Intrinsic case study

Definition

An intrinsic case study is a type of qualitative research that focuses on a particular case to gain a deeper understanding of its unique characteristics and complexities. This approach emphasizes the case itself, rather than using it to generalize findings to a broader population. Researchers conduct intrinsic case studies when they want to explore the specific dynamics and intricacies of a singular situation, event, or phenomenon.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intrinsic case studies are often used in fields like psychology, sociology, and education to investigate unique circumstances or phenomena.
2. The primary aim of an intrinsic case study is to gain insights into the particular case rather than to derive broader generalizations.
3. Researchers may use various data collection methods such as interviews, observations, and document analysis to gather rich and detailed information about the case.
4. The analysis in an intrinsic case study emphasizes the uniqueness of the case, making it critical for researchers to avoid overgeneralizing their findings.
5. This type of case study can provide valuable insights into complex issues that may not be evident in quantitative research or studies focusing on multiple cases.

Review Questions

• How does an intrinsic case study differ from other types of case studies in terms of its objectives and outcomes?
  • An intrinsic case study is distinct from other types of case studies because its primary objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of a specific case rather than to generalize findings to a larger population. While other case studies might aim to draw broader conclusions across multiple cases, intrinsic case studies focus on the unique characteristics and complexities of the individual case itself. This means researchers deeply explore the dynamics at play within that singular context, which can yield insights that are specifically tailored to that instance.
• In what situations would a researcher choose to conduct an intrinsic case study instead of a more traditional quantitative approach?
  • A researcher might opt for an intrinsic case study when they are interested in exploring a unique or complex situation that cannot be easily quantified. For instance, if a researcher wants to understand the specific challenges faced by a particular school in implementing educational reforms, an intrinsic case study allows for an in-depth examination of that school's context, culture, and experiences. This approach provides rich qualitative insights that might be lost in a traditional quantitative study focused solely on measurable outcomes.
• Evaluate the implications of conducting an intrinsic case study for generalizability in research findings.
  • Conducting an intrinsic case study has significant implications for generalizability because it prioritizes depth over breadth in research findings. While these studies provide rich insights into a specific context, they do not aim to produce findings that can be universally applied across different situations or populations. Instead, the value lies in the detailed understanding of the particular case's nuances. This limitation encourages researchers to appreciate the complexity of individual cases while recognizing that insights gained may not necessarily extend beyond the context studied.

Related terms

case study: A research method that involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, event, or community, often used to provide insight into broader principles.

qualitative research: A research strategy that focuses on understanding human behavior and experiences through the collection of non-numerical data, such as interviews and observations.

bounded system:

A clearly defined context or setting within which a case study is conducted, allowing researchers to focus their analysis on specific parameters.