RESEARCH TIPS
CASE STUDY METHOD
Learn how to do in-depth research on cases within a specific context with advice from Tarja Moles
The case study method involves gathering and presenting detailed information about a ‘case’. This case could be an individual, a group, an organisation or an event. Unlike research methods that focus on uncovering universal or generalisable truths, the case study method focuses on exploring, describing and analysing cases within their specific contexts.
You might not have come across the term ‘case study method’ before, but if you’ve ever delved beyond the surface details in order to learn more about a person or a community, you’ve essentially already applied this method.
Here are some pointers for how to go about researching individuals with the help of the case study framework.
The aim
Researching a case allows you not only to dig deep, but also to have a sharp focus. This means that it’s an ideal approach for studying people – either for the purpose of biographical writing or basing your fictional character(s) on thorough research.