How to do your Case Study: A Guide for Students and Researchers

About the Book

Case Study is one of the most widely applied methods of research and instruction in use today. Cases are used to frame research, aid teaching and help learning the world over. Yet, despite being so widely used, there remains a great deal of uncertainty about what constitutes case study research and how case studies should be designed and carried out.

In this lucid, accessible and often witty new text, Gary Thomas introduces students and researchers to the basics of case study research. Using a wide range of real-life examples, this book sets out for those new to the method how best to design and carry out case studies in the social sciences and humanities

How to do your case study: a guide for students and researchers deals with the core issues and methods that anyone new to case study will need to understand:

- What is a case study?

- When and why should case study methods be used?

- How are case studies designed?

- What methods can be used?

- How do we analyse and make sense of our data?

- How do we write up and write about our case?

How to do your Case Study will be essential reading for any student or researcher in the Social Sciences, Health Sciences, in Business Studies, in Education and the Humanities.

Table of Contents:
PART ONE: GETTING YOUR BEARINGS What Is a Case Study? Case Study and Research Design Models of the Whole Ensuring Quality in Your Case Study: What′s Important? PART TWO: GETTING DOWN TO DOING IT Kinds of Case Studies: Finding Your Case Your Purpose Your Approach Your Process PART THREE: GETTING ON WITH IT AND FINISHING Out in the Field: Some Ways to Collect Data and Evidence A Toolkit for Analyzing and Thinking Writing Your Study The Fancy Stuff: Generalization, Induction, Abduction, Phronesis and Theory

About the Author :
Being of a nervous disposition as a child, Gary Thomas failed to write anything on his 11-plus examination paper, which inaction took him to secondary modern school. He eventually became a teacher, then an educational psychologist, then a professor of education at the University of Birmingham, where his teaching, research and writing have focused on inclusive education and the methods used in social science research. He has led a wide range of research projects and has received research funding from the AHRC, the ESRC, the Nuffield Foundation, the Leverhulme Trust, the Department for Education, charities such as Barnardo’s and the Cadmean Trust, local authorities and a range of other organisations. He has written or edited 30 books, lots of boring academic articles, and quite interesting essays on the state of education in the national press. He was the editor of journals such as the British Educational Research Journal and Educational Review. He has two grown-up daughters, one daughter at school, and two grandchildren. He likes, in alphabetical order, birds, chess, cycling, dogs, his family, gardening, reading and writing. Despite supporting Aston Villa football club, he maintains an optimistic outlook on life.  

Review :
This very readable and well crafted book should significantly advance thinking about the conduct of case study research. It impressively demonstrates, through well-selected examples, the uses of case studies within a wide range of disciplines and practical fields of study and dispels some popular misconceptions of this research genre in the process.
John Elliot
Emeritus Professor of Education, University of East Anglia

All chapters are clearly structured but with an eye for presenting variations of research designs, purposes, approaches, data collections and tools for analysis across applied social sciences and humanities. The chapters are written in a lively, engaged and personal manner - though highly academic and structured in their argumentation at the same time - and as a nice student-friendly communicative feature, each chapter finishes with a short section called "If you only take one thing from this chapter, take this..."... I can recommend Thomas′ book as an inspiring and systematic companion to think and discuss with, where there is tolerance towards the wonderful variability of doing qualitative research.
Bente Halkier
Roskilde University

