Advantages And Disadvantages Of Case Study | Types, Methods, Definition, Strengths and Weaknesses, Pros and Cons

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Case Study: A case study is a research work that is used for in-depth knowledge of a particular subject in a real-life context. The aim of the case study is to provide insights into the case and to bring out a proper conclusion after gathering all the information. The case study should be experimental or practical in nature as it gives effective results at the end of the research work. It should also be systematic and have a proper structure to study.

Based on practical experiences, one should specify all the collective data, approaches and tools as well as designs. The value of a case study is in different fields like science, business, art and culture, history, medicines and so on. A case study is highly subjective in nature and sometimes difficult to conclude results. So many sectors use case analysis and they create case studies regularly. Even health care industries write reports on patients and about their diagnoses. In marketing, strategies are made through a detailed case study and also used for advertising brands.

Students can also find more Advantages and Disadvantages articles on events, persons, sports, technology, and many more.

What is Case Study? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Case Study?

A case study refers to the collection and presentation of detailed information through practical experience as well as a research theory. After an intensive study, researchers draw a particular conclusion. A case study also requires dedicated hours and concentration to examine the variables in order to provide a complete understanding of a given topic. Comprehensive understanding can be derived from a descriptive case study where a researcher has to convey as well as examine complex cases with thick descriptions interpreting the meaning of descriptive data or demographic attributes such as cultural norms and backgrounds, etc. Whereas quantitive methods of research, focus more on the survey, logic, strategies and archival analysis.

Types of Case Study

Types of the case study include the following points:

  • Descriptive Case Study: These are primarily illustrative studies. It involves the study of descriptive theories. The subjects are then observed and analysed and the information has to be gathered to compare the pre-existing theory.
  • Pilot Case Study: This case study is performed before any kind of investigation which supposes to be on a large scale. The basic function is to find the questions and other relatable findings of any database task prior to the main investigation.
  • Cumulative Case Study: This shows the aggregated information from the various sites collected at different times. In short, it shows the past data and studies which can be compared to present repetitive studies.
  • Critical Case Study: This method is useful for answering cause and effect questions. It deals with critical and complex topics.

Methods to Write Case Study

  1. It has a specific structure and content: Case study methods are those in which an individual or group of people research in order to determine outcomes.
  2. Background information: First, one should observe and understand the topic. One should also include a detailed background to which the topic is related for example age, gender, work, health, status, family history, sociological factors, goals, difficulties and so on.
  3. Description of the issues related to the topic: In the next part, one should describe the problems and symptoms related or inter-related or interlinked.
  4. Main matter of the case study: In this section, all the important details of the topic should be addressed in a particular structure and sequence. Aims and objectives should be included and important data should be inculcated according to the findings and surveys. Previous records should be taken into consideration to compare with present scenarios.
  5. Conclusion: The last part is all about the end result which includes the researcher’s personal opinion on the topic and ways to solve the problems or any improvements which can create a good impact.

Advantages of Case Study

There are many advantages of a case study:

  • Comprehensive: It is the descriptive method of data collection and analysis in research works. Case studies are good for comparing and describing research problems.
  • Intensive Study: It also requires detailed study and investigation for the research work and one should have a piece of a deep or intensive knowledge of the topics related to the case study.
  • Regular Analysis: It is important to remain updated with the help of continuous analysis of the data to make the needful changes when required.
  • Increase in Knowledge: It gives the reasoning and analytical power to increase knowledge. It helps to turn opinions into evidence-based facts. Unknown facts become known after studying other materials related to similar topics.
  • Hypotheses Formulation: This method is useful for the formulation of hypotheses for further study.

Disadvantages of Case Study 

  • Costly and Time Consuming: This method is expensive as one needs to look into the ground level which requires travelling to different places and arranging different resources also it is a time taking process compare to data collection.
  • Difficult method: No layman can conduct this method as it deals with complex research works and theories. Data collection, formatting, and describing the facts through various sources and references require vast knowledge.
  • Discrimination: This can create discrimination and biased investigation due to narrow studies.
  • Possibilities of Errors: Due to its complex nature, people make errors in the case study. The error also occurs due to differences in facts and information
  • Subjective Method: Case study tend to be subjective rather than objective and due to their subjective nature, it remains time-consuming.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Case Study

Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study

Advantages of Case StudyDisadvantages of Case Study
It provides knowledge and increases analytical power.The case study method offers limited representations.
Case study offers a comprehensive or descriptive method where researchers can study in a detailed manner and experience new things.Due to the small demographic, unit and group, it can not be classified.
No sampling work is required in the case study method.The subjective method in the case study is time-consuming.
Direct observation can be done in this case study method.It becomes difficult to challenge the conclusions in the case study method.

FAQ’s on Advantages And Disadvantages Of Case Study

Question 1.
What is Case Study?

Answer:
A process of recording information in a form of research with analysis is known as Case Study.

Question 2.
Explain one advantage of a Case Study?

Answer:
It increases the knowledge and analytical approach of the person who is working on a case study.

Question 3.
What is the importance of a Case Study?

Answer:
The importance of a case study is that it gives an opportunity to learn and understand various things and capture a range of perspectives.

Question 4.
Why is the Case Study method used?

Answer:
The Case Study method is used for generating new ideas and it also shows different perspectives of the given topic with the help of illustrating theories.

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