multiple case study meaning

The Ultimate Guide to Qualitative Research - Part 1: The Basics

• Introduction and overview
• What is qualitative research?
• What is qualitative data?
• Examples of qualitative data
• Qualitative vs. quantitative research
• Mixed methods
• Qualitative research preparation
• Theoretical perspective
• Theoretical framework
• Literature reviews

Research question

• Conceptual framework
• Conceptual vs. theoretical framework

Data collection

• Qualitative research methods
• Focus groups
• Observational research

What is a case study?

Applications for case study research, what is a good case study, process of case study design, benefits and limitations of case studies.

• Ethnographical research
• Ethical considerations
• Confidentiality and privacy
• Power dynamics
• Reflexivity

Case studies

Case studies are essential to qualitative research , offering a lens through which researchers can investigate complex phenomena within their real-life contexts. This chapter explores the concept, purpose, applications, examples, and types of case studies and provides guidance on how to conduct case study research effectively.

Whereas quantitative methods look at phenomena at scale, case study research looks at a concept or phenomenon in considerable detail. While analyzing a single case can help understand one perspective regarding the object of research inquiry, analyzing multiple cases can help obtain a more holistic sense of the topic or issue. Let's provide a basic definition of a case study, then explore its characteristics and role in the qualitative research process.

Definition of a case study

A case study in qualitative research is a strategy of inquiry that involves an in-depth investigation of a phenomenon within its real-world context. It provides researchers with the opportunity to acquire an in-depth understanding of intricate details that might not be as apparent or accessible through other methods of research. The specific case or cases being studied can be a single person, group, or organization – demarcating what constitutes a relevant case worth studying depends on the researcher and their research question .

Among qualitative research methods , a case study relies on multiple sources of evidence, such as documents, artifacts, interviews , or observations , to present a complete and nuanced understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. The objective is to illuminate the readers' understanding of the phenomenon beyond its abstract statistical or theoretical explanations.

Characteristics of case studies

Case studies typically possess a number of distinct characteristics that set them apart from other research methods. These characteristics include a focus on holistic description and explanation, flexibility in the design and data collection methods, reliance on multiple sources of evidence, and emphasis on the context in which the phenomenon occurs.

Furthermore, case studies can often involve a longitudinal examination of the case, meaning they study the case over a period of time. These characteristics allow case studies to yield comprehensive, in-depth, and richly contextualized insights about the phenomenon of interest.

The role of case studies in research

Case studies hold a unique position in the broader landscape of research methods aimed at theory development. They are instrumental when the primary research interest is to gain an intensive, detailed understanding of a phenomenon in its real-life context.

In addition, case studies can serve different purposes within research - they can be used for exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory purposes, depending on the research question and objectives. This flexibility and depth make case studies a valuable tool in the toolkit of qualitative researchers.

Remember, a well-conducted case study can offer a rich, insightful contribution to both academic and practical knowledge through theory development or theory verification, thus enhancing our understanding of complex phenomena in their real-world contexts.

What is the purpose of a case study?

Case study research aims for a more comprehensive understanding of phenomena, requiring various research methods to gather information for qualitative analysis . Ultimately, a case study can allow the researcher to gain insight into a particular object of inquiry and develop a theoretical framework relevant to the research inquiry.

Why use case studies in qualitative research?

Using case studies as a research strategy depends mainly on the nature of the research question and the researcher's access to the data.

Conducting case study research provides a level of detail and contextual richness that other research methods might not offer. They are beneficial when there's a need to understand complex social phenomena within their natural contexts.

The explanatory, exploratory, and descriptive roles of case studies

Case studies can take on various roles depending on the research objectives. They can be exploratory when the research aims to discover new phenomena or define new research questions; they are descriptive when the objective is to depict a phenomenon within its context in a detailed manner; and they can be explanatory if the goal is to understand specific relationships within the studied context. Thus, the versatility of case studies allows researchers to approach their topic from different angles, offering multiple ways to uncover and interpret the data .

The impact of case studies on knowledge development

Case studies play a significant role in knowledge development across various disciplines. Analysis of cases provides an avenue for researchers to explore phenomena within their context based on the collected data.

This can result in the production of rich, practical insights that can be instrumental in both theory-building and practice. Case studies allow researchers to delve into the intricacies and complexities of real-life situations, uncovering insights that might otherwise remain hidden.

Types of case studies

In qualitative research , a case study is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the nature of the research question and the specific objectives of the study, researchers might choose to use different types of case studies. These types differ in their focus, methodology, and the level of detail they provide about the phenomenon under investigation.

Understanding these types is crucial for selecting the most appropriate approach for your research project and effectively achieving your research goals. Let's briefly look at the main types of case studies.

Exploratory case studies

Exploratory case studies are typically conducted to develop a theory or framework around an understudied phenomenon. They can also serve as a precursor to a larger-scale research project. Exploratory case studies are useful when a researcher wants to identify the key issues or questions which can spur more extensive study or be used to develop propositions for further research. These case studies are characterized by flexibility, allowing researchers to explore various aspects of a phenomenon as they emerge, which can also form the foundation for subsequent studies.

Descriptive case studies

Descriptive case studies aim to provide a complete and accurate representation of a phenomenon or event within its context. These case studies are often based on an established theoretical framework, which guides how data is collected and analyzed. The researcher is concerned with describing the phenomenon in detail, as it occurs naturally, without trying to influence or manipulate it.

Explanatory case studies

Explanatory case studies are focused on explanation - they seek to clarify how or why certain phenomena occur. Often used in complex, real-life situations, they can be particularly valuable in clarifying causal relationships among concepts and understanding the interplay between different factors within a specific context.

Intrinsic, instrumental, and collective case studies

These three categories of case studies focus on the nature and purpose of the study. An intrinsic case study is conducted when a researcher has an inherent interest in the case itself. Instrumental case studies are employed when the case is used to provide insight into a particular issue or phenomenon. A collective case study, on the other hand, involves studying multiple cases simultaneously to investigate some general phenomena.

Each type of case study serves a different purpose and has its own strengths and challenges. The selection of the type should be guided by the research question and objectives, as well as the context and constraints of the research.

The flexibility, depth, and contextual richness offered by case studies make this approach an excellent research method for various fields of study. They enable researchers to investigate real-world phenomena within their specific contexts, capturing nuances that other research methods might miss. Across numerous fields, case studies provide valuable insights into complex issues.

Critical information systems research

Case studies provide a detailed understanding of the role and impact of information systems in different contexts. They offer a platform to explore how information systems are designed, implemented, and used and how they interact with various social, economic, and political factors. Case studies in this field often focus on examining the intricate relationship between technology, organizational processes, and user behavior, helping to uncover insights that can inform better system design and implementation.

Health research

Health research is another field where case studies are highly valuable. They offer a way to explore patient experiences, healthcare delivery processes, and the impact of various interventions in a real-world context.

Case studies can provide a deep understanding of a patient's journey, giving insights into the intricacies of disease progression, treatment effects, and the psychosocial aspects of health and illness.

Asthma research studies

Specifically within medical research, studies on asthma often employ case studies to explore the individual and environmental factors that influence asthma development, management, and outcomes. A case study can provide rich, detailed data about individual patients' experiences, from the triggers and symptoms they experience to the effectiveness of various management strategies. This can be crucial for developing patient-centered asthma care approaches.

Other fields

Apart from the fields mentioned, case studies are also extensively used in business and management research, education research, and political sciences, among many others. They provide an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of real-world situations, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of various phenomena.

Case studies, with their depth and contextual focus, offer unique insights across these varied fields. They allow researchers to illuminate the complexities of real-life situations, contributing to both theory and practice.

Whatever field you're in, ATLAS.ti puts your data to work for you

Download a free trial of ATLAS.ti to turn your data into insights.

Understanding the key elements of case study design is crucial for conducting rigorous and impactful case study research. A well-structured design guides the researcher through the process, ensuring that the study is methodologically sound and its findings are reliable and valid. The main elements of case study design include the research question , propositions, units of analysis, and the logic linking the data to the propositions.

The research question is the foundation of any research study. A good research question guides the direction of the study and informs the selection of the case, the methods of collecting data, and the analysis techniques. A well-formulated research question in case study research is typically clear, focused, and complex enough to merit further detailed examination of the relevant case(s).