This particular text will replace a few "classics" on my shelf, and I plan to use the book when teaching my methodology courses. This is a comprehensive text for researchers who wish to undertake case study research. The many examples of empirical research help the reader appreciate the value and potential of case study research. The text is accessible adopting a conversational tone and provides very helpful comments on the suggested texts for further reading. Consequently, the book is easy to read with sections that logically address the important areas to consider when conducting case study research. A great read. Key resource to both students and lecturers. The thoughtful examples are fantastic. This is a good postgraduate and research student text that will provide a useful complement to other qualitative texts we use, but that don′t cover Case Studies to this depth. This book is interesting and quite detailed adapting research methods discourse to the case study element. I found it interesting but sometimes a bit complex to use as an essential. I will recommend it but more as a supplemental. This is an excellent book for anyone wanting to learn about case study research, or indeed to use it. It is written with clarity, creativity and enthusiasm. The intent of each chapter is clear and the addition of an annotated further reading list at the end of each chapter is extremely useful. Not only does the book offer practical and well researched advice about approach, it also presents insightful background regarding philosophical underpinning and issues of quality. A summary at the end of each chapter is most useful for readers and gives a clear idea of the key messages that can be taken away. Well written and well organised book I have listed this as essential for those students undertaking case study theory; and those considering it. This is an excellent book Understanding the case study, like all research, can be a minefield of confusing concepts and seemingly intractable division. The author of this book manages to take the reader on a journey through that difficult terrain so that some much needed clarity can be brought to the field. The novice researcher will find the book highly accessible but yet the more experienced researcher will also find this book an indispensble tool for thinking about their work. Through wit and imaginative use of analogy, it also manages to make what can be a dry topic much more engaging. This book will make you think - and laugh. Easy to understand. Useful for begginners. Useful text for students about designing and conducting research by the case study method, particularly in the field of health and social care. Not adopted for this particular module but have adopted it for our MSc in Midwifery Research modules This is a solid introduction to case study methods, useful for students and academics alike. Good introduction for studetns new to research. The students have appreciated the level of presentation. Comprehensive, clear and informative. A useful book for students using this methodology in their final projects or dissertations. An essential textbook which provides a comprehensive guide to develop/conduct an effective case study research design′ We are using a more basic book to introduce doctoral students to the case study method. However, we are going to recommend the book as a reference students should purchase if they decide to use the case study method in their doctoral research projects. absolutely great for M level: a must buy! An excellent account and practical consideration of case study as a means of data collection and analysis. Gary Thomas has attempted to write an accessible and jargon free text for case studies and has largely succeeded. His text is easy to read and offers a considered approach to employing qualitative research. This text should appeal to undergraduates and postgraduates engaged in research for the first time, more experienced researchers wanting a reference guide and also to lecturers or supervisors working on research methods or dissertation modules. The text is rich with examples to underpin points being made and useful inclusions are the ′If you take only one thing′ at the end of each chapter providing clear and succinct pointers. The use of post-it-notes throughout the text are also very useful visual flags that emphasise important points. a very useful text for student dissertations at masters level A useful and information text for those wishing to pursue this methodology The course content has changed to exclude Case Study Excellent, highly recommended an excellent book introducing students and researchers to the basic foundations of case study research I always find Gary Thomas readable and invaluable in terms of his clear and thorough insight and guidance on research. This text is one I have highly recommended to masters Education students on my course A well written book that is very easy to understand. For first time researchers it is a valuable piece of work. Particularly helpful for two out of four of the assignments that our PGCE students have to undertake.

I have added it to a student reading list, made colleagues aware of this text and ordered copies for our library.

I am also going to recommend it for use by our dissertation and PhD students.

The ′real′ examples included are helpful, though I would have liked an example to illustrate the, rather brief, section on ethics.

The text is easy to read and follow....and it all makes sense! Diagrams and other illustrations helpfully enliven the text and clarify some ideas.

I just wish that it was available as an ebook. I like this book. It guide student on how to case study research. Of course, it is not destined to be a complete book in research methodology. I use it in conjunction with other book. It is a very useful supplemental book though for those who wants to learn more about case study. This is a useful initial text to support students on the Masters in Teaching and Learning course. It considers some of the key aspects in undertaking a case study (one of their assignments) whilst directing them to further texts to support more in depth research with elements of their own research.
The book provides an overview of conducting a case study. PGCE course assignment has now changed - so this book no longer relevant for this course. However I recommend the book to MA Education Studies students as a comprehensive book on case study for their research methods An excellent guide to undertaking a case study, in my case, of young children. It is clearly laid out with amusing images and highlighted definitions of words and phrases that are an aid to understanding. It is a rich study of all aspects of understanding research and would appeal to students from many disciplines. Very well written in accessible language. Gives very clear parameters of case study and valuable as a companion to more general texts. Excellent resource!!! Fully comprehensive and engaging text that is a welcome addition to the course When doing a case study this book provides vital information to guide you through each step of the process, from the planning stages through to writing up the study.

