Coastal Services Center

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Case Study Research

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What Is Case Study Research?

Case study research is used to conduct an in-depth investigation of an issue at a specific instance and location. When used in social science research, case studies may help determine the attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs of groups the researchers wish to examine, as well as describe the interactions among those groups. Case study research may also involve assessing economic or behavior trends within a community. Case study research involves collecting in-depth information in a limited area and usually includes many social science tools such as surveys snd demographic information.

MPA Application

Development of case studies concerning MPAs is an effective way for managers to explain social trends realted to a particular area or issue, thus allowing them to make more informed decisions. For example, an MPA manager could use case study research to determine what user groups think of a new policy or regulation. It could also be used to record traditional practices within a specific area.

Expertise Needed

This technique may require some technical assistance from skilled researchers.

Advantages

• Powerful means to portray a situation, study, or event to others
• Fully depicts the experiences, processes, and lessons learned from a situation, study, or event

Limitations

• Time-consuming to collect, organize, and describe
• Represents depth of information rather than breadth

Case Studies

Additional Resources

Articles and Books

Yin, R.K. 2002. 3rd Edition. Case Study Research : Design and Methods (Applied Social Research Methods). SAGE Publications.

Yin, R.K. 2002. 2nd Edition. Applications of Case Study Research (Applied Social Research Methods). SAGE Publications.

Web sites

Case Studies
This complete guide from Colorado State University includes an in-depth overview of case study research, types, and designs, approaches for conducting a case study, and additional commentary on case study strengths and weaknesses.

Basics of Developing Case Studies
This resource from the Free Management Library for nonprofits and for-profits includes insightful information on the uses for and development of case studies, as well as some sample case study reports.