated with them too can help ascertain their worth.
Pros:
1. It converts participant observations into data; the core of case studies is its ability to demonstrate the understanding of participants in the whole process. By observing participants directly, it can obtain authenticated data used for input purposes. Furthermore, the observations enhance the imitation of the acquired results by other people conducting case studies as well.
2. It enhances the conversion of opinion into facts; researchers can convert their views into suitable information that forms the basis for provable truths. Therefore, this is most practical when dealing with a single incident and ends up providing detailed data about its developments not known.
3. It employs the use of several research methodologies; apart from direct observation and interviews, case studies use other methods to collect data too. Questionnaires are handed out to the participants to fill, whereas there are case histories obtained from all recorded data in a database. Journals, diaries, among others, are also used.
4. It can access data from remote areas: through the use of technological devices, researchers do not have to be available at a precise location to conduct a case study. Accessing information through email, phone, and other kinds of communication suitable for remote areas is possible.
5. It involves in-depth qualitative data collection; compared to other research models, case studies partake in comprehensive data collection that later helps in the analysis and evaluation of obtained data. Because of this, it can be able to research exceptional cases where large samples of participants differ in one way or the other.
Cons:
1. It is hard to replicate; most of the case studies are hard to replicate, and it is essential to only that one researcher. The value of work is lost unless extra resources combined with it are used by another researcher to form the basis of the research.
2. It could be subject to the researcher’s biases; due to its establishment in qualitative analysis, case studies rely on the researcher’s interpretation of the obtained information. Thus since the researcher has his or her own opinions, this could prompt biases when he is assessing the data.
3. It cannot estimate the whole population efficiently; as case studies withdraw data from an individual, a little group of partakers, or events, it cannot conclusively conclude that the case is relevant to everyone. Therefore it is not right to estimate a whole population adequately.
4. It is time-consuming; the analysis of the data collected in the case study method requires a lot of time as compared to other research methods. The information needs proper verification to ascertain its accuracy, and this tends to be time-consuming.
5. It can be an unreliable method due to participants and researchers; in the case of the study, complete cooperation of all participants is a core quality in ensuring the quality of data obtained. Besides, the researcher should possess the qualities that draw the participants to be free to share information.
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