The book should be next to you at all times during your case study as a useful tool to refer to if you are unsure at any stage. A very well written text, clear, detailed, just the ′right′ level of explanation and guidance for students about to undertake research using a case study approach This is a good clear overview and helpful guide for students first time attempting a case study. Thisa will be hlpful for our students who have to do a major case study folllowing thier clinical placement This is one of the best books on case studies availiable. An advantage is although comprehensive the book is easy to read and this makes it accessible to the needs of students. An excellent text - used now by all my undergraduate students Most of the students are worried on analysing a Case study, this book has opened an eyes for that.
Highly recommended for above Level 6 students. Very suitabl;e text for this specific subject! How to do your case study: A guide for students and researchers offers clear guidance about what to consider when undertaking case studies and includes illustrations and examples of how case studies have been applied in real world settings. The book was written for students and researchers within applied social sciences and humanities, but the methods and techniques within this book are also applicable to other fields of research. The text includes 12 chapters which are separated into three parts.
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Part one contains four chapters with chapter one introducing the reader to different descriptions and definitions of a case study and situates the case study historically in relation to how it has been used within academic and non academic settings, as well as, providing a framework for deciding the applicability of the case study to different types of research contexts. Chapter two discusses issues related to the research design of case studies in connection with the main purpose of the inquiry, the development of the research question(s), reviewing of the available literature about the topic and the decision to adopt a case study approach. Chapter three introduces the reader to the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of different ontology, which affect the design and approach of research in relation to how they interact with a case study. Chapter four covers how to introduce quality into case studies with regards to the importance of population selection and sampling in terms of representativeness, the issue of reliability and validity criteria available in the literature and its applicability and relevance to case study research, as well as, questions about research ethics when undertaking case studies.
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Part two consists of four chapters with chapter five outlining the different kinds of case studies and how they can be categorised. In this chapter the writer points out the danger of selecting a research design before having carefully considered the research question(s) first, and which research approach and techniques would be best suited to answer the research question(s). In chapter six the author considers the purpose of a case study in terms of its objective being for: intrinsic or extrinsic interest or to explore, evaluate, or explain something or if the case study will include elements of all these approaches. Chapter seven examines different research approaches which can be included in case study research such as: to test a theory, build a theory, draw a picture, or use experimental methods or interpretative techniques. Chapter eight covers what to consider when structuring the case study in reference to the process selected as part of the design route in terms of whether the case study is a single case study (retrospective, snapshot or diachronic) or multiple case studies (nested, parallel or sequential).
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Part three consists of four chapters with chapter nine reviewing different methods in which data can be collected and used as evidence. Some of the methods presented and discussed in this chapter are: Interview, accounts, diaries, group interview, focus groups, reviewing documents, questionnaires, observations, image-based methods and more. Chapter 10 provides useful frameworks from which data collected can be analysed with the emphasis being on interpretative methods and techniques. Chapter 11 offers a breakdown of a typical academic report. The chapter provides useful guidance about what should typically be included in each section of an academic report which includes: The introduction, literature review, methods section, research findings, analysis and discussion, and the main conclusion(s). Chapter 12 concludes by outlining the main ethos of the text and provides additional information about generalisation of research findings, abduction, phronesis and theory, as well as the author’s final thoughts.
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Reading level of this text is suitable for students and researchers of all levels and experience. This book is essential reading for anyone undertaking research which will involve case study research as it tackles the main issues involved in case study research, as well as providing useful frameworks and guidelines to aid the researcher throughout case study research projects.
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a well crafted as well as inspiring volume; easy to read, with plain language which clarifies many of the practicalities around doing qualitative research; I liked its format that each chapter finishes with the section called "If you only take one thing from this chapter..."; edition would benefit by including references to up-to-date case studies into the "further reading" section" a useful introduction to case study research This text guides students through approaches to case study research in a well-structured and accessible way. I will be recommending it for all students who are completing a dissertation module. A thorough and very practical guide to what may seem a daunting approach for prospective research students. The theoretical perspectives are explained very clearly, and (most usefully for students) the practical advice is also very clear. Well-written and very accessible, this will be an essential guide for our students. An accessible and engaging text, ideally suited for undergraduates who are new to case study research A very good text for some students.
Only a small proportion of students will use the case study approach - these will find the book very useful A very useful introductory text into case study research, using a lot of relevant examples to illustrate the approach. The practice of case study research has become needlessly complex. This book demonstrates the necessity and simplicity of case studies, and ought to be widely read across the human and social sciences This covers the requirements of doing a case study in a fashion that is highly readable and very current. It has the practitioner in mind and makes the concept of a case study easy to grasp. This book guides students who are struggling with case study research and gives a step by step guide in a simple language of research
I strongly feel, students at higher level of study and those at lower level will benefit greatly reading this book This is a comprehensive and readable approach to case study research. The synthesis of other writers / theorists views of this methodology is very valuable.

Student friendly at both an undergraduate and post-graduate level. This text will be listed as additional reading on a new unit being run from Oct that uses three cases as part of the assessment. A very good text providing clear guidance and support to produce a study. has been adopted as one of main texts. A good text. This is being suggested to individual tutees who express a need for more focused and ′skills-based′ support when it comes to creating a case study for assessment.

The book is easily the best one I have come across which gives appropriately pitched guidance on case studies in a highly accessible way.