Propositions

Propositions, though not necessary in every case study, provide a direction by stating what we might expect to find in the data collected. They guide how data is collected and analyzed by helping researchers focus on specific aspects of the case. They are particularly important in explanatory case studies, which seek to understand the relationships among concepts within the studied phenomenon.

Units of analysis

The unit of analysis refers to the case, or the main entity or entities that are being analyzed in the study. In case study research, the unit of analysis can be an individual, a group, an organization, a decision, an event, or even a time period. It's crucial to clearly define the unit of analysis, as it shapes the qualitative data analysis process by allowing the researcher to analyze a particular case and synthesize analysis across multiple case studies to draw conclusions.

Argumentation

This refers to the inferential model that allows researchers to draw conclusions from the data. The researcher needs to ensure that there is a clear link between the data, the propositions (if any), and the conclusions drawn. This argumentation is what enables the researcher to make valid and credible inferences about the phenomenon under study.

Understanding and carefully considering these elements in the design phase of a case study can significantly enhance the quality of the research. It can help ensure that the study is methodologically sound and its findings contribute meaningful insights about the case.

Ready to jumpstart your research with ATLAS.ti?

Conceptualize your research project with our intuitive data analysis interface. Download a free trial today.

Conducting a case study involves several steps, from defining the research question and selecting the case to collecting and analyzing data . This section outlines these key stages, providing a practical guide on how to conduct case study research.

Defining the research question

The first step in case study research is defining a clear, focused research question. This question should guide the entire research process, from case selection to analysis. It's crucial to ensure that the research question is suitable for a case study approach. Typically, such questions are exploratory or descriptive in nature and focus on understanding a phenomenon within its real-life context.

Selecting and defining the case

The selection of the case should be based on the research question and the objectives of the study. It involves choosing a unique example or a set of examples that provide rich, in-depth data about the phenomenon under investigation. After selecting the case, it's crucial to define it clearly, setting the boundaries of the case, including the time period and the specific context.

Previous research can help guide the case study design. When considering a case study, an example of a case could be taken from previous case study research and used to define cases in a new research inquiry. Considering recently published examples can help understand how to select and define cases effectively.

Developing a detailed case study protocol

A case study protocol outlines the procedures and general rules to be followed during the case study. This includes the data collection methods to be used, the sources of data, and the procedures for analysis. Having a detailed case study protocol ensures consistency and reliability in the study.

The protocol should also consider how to work with the people involved in the research context to grant the research team access to collecting data. As mentioned in previous sections of this guide, establishing rapport is an essential component of qualitative research as it shapes the overall potential for collecting and analyzing data.

Collecting data

Gathering data in case study research often involves multiple sources of evidence, including documents, archival records, interviews, observations, and physical artifacts. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the case. The process for gathering data should be systematic and carefully documented to ensure the reliability and validity of the study.

Analyzing and interpreting data

The next step is analyzing the data. This involves organizing the data , categorizing it into themes or patterns , and interpreting these patterns to answer the research question. The analysis might also involve comparing the findings with prior research or theoretical propositions.

Writing the case study report

The final step is writing the case study report . This should provide a detailed description of the case, the data, the analysis process, and the findings. The report should be clear, organized, and carefully written to ensure that the reader can understand the case and the conclusions drawn from it.

Each of these steps is crucial in ensuring that the case study research is rigorous, reliable, and provides valuable insights about the case.

The type, depth, and quality of data in your study can significantly influence the validity and utility of the study. In case study research, data is usually collected from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the case. This section will outline the various methods of collecting data used in case study research and discuss considerations for ensuring the quality of the data.

Interviews are a common method of gathering data in case study research. They can provide rich, in-depth data about the perspectives, experiences, and interpretations of the individuals involved in the case. Interviews can be structured , semi-structured , or unstructured , depending on the research question and the degree of flexibility needed.

Observations

Observations involve the researcher observing the case in its natural setting, providing first-hand information about the case and its context. Observations can provide data that might not be revealed in interviews or documents, such as non-verbal cues or contextual information.

Documents and artifacts

Documents and archival records provide a valuable source of data in case study research. They can include reports, letters, memos, meeting minutes, email correspondence, and various public and private documents related to the case.

These records can provide historical context, corroborate evidence from other sources, and offer insights into the case that might not be apparent from interviews or observations.

Physical artifacts refer to any physical evidence related to the case, such as tools, products, or physical environments. These artifacts can provide tangible insights into the case, complementing the data gathered from other sources.

Ensuring the quality of data collection

Determining the quality of data in case study research requires careful planning and execution. It's crucial to ensure that the data is reliable, accurate, and relevant to the research question. This involves selecting appropriate methods of collecting data, properly training interviewers or observers, and systematically recording and storing the data. It also includes considering ethical issues related to collecting and handling data, such as obtaining informed consent and ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of the participants.

Data analysis

Analyzing case study research involves making sense of the rich, detailed data to answer the research question. This process can be challenging due to the volume and complexity of case study data. However, a systematic and rigorous approach to analysis can ensure that the findings are credible and meaningful. This section outlines the main steps and considerations in analyzing data in case study research.

Organizing the data

The first step in the analysis is organizing the data. This involves sorting the data into manageable sections, often according to the data source or the theme. This step can also involve transcribing interviews, digitizing physical artifacts, or organizing observational data.

Categorizing and coding the data

Once the data is organized, the next step is to categorize or code the data. This involves identifying common themes, patterns, or concepts in the data and assigning codes to relevant data segments. Coding can be done manually or with the help of software tools, and in either case, qualitative analysis software can greatly facilitate the entire coding process. Coding helps to reduce the data to a set of themes or categories that can be more easily analyzed.

Identifying patterns and themes

After coding the data, the researcher looks for patterns or themes in the coded data. This involves comparing and contrasting the codes and looking for relationships or patterns among them. The identified patterns and themes should help answer the research question.

Interpreting the data

Once patterns and themes have been identified, the next step is to interpret these findings. This involves explaining what the patterns or themes mean in the context of the research question and the case. This interpretation should be grounded in the data, but it can also involve drawing on theoretical concepts or prior research.

Verification of the data

The last step in the analysis is verification. This involves checking the accuracy and consistency of the analysis process and confirming that the findings are supported by the data. This can involve re-checking the original data, checking the consistency of codes, or seeking feedback from research participants or peers.

Like any research method , case study research has its strengths and limitations. Researchers must be aware of these, as they can influence the design, conduct, and interpretation of the study.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of case study research can also guide researchers in deciding whether this approach is suitable for their research question . This section outlines some of the key strengths and limitations of case study research.

Benefits include the following:

• Rich, detailed data: One of the main strengths of case study research is that it can generate rich, detailed data about the case. This can provide a deep understanding of the case and its context, which can be valuable in exploring complex phenomena.
• Flexibility: Case study research is flexible in terms of design , data collection , and analysis . A sufficient degree of flexibility allows the researcher to adapt the study according to the case and the emerging findings.
• Real-world context: Case study research involves studying the case in its real-world context, which can provide valuable insights into the interplay between the case and its context.
• Multiple sources of evidence: Case study research often involves collecting data from multiple sources , which can enhance the robustness and validity of the findings.

On the other hand, researchers should consider the following limitations:

• Generalizability: A common criticism of case study research is that its findings might not be generalizable to other cases due to the specificity and uniqueness of each case.
• Time and resource intensive: Case study research can be time and resource intensive due to the depth of the investigation and the amount of collected data.
• Complexity of analysis: The rich, detailed data generated in case study research can make analyzing the data challenging.
• Subjectivity: Given the nature of case study research, there may be a higher degree of subjectivity in interpreting the data , so researchers need to reflect on this and transparently convey to audiences how the research was conducted.

Being aware of these strengths and limitations can help researchers design and conduct case study research effectively and interpret and report the findings appropriately.

Ready to analyze your data with ATLAS.ti?

