Case study

The case study is but one several ways of doing social science research. Other ways include experiments, surveys, histories, and the analysis of archival information. Each strategy has peculiar advantages and disadvantages, depending on three conditions: (a) the type of research question, (b) the control an investigator has over actual behavioral events, and (c) the focus on contemporary as opposed to historical phenomena.

In general, case studies are the preferred strategy when "how" or "why" questions are being posed; when the investigator has little control over events, and when the focus is on a contemporary phenomenon within some real-life context. Such explanatory case studies also can be complemented by two others types - explanatory and descriptive case studies. Regardless of the type of case study, investigators must exercise great care in designing and doing case studies to overcome the traditional criticism of the method.

 Robert K.Yin.