Case Study Research

What is a case study?

A case study is a type of research method. In case studies, the unit of analysis is a case. The case typically provides a detailed account of a situation that usually focuses on a conflict or complexity that one might encounter in the workplace.

• Case studies help explain the process by which a unit (a person, department, business, organization, industry, country, etc.) deals with the issue or problem confronting it, and offers possible solutions that can be applied to other units facing similar situations.
• The information presented in case studies is usually qualitative in nature - gathered through methods such as interview, observation, and document collection.
• There are different types of case study, including intrinsic, instrumental, naturalistic, and pragmatic.

This research guide will assist you in finding individual case studies, as well as providing information on designing case studies. If you need assistance locating information, please Ask a Librarian.