See how our intuitive software can draw key insights from your data with a free trial today.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Research Guides

Multiple Case Studies

Nadia Alqahtani and Pengtong Qu

Description

The case study approach is popular across disciplines in education, anthropology, sociology, psychology, medicine, law, and political science (Creswell, 2013). It is both a research method and a strategy (Creswell, 2013; Yin, 2017). In this type of research design, a case can be an individual, an event, or an entity, as determined by the research questions. There are two variants of the case study: the single-case study and the multiple-case study. The former design can be used to study and understand an unusual case, a critical case, a longitudinal case, or a revelatory case. On the other hand, a multiple-case study includes two or more cases or replications across the cases to investigate the same phenomena (Lewis-Beck, Bryman & Liao, 2003; Yin, 2017). …a multiple-case study includes two or more cases or replications across the cases to investigate the same phenomena

The difference between the single- and multiple-case study is the research design; however, they are within the same methodological framework (Yin, 2017). Multiple cases are selected so that “individual case studies either (a) predict similar results (a literal replication) or (b) predict contrasting results but for anticipatable reasons (a theoretical replication)” (p. 55). When the purpose of the study is to compare and replicate the findings, the multiple-case study produces more compelling evidence so that the study is considered more robust than the single-case study (Yin, 2017).

To write a multiple-case study, a summary of individual cases should be reported, and researchers need to draw cross-case conclusions and form a cross-case report (Yin, 2017). With evidence from multiple cases, researchers may have generalizable findings and develop theories (Lewis-Beck, Bryman & Liao, 2003).

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (3rd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

Lewis-Beck, M., Bryman, A. E., & Liao, T. F. (2003). The Sage encyclopedia of social science research methods . Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

Yin, R. K. (2017). Case study research and applications: Design and methods . Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

Key Research Books and Articles on Multiple Case Study Methodology

Yin discusses how to decide if a case study should be used in research. Novice researchers can learn about research design, data collection, and data analysis of different types of case studies, as well as writing a case study report.

Chapter 2 introduces four major types of research design in case studies: holistic single-case design, embedded single-case design, holistic multiple-case design, and embedded multiple-case design. Novice researchers will learn about the definitions and characteristics of different designs. This chapter also teaches researchers how to examine and discuss the reliability and validity of the designs.

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches . Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

This book compares five different qualitative research designs: narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study. It compares the characteristics, data collection, data analysis and representation, validity, and writing-up procedures among five inquiry approaches using texts with tables. For each approach, the author introduced the definition, features, types, and procedures and contextualized these components in a study, which was conducted through the same method. Each chapter ends with a list of relevant readings of each inquiry approach.

This book invites readers to compare these five qualitative methods and see the value of each approach. Readers can consider which approach would serve for their research contexts and questions, as well as how to design their research and conduct the data analysis based on their choice of research method.

Günes, E., & Bahçivan, E. (2016). A multiple case study of preservice science teachers’ TPACK: Embedded in a comprehensive belief system. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 11 (15), 8040-8054.

In this article, the researchers showed the importance of using technological opportunities in improving the education process and how they enhanced the students’ learning in science education. The study examined the connection between “Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge” (TPACK) and belief system in a science teaching context. The researchers used the multiple-case study to explore the effect of TPACK on the preservice science teachers’ (PST) beliefs on their TPACK level. The participants were three teachers with the low, medium, and high level of TPACK confidence. Content analysis was utilized to analyze the data, which were collected by individual semi-structured interviews with the participants about their lesson plans. The study first discussed each case, then compared features and relations across cases. The researchers found that there was a positive relationship between PST’s TPACK confidence and TPACK level; when PST had higher TPACK confidence, the participant had a higher competent TPACK level and vice versa.

Recent Dissertations Using Multiple Case Study Methodology

Milholland, E. S. (2015). A multiple case study of instructors utilizing Classroom Response Systems (CRS) to achieve pedagogical goals . Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (Order Number 3706380)

The researcher of this study critiques the use of Classroom Responses Systems by five instructors who employed this program five years ago in their classrooms. The researcher conducted the multiple-case study methodology and categorized themes. He interviewed each instructor with questions about their initial pedagogical goals, the changes in pedagogy during teaching, and the teaching techniques individuals used while practicing the CRS. The researcher used the multiple-case study with five instructors. He found that all instructors changed their goals during employing CRS; they decided to reduce the time of lecturing and to spend more time engaging students in interactive activities. This study also demonstrated that CRS was useful for the instructors to achieve multiple learning goals; all the instructors provided examples of the positive aspect of implementing CRS in their classrooms.

Li, C. L. (2010). The emergence of fairy tale literacy: A multiple case study on promoting critical literacy of children through a juxtaposed reading of classic fairy tales and their contemporary disruptive variants . Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (Order Number 3572104)

To explore how children’s development of critical literacy can be impacted by their reactions to fairy tales, the author conducted a multiple-case study with 4 cases, in which each child was a unit of analysis. Two Chinese immigrant children (a boy and a girl) and two American children (a boy and a girl) at the second or third grade were recruited in the study. The data were collected through interviews, discussions on fairy tales, and drawing pictures. The analysis was conducted within both individual cases and cross cases. Across four cases, the researcher found that the young children’s’ knowledge of traditional fairy tales was built upon mass-media based adaptations. The children believed that the representations on mass-media were the original stories, even though fairy tales are included in the elementary school curriculum. The author also found that introducing classic versions of fairy tales increased children’s knowledge in the genre’s origin, which would benefit their understanding of the genre. She argued that introducing fairy tales can be the first step to promote children’s development of critical literacy.

Asher, K. C. (2014). Mediating occupational socialization and occupational individuation in teacher education: A multiple case study of five elementary pre-service student teachers . Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (Order Number 3671989)

This study portrayed five pre-service teachers’ teaching experience in their student teaching phase and explored how pre-service teachers mediate their occupational socialization with occupational individuation. The study used the multiple-case study design and recruited five pre-service teachers from a Midwestern university as five cases. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, classroom observations, and field notes. The author implemented the case study analysis and found five strategies that the participants used to mediate occupational socialization with occupational individuation. These strategies were: 1) hindering from practicing their beliefs, 2) mimicking the styles of supervising teachers, 3) teaching in the ways in alignment with school’s existing practice, 4) enacting their own ideas, and 5) integrating and balancing occupational socialization and occupational individuation. The study also provided recommendations and implications to policymakers and educators in teacher education so that pre-service teachers can be better supported.

Multiple Case Studies Copyright © 2019 by Nadia Alqahtani and Pengtong Qu is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base

Methodology

• What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

Published on May 8, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 20, 2023.

A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research.

A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods , but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing , comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem .

Table of contents

When to do a case study, step 1: select a case, step 2: build a theoretical framework, step 3: collect your data, step 4: describe and analyze the case, other interesting articles.

A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case.

Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation . They keep your project focused and manageable when you don’t have the time or resources to do large-scale research.

You might use just one complex case study where you explore a single subject in depth, or conduct multiple case studies to compare and illuminate different aspects of your research problem.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Once you have developed your problem statement and research questions , you should be ready to choose the specific case that you want to focus on. A good case study should have the potential to:

• Provide new or unexpected insights into the subject
• Challenge or complicate existing assumptions and theories
• Propose practical courses of action to resolve a problem
• Open up new directions for future research

TipIf your research is more practical in nature and aims to simultaneously investigate an issue as you solve it, consider conducting action research instead.

Unlike quantitative or experimental research , a strong case study does not require a random or representative sample. In fact, case studies often deliberately focus on unusual, neglected, or outlying cases which may shed new light on the research problem.

Example of an outlying case studyIn the 1960s the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low rates of heart disease compared to the US average. It became an important case study for understanding previously neglected causes of heart disease.

However, you can also choose a more common or representative case to exemplify a particular category, experience or phenomenon.

Example of a representative case studyIn the 1920s, two sociologists used Muncie, Indiana as a case study of a typical American city that supposedly exemplified the changing culture of the US at the time.

While case studies focus more on concrete details than general theories, they should usually have some connection with theory in the field. This way the case study is not just an isolated description, but is integrated into existing knowledge about the topic. It might aim to:

• Exemplify a theory by showing how it explains the case under investigation
• Expand on a theory by uncovering new concepts and ideas that need to be incorporated
• Challenge a theory by exploring an outlier case that doesn’t fit with established assumptions

To ensure that your analysis of the case has a solid academic grounding, you should conduct a literature review of sources related to the topic and develop a theoretical framework . This means identifying key concepts and theories to guide your analysis and interpretation.

There are many different research methods you can use to collect data on your subject. Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews , observations , and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g., newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data.

Example of a mixed methods case studyFor a case study of a wind farm development in a rural area, you could collect quantitative data on employment rates and business revenue, collect qualitative data on local people’s perceptions and experiences, and analyze local and national media coverage of the development.

The aim is to gain as thorough an understanding as possible of the case and its context.

In writing up the case study, you need to bring together all the relevant aspects to give as complete a picture as possible of the subject.

