What is a case? In relation to research approaches, the term case is not well defined. Therefore, a case may be a relatively bounded object or process; it may also be empirical, theoretical or both (Ragin and Becker 1992). A case can also be defined as a phenomenon which has specific to time and space. Ragin and Becker (1992) asserts that a case of a given case study is dynamic and may change over time. The change may occur when the study is in the hand of the both the researcher or audience.
Robert (1998) asserts that a case study is not an investigation but the objective of a case study is “As a form of research, case study is defined by interest in individual cases, not by the methods of inquiry used”. More emphasis has been put on the method and the techniques that form a case study by other researchers.
The main characteristic of case study methodology is the combination of several methods with an aim of looking at the case from different angles hence triangulate. Groat and Wang (2002), illustrated a case study in figure 1 below. The diagram shows the relatiohsip between case study and other methods pointing out that those that are close to each other have more similarities that those far apart.
The diagram shows that qualitative and interpretive research approach has many similarities such as such as a holistic approach to research subject. The relationship between correlation and qualitative research approach is that both focus on naturally occurring circumstances although different on quantitative data. Quantitative data ten binds correlation and experimental research approach. Simulation differs from experimental approach because in simulation, the researcher has control over variables. This means that he/she can change the values and manipulate them accordingly. Emphasis put on abstraction is one of the characteristics that bind logical argumentation and simulation. The diagram complete with logical argumentation and interpretive historic research approach. The two methods are close together in the diagram because they a common feature, an interpretive-holistic research method depends on a construction of logic interpretation.
Figure 1. A conceptual framework for research methods. Source Groat and Wang (2002)
Figure 2
Figure two shows another conceptual framework of methodologies which looks at how different strategies are applied to data. The number of variables that are considered or the number of cases (units of analysis) or both can be reduced as illustrated in figure 2.
The main reason for using case study methodology in carrying out built environment dissertation is be ability to validate data. Triangulation is one of the characteristics of case study methodology. It ensures that there is validity in a case study research. Case studies always have triangulated data collection methods where more than one method is used to collect data. This ensures that accurate data is collected and findings are not based on one method of data collection. Triangulation also ensures overcomes limitation of one method of data collection. Denzin (1978), points out that not only can data collection methods be triangulated but also data sources, theory and investigations can also be triangulated.
Selection of a case for study
Just like in any other research approach where research topic is selected carefully, case studies are also supposed to be selected with a lot of care and interest. The researcher can only choose a case in which he/she is interested in its findings. A case study can be intrinsic or purposeful. An intrinsic case study is a study that the researcher does not want to generalize its findings. The researcher in this situation is more focused in the understanding of the case. Purposeful or analytical case is selected because of being an information rich, critical, revelatory, or extreme (Stake 1995). A purposeful case is selected when there is an interest to generalize the results.
Built environment is an area that requires case study analysis. Such information can be used by many professionals in making important decisions. This study will focus on a single case study (Schön & Donald 1991). The question that many ask about case study methodology is how a single study can be generalized yet it is not statistical. Generalization of case studies is analytical in nature hence they are based on reasoning. Reasoning has three principles; abductive, inductive and deductive. Generalization of a case study can employ one or more of these principles.
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