It is only given supplemental status because the researching and writing of case studies form only a small part of assessment formats at the institution currently. Excellent material that will allow students at level 2 in preparing for final year dissertations and those at level 3 for completing their research study using this process Really useful, illustrated with accessible examples. It presents an essential approach to case study Really well structured, easy to use book. Will be recommending it to my 3rd year degree students for their reseach modules. The book illustrates very clearly and simply how one can develop his/her own case study.
All the chapters are well structured and there is an obvious red line through the whole book. The publication is divided into three parts, the theoretical basics, the practical development and the finishing, and explains them in four chapters each.
In the first part, the author starts with the explanation of a case study in general and distinguishes it from other examples. He not only shows how to derive the right design and approach, but also dives into psychological models and points out the most important factors to consider.
The second part supports you in finding the right case which fits perfectly your purpose, guides you through the building of a sound theory. It finishes with explaining different kinds of case studies and when which one should be chosen to work further on with it.
Part three gets you out into the field and introduces you to all kinds of empirical data collection methods, form the varieties of conducting an interview the usage of official statistics. It also provides you with a “toolkit” to aid you in arranging the results and/or your thoughts. Last but not least it offers you a guide line to write the case study and to getting it done.
What is remarkable about the book is not only its good structure as already mentioned, but that it’s written in a narrative way, which is both easy to follow and makes it more interesting and even exciting to read. All the chapters are enriched by fine examples and the most important things are additionally highlighted by a small billboard note on the page. Each chapter concludes not with a summary, but with “the one thing you should definitely take with you from the chapter”, which again catches one’s attention and makes one read that part even more carefully.
All in all it is a very hands on book for both researchers and students to understand case studies and to really be able to develop one on their own. One of the best books on case studies that I have read. I now recommend this text to all my Masters and Doctoral students doing case studies. I recommend this above Stake and even Yin. Excellent text - clearly presented in informative and interesting manner Clearly written and easy for students to understand. I will definitely be recommending this to our PGCE students for their research projects. Clearly written and easy for students to understand. Sets out clear guidelines for conducting a Case Study as well as pitfalls to be aware of. I will be recommending this as essential reading for my Masters students. This text is extremely useful. It takes the students through the topic in a structured informative way This is essential text for our students who undertake a Case study as part of a work placement in their second year. For those students engaged in a case study this is a useful and clearly written text which they would find very helpful. A tool for those wishing to go on to further studies. I would recommend this to my L3 Cohort towards the end of the year. In particular those wishing to progress to higher studies and self development. it explains terminology well in an easy to understand format. A recommended read for students conducting a case study for their Education MA. Will recommend it as supplemental reading to students I am supervising. They complete a final project and in some instances it is based on a case study. Excellent, clearly written book relevant to any student undertaking research in the field of nursing, where case studies are so applicable. A very useful and straight forward text for those students planning this methodology for a dissertation I liked other titles by this author and was not disappointed with this text which clearly addressed a sometime easily misunderstood methodology. This has a nice structure and clearly sets out the issues in a very digestable manner Students utilising this method of research have found this text extremely useful A useful book for FdA students to support their case studies. Chapter 2 - Case study and research design - is really useful to help students to understand that there is not just one method which can be used to start planning their studies. Chapter 10 - a toolkit for analysing and thinking is particularly useful as this is an area students find particularly difficult. An interesting book but does not quite cover the aspects of writing a
case study in health. It does however, provide some good generic information. An interesting approach to a subject the students often consider to be ′dry′. it is very directional and easy to follow with good examples to underpin the theory. interesting, entertaining and well structured to inform researchers in this methodology As part of the revalidation of the Social Work degree we are responding to student feedback about including more case study work. This book has therefore informed the discussions about the form this will take and will be included on student reading lists in future. Case studies are very popular with students but they rarely really get to grips with what makes a good case study. This book will help them! I really enjoyed reading this book, and found it very user-friendly text without ′dumbing down′ the content. This approach would encourage those new to research to continue reading and gain benefit. I would think it useful for both new researchers and those with some experience, regardless of discipline. Those considering whether to undertake a case study or not would find it particularly clear and helpful.
An essential guide if considering utilizing case study approach to research Clear and concise guidance for students interested in this approach. Excellent overview with clear writing style Very accessible and useful Despite that case study research is an important strategy, it is frequently underestimated by its seriousness. This book is a valuable contribution to understand that case study is an in-depth form of research and what needs to be done to provide validity and reliability. This book is a very good exposition of the case study method, but has insufficient focus on business/managemnt/marketing for us. However, I will recommend it as supplementary reading for any of our post grad students doing case study research. I have also requested our library to stock it. Useful to show students the case study approach but more limited than books on general research methods A very useful text giving practical feedback to students. More accessible than the standard Yin text in my opinion.