How you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing. Some case studies are structured like a standard scientific paper or thesis , with separate sections or chapters for the methods , results and discussion .

Others are written in a more narrative style, aiming to explore the case from various angles and analyze its meanings and implications (for example, by using textual analysis or discourse analysis ).

In all cases, though, make sure to give contextual details about the case, connect it back to the literature and theory, and discuss how it fits into wider patterns or debates.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Normal distribution
• Degrees of freedom
• Null hypothesis
• Discourse analysis
• Control groups
• Mixed methods research
• Non-probability sampling
• Quantitative research
• Ecological validity

Research bias

• Rosenthal effect
• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Selection bias
• Negativity bias
• Status quo bias

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, November 20). What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods. Scribbr. Retrieved June 24, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/case-study/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, primary vs. secondary sources | difference & examples, what is a theoretical framework | guide to organizing, what is action research | definition & examples, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

• Privacy Policy

Home » Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide

Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide

Table of Contents

A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth examination and analysis of a particular phenomenon or case, such as an individual, organization, community, event, or situation.

It is a qualitative research approach that aims to provide a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the case being studied. Case studies typically involve multiple sources of data, including interviews, observations, documents, and artifacts, which are analyzed using various techniques, such as content analysis, thematic analysis, and grounded theory. The findings of a case study are often used to develop theories, inform policy or practice, or generate new research questions.

Types of Case Study

Types and Methods of Case Study are as follows:

Single-Case Study

A single-case study is an in-depth analysis of a single case. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to understand a specific phenomenon in detail.

For Example , A researcher might conduct a single-case study on a particular individual to understand their experiences with a particular health condition or a specific organization to explore their management practices. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as content analysis or thematic analysis. The findings of a single-case study are often used to generate new research questions, develop theories, or inform policy or practice.

Multiple-Case Study

A multiple-case study involves the analysis of several cases that are similar in nature. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to identify similarities and differences between the cases.

For Example, a researcher might conduct a multiple-case study on several companies to explore the factors that contribute to their success or failure. The researcher collects data from each case, compares and contrasts the findings, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as comparative analysis or pattern-matching. The findings of a multiple-case study can be used to develop theories, inform policy or practice, or generate new research questions.

Exploratory Case Study

An exploratory case study is used to explore a new or understudied phenomenon. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to generate hypotheses or theories about the phenomenon.

For Example, a researcher might conduct an exploratory case study on a new technology to understand its potential impact on society. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as grounded theory or content analysis. The findings of an exploratory case study can be used to generate new research questions, develop theories, or inform policy or practice.

Descriptive Case Study

A descriptive case study is used to describe a particular phenomenon in detail. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to provide a comprehensive account of the phenomenon.

For Example, a researcher might conduct a descriptive case study on a particular community to understand its social and economic characteristics. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as content analysis or thematic analysis. The findings of a descriptive case study can be used to inform policy or practice or generate new research questions.

Instrumental Case Study

An instrumental case study is used to understand a particular phenomenon that is instrumental in achieving a particular goal. This type of case study is useful when the researcher wants to understand the role of the phenomenon in achieving the goal.

For Example, a researcher might conduct an instrumental case study on a particular policy to understand its impact on achieving a particular goal, such as reducing poverty. The researcher collects data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents, and uses various techniques to analyze the data, such as content analysis or thematic analysis. The findings of an instrumental case study can be used to inform policy or practice or generate new research questions.

Case Study Data Collection Methods

Here are some common data collection methods for case studies:

Interviews involve asking questions to individuals who have knowledge or experience relevant to the case study. Interviews can be structured (where the same questions are asked to all participants) or unstructured (where the interviewer follows up on the responses with further questions). Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.

Observations

Observations involve watching and recording the behavior and activities of individuals or groups relevant to the case study. Observations can be participant (where the researcher actively participates in the activities) or non-participant (where the researcher observes from a distance). Observations can be recorded using notes, audio or video recordings, or photographs.

Documents can be used as a source of information for case studies. Documents can include reports, memos, emails, letters, and other written materials related to the case study. Documents can be collected from the case study participants or from public sources.

Surveys involve asking a set of questions to a sample of individuals relevant to the case study. Surveys can be administered in person, over the phone, through mail or email, or online. Surveys can be used to gather information on attitudes, opinions, or behaviors related to the case study.

Artifacts are physical objects relevant to the case study. Artifacts can include tools, equipment, products, or other objects that provide insights into the case study phenomenon.

How to conduct Case Study Research

Conducting a case study research involves several steps that need to be followed to ensure the quality and rigor of the study. Here are the steps to conduct case study research:

• Define the research questions: The first step in conducting a case study research is to define the research questions. The research questions should be specific, measurable, and relevant to the case study phenomenon under investigation.
• Select the case: The next step is to select the case or cases to be studied. The case should be relevant to the research questions and should provide rich and diverse data that can be used to answer the research questions.
• Collect data: Data can be collected using various methods, such as interviews, observations, documents, surveys, and artifacts. The data collection method should be selected based on the research questions and the nature of the case study phenomenon.
• Analyze the data: The data collected from the case study should be analyzed using various techniques, such as content analysis, thematic analysis, or grounded theory. The analysis should be guided by the research questions and should aim to provide insights and conclusions relevant to the research questions.
• Draw conclusions: The conclusions drawn from the case study should be based on the data analysis and should be relevant to the research questions. The conclusions should be supported by evidence and should be clearly stated.
• Validate the findings: The findings of the case study should be validated by reviewing the data and the analysis with participants or other experts in the field. This helps to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.
• Write the report: The final step is to write the report of the case study research. The report should provide a clear description of the case study phenomenon, the research questions, the data collection methods, the data analysis, the findings, and the conclusions. The report should be written in a clear and concise manner and should follow the guidelines for academic writing.

Examples of Case Study

Here are some examples of case study research:

• The Hawthorne Studies : Conducted between 1924 and 1932, the Hawthorne Studies were a series of case studies conducted by Elton Mayo and his colleagues to examine the impact of work environment on employee productivity. The studies were conducted at the Hawthorne Works plant of the Western Electric Company in Chicago and included interviews, observations, and experiments.
• The Stanford Prison Experiment: Conducted in 1971, the Stanford Prison Experiment was a case study conducted by Philip Zimbardo to examine the psychological effects of power and authority. The study involved simulating a prison environment and assigning participants to the role of guards or prisoners. The study was controversial due to the ethical issues it raised.
• The Challenger Disaster: The Challenger Disaster was a case study conducted to examine the causes of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986. The study included interviews, observations, and analysis of data to identify the technical, organizational, and cultural factors that contributed to the disaster.
• The Enron Scandal: The Enron Scandal was a case study conducted to examine the causes of the Enron Corporation’s bankruptcy in 2001. The study included interviews, analysis of financial data, and review of documents to identify the accounting practices, corporate culture, and ethical issues that led to the company’s downfall.
• The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster : The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster was a case study conducted to examine the causes of the nuclear accident that occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan in 2011. The study included interviews, analysis of data, and review of documents to identify the technical, organizational, and cultural factors that contributed to the disaster.

Application of Case Study

Case studies have a wide range of applications across various fields and industries. Here are some examples:

Business and Management

Case studies are widely used in business and management to examine real-life situations and develop problem-solving skills. Case studies can help students and professionals to develop a deep understanding of business concepts, theories, and best practices.

Case studies are used in healthcare to examine patient care, treatment options, and outcomes. Case studies can help healthcare professionals to develop critical thinking skills, diagnose complex medical conditions, and develop effective treatment plans.

Case studies are used in education to examine teaching and learning practices. Case studies can help educators to develop effective teaching strategies, evaluate student progress, and identify areas for improvement.

Social Sciences

Case studies are widely used in social sciences to examine human behavior, social phenomena, and cultural practices. Case studies can help researchers to develop theories, test hypotheses, and gain insights into complex social issues.

Law and Ethics

Case studies are used in law and ethics to examine legal and ethical dilemmas. Case studies can help lawyers, policymakers, and ethical professionals to develop critical thinking skills, analyze complex cases, and make informed decisions.

Purpose of Case Study

The purpose of a case study is to provide a detailed analysis of a specific phenomenon, issue, or problem in its real-life context. A case study is a qualitative research method that involves the in-depth exploration and analysis of a particular case, which can be an individual, group, organization, event, or community.

The primary purpose of a case study is to generate a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the case, including its history, context, and dynamics. Case studies can help researchers to identify and examine the underlying factors, processes, and mechanisms that contribute to the case and its outcomes. This can help to develop a more accurate and detailed understanding of the case, which can inform future research, practice, or policy.

Case studies can also serve other purposes, including:

• Illustrating a theory or concept: Case studies can be used to illustrate and explain theoretical concepts and frameworks, providing concrete examples of how they can be applied in real-life situations.
• Developing hypotheses: Case studies can help to generate hypotheses about the causal relationships between different factors and outcomes, which can be tested through further research.
• Providing insight into complex issues: Case studies can provide insights into complex and multifaceted issues, which may be difficult to understand through other research methods.
• Informing practice or policy: Case studies can be used to inform practice or policy by identifying best practices, lessons learned, or areas for improvement.

Advantages of Case Study Research

There are several advantages of case study research, including:

• In-depth exploration: Case study research allows for a detailed exploration and analysis of a specific phenomenon, issue, or problem in its real-life context. This can provide a comprehensive understanding of the case and its dynamics, which may not be possible through other research methods.
• Rich data: Case study research can generate rich and detailed data, including qualitative data such as interviews, observations, and documents. This can provide a nuanced understanding of the case and its complexity.
• Holistic perspective: Case study research allows for a holistic perspective of the case, taking into account the various factors, processes, and mechanisms that contribute to the case and its outcomes. This can help to develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the case.
• Theory development: Case study research can help to develop and refine theories and concepts by providing empirical evidence and concrete examples of how they can be applied in real-life situations.
• Practical application: Case study research can inform practice or policy by identifying best practices, lessons learned, or areas for improvement.
• Contextualization: Case study research takes into account the specific context in which the case is situated, which can help to understand how the case is influenced by the social, cultural, and historical factors of its environment.

Limitations of Case Study Research

There are several limitations of case study research, including:

• Limited generalizability : Case studies are typically focused on a single case or a small number of cases, which limits the generalizability of the findings. The unique characteristics of the case may not be applicable to other contexts or populations, which may limit the external validity of the research.
• Biased sampling: Case studies may rely on purposive or convenience sampling, which can introduce bias into the sample selection process. This may limit the representativeness of the sample and the generalizability of the findings.
• Subjectivity: Case studies rely on the interpretation of the researcher, which can introduce subjectivity into the analysis. The researcher’s own biases, assumptions, and perspectives may influence the findings, which may limit the objectivity of the research.
• Limited control: Case studies are typically conducted in naturalistic settings, which limits the control that the researcher has over the environment and the variables being studied. This may limit the ability to establish causal relationships between variables.
• Time-consuming: Case studies can be time-consuming to conduct, as they typically involve a detailed exploration and analysis of a specific case. This may limit the feasibility of conducting multiple case studies or conducting case studies in a timely manner.
• Resource-intensive: Case studies may require significant resources, including time, funding, and expertise. This may limit the ability of researchers to conduct case studies in resource-constrained settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

Research Methods – Types, Examples and Guide

Correlational Research – Methods, Types and...

Phenomenology – Methods, Examples and Guide

Questionnaire – Definition, Types, and Examples

Basic Research – Types, Methods and Examples

Observational Research – Methods and Guide

Not logged in

Multiple case study, page actions.

• View source

A multiple case study is a research method that uses multiple research sites to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon. It examines multiple cases in order to analyze patterns and the relationships between variables. This type of research method is used in management to gain a deeper understanding of a particular problem or issue. It is a systematic approach to gathering and analyzing data from multiple different sources such as individuals, organizations, or communities. The multiple case study approach allows researchers to gain greater insight into complex problems by considering a variety of perspectives, contexts, and sources of information .

• 1 Example of multiple case study
• 2 When to use multiple case study
• 3 Types of multiple case study
• 4 Steps of multiple case study
• 5 Limitations of multiple case study
• 6 Other approaches related to multiple case study
• 7 References

Example of multiple case study

• A multiple case study example could be a study of different companies in the same industry in order to analyze the differences in their strategies and performance. For instance, a researcher may examine three companies in the automotive industry and determine what strategies have been successful and which have not. They may then compare the results of these three companies in order to determine which strategies are most effective.
• Another example of a multiple case study could be an examination of how different countries have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this case, the researcher could look at different strategies adopted by countries worldwide and analyze the results of those strategies. They could then compare the results in order to determine which strategies have been most successful in mitigating the spread of the virus.
• A third example could be a study of different schools and how they have adapted to the online learning environment . The researcher could look at the successes and failures of different schools in order to determine which strategies are most effective in transitioning to remote learning. They could then use these findings to suggest changes and improvements to the schools’ policies and procedures .

When to use multiple case study

A multiple case study approach is a useful tool for researchers looking to gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. This method can be used in a variety of contexts, such as studying organizational management , social phenomena, or public health interventions. It can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the problem by considering a variety of perspectives, contexts, and sources of information. Examples of when multiple case studies can be used include:

• Examining the effectiveness of a particular policy or program in multiple contexts.
• Exploring the dynamics of organizational change across different settings.
• Investigating the impact of a cultural or social phenomenon on different communities.
• Analyzing the differences in responses to a public health intervention between populations.
• Understanding the dynamics of an issue in order to inform the development of new policies or practices.

Types of multiple case study

• Exploratory multiple case study: An exploratory multiple case study is used to explore a research problem in greater detail. It is used when the research question or problem is not well-defined, or when the researcher is uncertain about the best approach to study the problem. This type of multiple case study is often used to generate new ideas and to identify potential research topics.
• Explanatory Multiple Case Study: An explanatory multiple case study is used to explain a research problem in detail. It is used when the researcher is looking to explain the cause of an event or phenomenon. This type of multiple case study is used to identify patterns and relationships between variables, and to identify potential explanations for the phenomenon being studied.
• Descriptive Multiple Case Study: A descriptive multiple case study is used to describe a research problem in detail. It is used when the researcher wants to provide a comprehensive overview of a particular topic or phenomenon. This type of multiple case study is useful for providing a detailed description of a particular event or phenomenon and its context.
• Comparative Multiple Case Study: A comparative multiple case study is used to compare two or more research sites. It is used when the researcher wants to compare and contrast a phenomenon across multiple sites. This type of multiple case study is useful for examining similarities and differences between different research sites.
• Embedded Multiple Case Study: An embedded multiple case study is used to embed a single case study within a larger research project . It is used when the researcher wants to incorporate a single case study within a larger research project. This type of multiple case study is useful for exploring the complexities of a particular research problem, and for providing an in-depth understanding of a particular phenomenon.

Steps of multiple case study

A multiple case study is a research method that uses multiple research sites to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon. The multiple case study approach allows researchers to gain greater insight into complex problems by considering a variety of perspectives, contexts, and sources of information. The following steps are necessary for conducting a successful multiple case study:

• Selecting the research sites : The first step in a multiple case study is to select the research sites. This requires careful consideration of factors such as the size and scope of the problem, the availability of data and resources, and the accessibility of the research sites.
• Gathering data : After selecting the research sites, the next step is to gather data. This can be done through interviews, surveys, focus groups, and other data collection methods .
• Analyzing the data : Once the data has been gathered, it must be analyzed in order to identify patterns and relationships between variables. This requires careful analysis of the data and may involve using statistical methods such as regression and factor analysis.
• Drawing conclusions : After the data has been analyzed, the next step is to draw conclusions. This involves synthesizing the data and making sense of it in order to answer the research question.
• Reporting the results : The final step is to report the results of the multiple case study. This can be done through a written report, a presentation, or a multimedia format.

Limitations of multiple case study

Multiple case studies have some limitations that should be taken into consideration when using this method. These limitations include:

• The multiple case study approach can be time consuming and resource intensive, as researchers must collect and analyze data from multiple different sources.
• It can be difficult to identify patterns and relationships between variables when studying multiple cases.
• The data collected from multiple cases may be difficult to generalize to a larger population.
• The multiple case study approach is limited to studying phenomena in limited contexts, and does not provide a holistic picture of a phenomenon.
• It can be difficult to control for all variables in a multiple case study, which can lead to inaccurate results.

Other approaches related to multiple case study

A multiple case study is a research method that uses multiple research sites to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon. Other approaches related to multiple case studies include:

• Qualitative research : Qualitative research is an empirical research approach which focuses on understanding the perspectives, experiences, and beliefs of people in their contexts. It typically involves interviews, observations, and other forms of data collection.
• Grounded Theory : Grounded theory is an inductive research method that examines how social processes are created, maintained, and changed. It involves the systematic collection and analysis of data to generate new theory.
• Action Research : Action research is a type of research that involves the active participation of stakeholders in the research process . It focuses on identifying and resolving practical problems in an organization or community.

• Gustafsson, J. (2017). Single case studies vs. multiple case studies: A comparative study .
• Methods and techniques
• Recent changes
• Random page
• Page information

Table of Contents

• Special pages

User page tools

• What links here
• Related changes
• Printable version
• Permanent link

• This page was last edited on 18 November 2023, at 01:04.
• Content is available under CC BY-SA Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International unless otherwise noted.
• Privacy policy
• About CEOpedia | Management online
• Disclaimers

Breadcrumbs Section. Click here to navigate to respective pages.

The Multiple Case Study Design

DOI link for The Multiple Case Study Design

Get Citation

Most organizations today operate in volatile economic and social environments and qualitative research plays an essential role in investigating leadership and management problems. This unique volume offers novice and experienced researchers a brief, student-centric research methods text specifically devoted to the multiple case study design.

The multiple case study design is a valuable qualitative research tool in studying the links between the personal, social, behavioral, psychological, organizational, cultural, and environmental factors that guide organizational and leadership development. Case study research is essential for the in-depth study of participants' perspectives on the phenomenon within its natural context. Rigorously designed management and leadership case studies in the extant literature have a central focus on individual managers' and leaders' stories and their perceptions of the broader forces operating within and outside their organizations.

This is a comprehensive methodology book exploring the multiple case study design with step-by-step and easily accessible guidelines on the topic, making it especially valuable to researchers, academics, and students in the areas of business, management, and leadership.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 | 6  pages, a refresher on the philosophical foundations of academic research, chapter 2 | 6  pages, research methodologies, chapter 3 | 3  pages, the role of theory in qualitative research, chapter 4 | 6  pages, how does the novice researcher design a multiple case study, chapter 5 | 5  pages, the advantage of the multiple case study design for management researchers, chapter 6 | 6  pages, applying data collection methods in multiple case study research, chapter 7 | 9  pages, the data analysis process for multiple case study research, chapter 8 | 3  pages, extending theory with multiple case study design, chapter 9 | 7  pages, incorporating multiple case design and methodologies into teaching and professional practice, chapter 10 | 9  pages, writing and publishing multiple case study research, chapter 11 | 2  pages, concluding thoughts.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Cookie Policy
• Taylor & Francis Online
• Taylor & Francis Group
• Students/Researchers
• Librarians/Institutions

Connect with us

Registered in England & Wales No. 3099067 5 Howick Place | London | SW1P 1WG © 2024 Informa UK Limited

• Corpus ID: 19081372

Single case studies vs. multiple case studies: A comparative study

• Johanna Gustafsson
• Published 2017

Tables from this paper

308 Citations

Categorization of case in case study research method: new approach, rigour in the management case study method: a study on master's dissertations, what is a case study, grounded theory: a guide for exploratory studies in management research.

• Highly Influenced

Cross-Platform Mobile App Development in Industry: A Multiple Case-Study

Integrating strategic planning and performance management in universities: a multiple case-study analysis, advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in language, a review of the participant observation method in journalism: designing and reporting.

• 12 Excerpts

Managing Platform Business Growth: A Case Study of TikTok

A multiple case design for the investigation of information management processes for work-integrated learning., 58 references, what is a case study and what is it good for.

• Highly Influential

A Case in Case Study Methodology

Qualitative case study guidelines, methodology or method a critical review of qualitative case study reports., persuasion with case studies, a typology for the case study in social science following a review of definition, discourse, and structure, what are case studies good for nesting comparative case study research into the lakatosian research program, case study research design and methods, better stories and better constructs: the case for rigor and comparative logic.

• 10 Excerpts

Case Study Research

Related papers.

Showing 1 through 3 of 0 Related Papers

1st Edition

The Multiple Case Study Design Methodology and Application for Management Education

• Taylor & Francis eBooks (Institutional Purchase) Opens in new tab or window

Description

Most organizations today operate in volatile economic and social environments and qualitative research plays an essential role in investigating leadership and management problems. This unique volume offers novice and experienced researchers a brief, student-centric research methods text specifically devoted to the multiple case study design. The multiple case study design is a valuable qualitative research tool in studying the links between the personal, social, behavioral, psychological, organizational, cultural, and environmental factors that guide organizational and leadership development. Case study research is essential for the in-depth study of participants' perspectives on the phenomenon within its natural context. Rigorously designed management and leadership case studies in the extant literature have a central focus on individual managers' and leaders' stories and their perceptions of the broader forces operating within and outside their organizations. This is a comprehensive methodology book exploring the multiple case study design with step-by-step and easily accessible guidelines on the topic, making it especially valuable to researchers, academics, and students in the areas of business, management, and leadership.

Table of Contents

Daphne Halkias is Professor and Distinguished Research Fellow at École des Ponts Business School in Paris, France. Michael Neubert is Associate Professor in Business and Management Studies and a Member of the Academic Council at UIBS in Zurich, Switzerland. Paul W. Thurman is Professor of Management and Analytics at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA. Nicholas Harkiolakis is on the Faculty of the School of Technology at Northcentral University, San Diego, California, USA.

About VitalSource eBooks

VitalSource is a leading provider of eBooks.

• Access your materials anywhere, at anytime.
• Customer preferences like text size, font type, page color and more.
• Take annotations in line as you read.

Multiple eBook Copies

This eBook is already in your shopping cart. If you would like to replace it with a different purchasing option please remove the current eBook option from your cart.

Book Preview

The country you have selected will result in the following:

• Product pricing will be adjusted to match the corresponding currency.
• The title Perception will be removed from your cart because it is not available in this region.

• Get IGI Global News

• All Products
• Book Chapters
• Journal Articles
• Video Lessons
• Teaching Cases

Shortly You Will Be Redirected to Our Partner eContent Pro's Website

eContent Pro powers all IGI Global Author Services. From this website, you will be able to receive your 25% discount (automatically applied at checkout), receive a free quote, place an order, and retrieve your final documents .

What is Multiple Case Study

Related Books View All Books

Related Journals View All Journals

Multiple case study design: the example of place marketing research

• Original Article
• Published: 05 February 2020
• Volume 17 , pages 50–62, ( 2021 )

Cite this article

• Marek Ćwiklicki   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5298-0210 1 &
• Kamila Pilch 1  

1349 Accesses

8 Citations

1 Altmetric

Explore all metrics

The objective of this paper is to discuss the specificity of multiple case study (MCS) research design using analysis of research description realized according to this strategy in the field of place branding and place marketing published between 1976 and 2016 in scholarly journals. Selecting cases and cases’ context are most frequently explained in place marketing articles where findings are results of MCS research. The choice of a case study as a research strategy and limitations of the studies are less frequently justified in investigated papers. Our analysis shows that the authors should pay more attention to elements characteristic for methodological rigour in their descriptions of the research method. For this purpose, we prepared a checklist. We have discussed in detail key methodological issues for MCS. Moreover, we have formulated guidelines for improving research methodology’s descriptions in scholarly papers. It should lead to an increase in methodological rigour in future research reports. Therefore, researchers will find out suggestions for studying phenomena within place branding domain.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price includes VAT (Russian Federation)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Rent this article via DeepDyve

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Criteria for Good Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Review

Research in marketing strategy

Supply chain disruptions and resilience: a major review and future research agenda

Details of this study can be found in Vuignier’s studies ( 2016 , 2017 ).

Acharya, A., and Z. Rahman. 2016. Place branding research: A thematic review and future research agenda. International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing 13 (3): 289–317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12208-015-0150-7 .

Article   Google Scholar  

Aitken, R., and A. Campelo. 2011. The four Rs of place branding. Journal of Marketing Management 27 (9–10): 913–933. https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2011.560718 .

Anholt, S. 2007. Competitive identity: The new brand management for countries, regions and cities . Basingstoke: Palgrave-Macmillan.

Book   Google Scholar  

Anholt, S. 2010. Definitions of place branding—Working towards a resolution. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy 6 (1): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1057/pb.2010.3 .

Ashworth, G.J., and M. Kavaratzis (eds.). 2010. Towards effective place brand management: Branding european cities and regions . Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.

Google Scholar  

Atlas.ti. 2018. Rigor in qualitative & quantitative scientfic research. http://atlasti.com/rigor-social-science-research/ . Accessed 11 Dec 2017.

Baker, B. 2007. Destination branding for small cities: The essentials for successful place branding . Portland: Creative Leap Books.

Baxter, P., and S. Jack. 2008. Qualitative case study methodology: Study design and implementation for novice researchers. The Qualitative Report 13 (4): 544–559.

BPS. 2018. Statement on qualitative research in journals | BPS. https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/statement-qualitative-research-journals . Accessed 9 May 2018.

Bryman, A., and E. Bell. 2007. Business research methods , 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Charmaz, K. 2006. Constructing grounded theory . Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.

Cresswell, T. 2004. Place: a short introduction . Malden: Blackwell Pub.

Cresswell, T. 2009. Place. In International encyclopedia of human geography , 1st ed, ed. R. Kitchin and N.J. Thrift, 169–177. Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Chapter   Google Scholar  

Dul, J., and T. Hak. 2007. Case study methodology in business research . Boston: Elsevier.

Dumez, H. 2015. What is a case, and what is a case study? Bulletin of Sociological Methodology/Bulletin de Méthodologie Sociologique 127 (1): 43–57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0759106315582200 .

Dyer, W.G., and A.L. Wilkins. 1991. Better stories, not better constructs, to generate better theory: A rejoinder to Eisenhardt. Academy of Management Review 16 (3): 613–619.

Eisenhardt, K.M. 1989. Building theories from case study research. Academy of Management 14 (4): 532–550.

Eriksson, P., and A. Kovalainen. 2008. Research philosophy. Qualitative methods in business Research . https://doi.org/10.4135/9780857028044 .

Gibbert, M., W. Ruigrok, and B. Wicki. 2008. What passes as a rigorous case study? Strategic Management Journal 29 (13): 1465–1474. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.722 .

Given, L., and K. Saumure. 2008. Rigor in qualitative research. In The SAGE encyclopedia of qualitative reseach methods , vol. I, ed. L. Given, 795–796. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.

Greene, D., and J.L. David. 1984. A research design for generalizing from multiple case studies. Evaluation and Program Planning 7 (1): 73–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/0149-7189(84)90027-2 .

Hankinson, G. 2007. The management of destination brands: Five guiding principles based on recent developments in corporate branding theory. Journal of Brand Management 14 (3): 240–254. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.bm.2550065 .

Hankinson, G. 2009. Managing destination brands: Establishing a theoretical foundation. Journal of Marketing Management 25 (1/2): 97–115. https://doi.org/10.1362/026725709X410052 .

Hankinson, G. 2010. Place branding theory: A cross-domain literature review from a marketing perspective. In Towards effective place brand management: Branding european cities and regions , ed. G.J. Ashworth and M. Kavaratzis, 15–35. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.

Hanna, S., and J. Rowley. 2011. Towards a strategic place brand-management model. Journal of Marketing Management 27 (5/6): 458–476. https://doi.org/10.1080/02672571003683797 .

Hillebrand, B., R.A.W. Kok, and W.G. Biemans. 2001. Theory-testing using case studies. Industrial Marketing Management 30 (8): 651–657. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0019-8501(00)00115-2 .

Host, M., and P. Runeson. 2007. Checklists for software engineering case study research. In First international symposium on empirical software engineering and measurement (ESEM 2007) , pp. 479–481. IEEE.

Johnston, W.J., M.P. Leach, and A.H. Liu. 1999. Theory testing using case studies in business-to-business research. Industrial Marketing Management 28 (3): 201–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0019-8501(98)00040-6 .

Kavaratzis, M. 2004. From city marketing to city branding: Towards a theoretical framework for developing city brands. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy 1 (1): 58–73. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.pb.5990005 .

Kavaratzis, M., and G. Ashworth. 2008. Place marketing: How did we get here and where are we going? Journal of Place Management and Development 1 (2): 150–165. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538330810889989 .

Lillis, A.M., and J. Mundy. 2005. Cross-sectional field studies in management accounting research—Closing the gaps between surveys and case studies. Journal of Management Accounting Research 17 (1): 119–141. https://doi.org/10.2308/jmar.2005.17.1.119 .

Lucarelli, A., and P.O. Berg. 2011. City branding: A state-of-the-art review of the research domain. Journal of Place Management and Development 4 (1): 9–27. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538331111117133 .

Ma, W., D. Schraven, M. de Bruijne, M. de Jong, and H. Lu. 2019. Tracing the origins of place branding research: A bibliometric study of concepts in use (1980–2018). Sustainability 11 (11): 2999. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11112999 .

Miles, M.B., and A.M. Huberman. 1994. Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook , 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.

Mills, M.C. 2008. Comparative research. In The SAGE encyclopedia of qualitative research methods , vol. I, ed. L.M. Given, 68–71. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.

Mills, A.J., G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.). 2010. Encyclopedia of case study research . Los Angeles: SAGE Publications.

Nowell, L.S., J.M. Norris, D.E. White, and N.J. Moules. 2017. Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods 16 (1): 1609406917733847. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847 .

Ritchie, J.B.R., and R.J.B. Ritchie. 1998. The branding of tourism destination: Past achievements and future trends, in Destination marketing—Scope and limitations. In Reports of 48thn Congress , St-Gall: AIEST, 89–116.

Saunders, M.N.K., P. Lewis, and A. Thornhill. 2007. Research methods for business students , 4th ed. New York: Prentice Hall.

Shah, S.K., and K.G. Corley. 2006. Building better theory by bridging the quantitative? Qualitative divide. Journal of Management Studies 43 (8): 1821–1835. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2006.00662.x .

Stake, R.E. 2006. Multiple case study analysis . New York: The Guilford Press.

Stoecker, R. 1991. Evaluating and rethinking the case study. The Sociological Review 39 (1): 88–112. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-954X.1991.tb02970.x .

Tharenou, P., R. Donohue, and B. Cooper. 2007. Management research methods . New York: Cambridge University Press.

Vuignier, R. 2016. Place marketing and place branding: A systematic (and tentatively exhaustive) literature review. Working paper de l’IDHEAP , 5.

Vuignier, R. 2017. Place branding & place marketing 1976–2016: A multidisciplinary literature review. International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing 14 (4): 447–473. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12208-017-0181-3 .

Warnaby, G., and D. Medway. 2013. What about the ‘place’ in place marketing? Marketing Theory 13 (3): 345–363. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470593113492992 .

Whittemore, R., S.K. Chase, and C.L. Mandle. 2001. Validity in qualitative research. Qualitative Health Research 11 (4): 522–537. https://doi.org/10.1177/104973201129119299 .

Yin, R.K. 1981. The case study crisis: Some answers. Administrative Science Quarterly 26 (1): 58. https://doi.org/10.2307/2392599 .

Yin, R.K. 2009. Case study research. Design and methods , 4th ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.

Download references

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank dr Renaud Vuignier for sharing his journal database and the reviewers of this journal for their insightful and constructive comments towards improving our manuscript.

Funding was provided by Cracow University of Economics.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Public Management, Cracow University of Economics, ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510, Kraków, Poland

Marek Ćwiklicki & Kamila Pilch

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marek Ćwiklicki .

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest.

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Ćwiklicki, M., Pilch, K. Multiple case study design: the example of place marketing research. Place Brand Public Dipl 17 , 50–62 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41254-020-00159-2

Download citation

Revised : 07 September 2019

Published : 05 February 2020

Issue Date : March 2021

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1057/s41254-020-00159-2

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Methodological rigour
• Place marketing
• Multiple case study
• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research

Election latest: Tories drop support for candidates in betting scandal - as Hollywood star joins Labour event

In the latest twist in the Conservative betting scandal, the party has withdrawn support for the two candidates who have been implicated. Meanwhile, Idris Elba has joined the Labour leader at an event on knife crime. Listen to the latest Politics At Jack And Sam's as you scroll.

Tuesday 25 June 2024 11:38, UK

• General Election 2024
• Bulletin: What you need to know this lunchtime
• Tories drop support for candidates implicated in betting scandal
• The controversy explained | Will candidates still be on ballots?
• Analysis: PM was under a hell of a lot of pressure to act
• Idris Elba joins Starmer at Labour event on knife crime
• Starmer and Sunak to dine together with Japanese emperor
• Live reporting by Tim Baker

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Alliance Party | Conservatives | DUP | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid Cymru | Reform | SNP | Sinn Fein | Workers Party
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

It's lunchtime, and we have a new bulletin to get you up to speed.

Whether you're mid-bite of your sandwich or just polishing it off, here's a rapid rundown of what you need to know:

• The Conservatives have announced they will no longer be supporting the two candidates being investigated over placing bets on the election date;
• Laura Saunders and Craig Williams will still appear in on the ballots - but won't be supported by the party;
• The action came following pressure from both within and outside the Conservative Party, and  Sir Keir Starmer said the move should have come last week when the allegations emerged.
• Labour, meanwhile, has announced plans to tackle knife crime ;
• Sir Keir appeared at an event with actor Idris Elba as they discussed introducing a long-term strategy to tackle the issue;
• Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has taken part in an hour-long debate with Conservative Home Secretary James Cleverly , taking in both legal and illegal migration;
• The minister said he does not "envisage" a Tory government leaving the European Court of Human Rights, despite the PM's threats to do so;
• And Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has opened up about looking after his disabled son in an interview with Beth Rigby .

You might also be interested in one of the key talking points from today's Electoral Dysfunction podcast , all about that photo of Sir Keir and his wife enjoying a Taylor Swift concert at Wembley over the weekend.

We've also got a fresh episode of Politics At Jack And Sam's , including chat about an unlikely dinner date...

Reacting to the news the Tory candidates involved in the betting scandal were having their support withdrawn, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Why didn't it happen a week ago?"

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said the suspensions should have happened "immediately" - and said Mr Sunak needed to confirm the two candidates would not sit with the Conservative Party if they won their seats.

Sky News understands the candidates will not have the Tory whip if they win their respective seats, meaning they will sit as independents (see previous post).

The Conservative Party has today announced it will no longer support its candidates Laura Sanders and Craig Williams.

But they will still appear on the ballot papers.

We are too far through the election cycle for the Conservatives to select new candidates.

Instead, they will just no longer enjoy the support of the Conservative Party.

This means they will not get any help with campaigning or visits from famous faces to back them.

It is similar to what happened to Labour in Rochdale ahead of the by-election there earlier this year.

Despite the fact that they will be listed as Conservative candidates on ballot papers as it is too late to change them, they cannot call themselves Conservative candidates.

It is understood that they will not have the Conservative whip if they win their respective seats, meaning they will sit as Independents.

However, if the Gambling Commission clears them of wrongdoing, the Conservative whip could be given back at a later date.

Laura Saunders is a candidate in Bristol North West, and Craig Williams is a candidate in Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr.

The other candidates in Bristol North West are:

• Caroline Gooch, Lib Dems
• Darren Jones, Labour
• Scarlett O'Connor, Reform UK
• Mary Page, Green Party
• Ben Smith, SDP

The other candidates in Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr are:

• Jeremy Brignell-Thorp, Green Party
• Oliver Lewis, Reform UK
• Glyn Preston, Lib Dems
• Elwyn Vaughan, Plaid Cymru
• Steve Witherden, Labour

Sky political correspondent Darren McCaffrey  is explaining the latest developments in the Conservative betting scandal.

He says it is interesting it has taken "this long" to make the decision.

Craig Williams, one of the candidates, admitted having a "flutter" almost a fortnight ago.

Darren notes Rishi Sunak has been under "a hell of a lot of pressure" from political opponents to make suspensions.

He adds that the Tory position - saying they could not take action due to the Gambling Commission investigation - "didn't seem like a credible line" given Mr Williams said he placed a wager.

"So it was kind of unclear why the Conservative Party had not already suspended him," Darren notes.

Laura Saunders, Darren points out, has not been willing to comment on developments.

"But clearly, the Conservative Party - carrying out those internal inquiries, which the prime minister talked about being launched over the weekend - have found enough evidence that they feel that as of this morning, they should no longer be parliamentary candidates that are supported," he says.

These cases are separate to the two Tory officials who have taken leaves of absence while they are investigated.

What is the scandal?

In short, there are allegations people who had inside knowledge of the election date may have placed bets before Rishi Sunak announced it.

So far, four people have been identified as potentially being involved, with a fifth unnamed person also allegedly implicated.

What is happening now?

The Conservative Party has announced it is no longer supporting Laura Saunders and Craig Williams as candidates.

Mr Williams has admitted to having a "flutter" on the date of the election.

Ms Saunders most recent statement says she is co-operating with the Gambling Commission and did not say anything further.

The political hopeful also indicated she wanted to take legal action against the BBC for their reporting.

Are more people involved?

It is unclear if there may be more people involved with the scandal - with the Gambling Commission remaining tight-lipped about its investigation.

Sky News understands there are considerations over whether more police officers will be investigated, after one of the prime minister's protection officers was suspended due to the matter. 

In the latest twist in the Conservative betting scandal, the party has withdrawn support from the two candidates who have been implicated.

A Conservative Party spokesperson said: "As a result of ongoing internal enquiries, we have concluded that we can no longer support Craig Williams or Laura Saunders as parliamentary candidates at the forthcoming general election. 

"We have checked with the Gambling Commission that this decision does not compromise the investigation that they are conducting, which is rightly independent and ongoing."

Sky News has contacted Mr Williams and Ms Saunders for comment.

The prime minister had come under pressure to take action following the revelations over the past couple of weeks.

He had previously stated he could not do so without interfering with the Gambling Commission's probe.

This position now appears to have changed.

Among those calling for Mr Sunak to take action were other Conservatives Sir Robert Buckland, a former justice secretary; Tobias Ellwood, a former defence minister; Steve Baker, a current Northern Ireland minister; and Baroness Ruth Davidson, a former leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

The party has also launched its own investigation.

The BBC reported this morning that £1.4bn of PPE from one supplier in the pandemic was destroyed by the government.

The Department of Health has not responded to a request for comment from Sky News, and there is no response in the BBC article.

Speaking at an event this morning, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins was asked about the reports.

She says the government "does not accept" the figure reported by the BBC.

The minister adds that the department will be providing an update later today.

Ms Atkins adds that most of the PPE acquired by the government during the pandemic - which numbers in the billions - has been used.

A small amount has been destroyed, as it is the most reasonable course of action.

But she says it was right to acquire as much of the personal protective equipment as possible during COVID.

Actor and DJ Idris Elba is joining Sir Keir Starmer as part of a Labour Party event on knife crime.

The Wire actor, who is from London, has been vocal about the issue.

Labour today announced a plan to crack down on knife crime - including a review of how blades are sold online.

Sir Keir also wants a "comprehensive ban on possession of a wider range of lethal weapons".

Speaking to people impacted by knife crime, Sir Keir says he "can't imagine what you've been through".

He says a lot of people say they can, but "in truth, can't".

One man at the event in west London says he has been promised change by multiple prime ministers over 16 years.

Sir Keir says a long-term plan is needed - but some things can be done in the short term as well.

Elba agrees that thinking needs to be long-term, and there might be a generation which does not see the impact of what they're discussing.

He adds that he has had three or four meetings with the Labour leader, but he is "non-political" and wants to see a long term plan.

The debate between James Cleverly and Yvette Cooper moves on to the European Court of Human Rights.

The government has been somewhat ambiguous about the matter - with many on the right of the Conservative Party calling for the UK to leave.

But Mr Cleverly says he does not "envisage" this happening - however the UK should be able to control its borders.

Rishi Sunak has left the option on the table in debates during the campaign.

Ms Cooper says Labour will abide by international law - and warns the UK against aligning itself with countries like Belarus and Russia.

The home secretary versus shadow home secretary debate on LBC is rumbling on.

Discussing illegal migration, Labour's Yvette Cooper is asked about the party's manifesto, which states people could be sent to a third country.

This, Ms Cooper says, would be a step on a journey to returning a failed asylum seeker to their home country.

But pressed on which stepping stone nations could be used, the shadow home secretary cannot say.

On the Bibby Stockholm barge, Ms Cooper says the party cannot commit to closing it on day one of a Labour government.

James Cleverly, the Conservative cabinet minister, says Labour does not have a plan to deal with illegal migration.

He says that, if Labour gets into power, it will offer an "amnesty" to asylum seekers.

Ms Cooper denies this - but struggles to explain how Labour's plans are different from the current operations in place.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free