Explanatory Case Study

Definition

An explanatory case study is a research approach that seeks to explain the causal relationships and underlying reasons behind specific phenomena by examining a single instance in detail. This type of case study aims to uncover why certain events occur, allowing researchers to build a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play within a particular context. By focusing on one case, researchers can gather rich qualitative data that contributes to theory-building and offers insights into broader patterns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Explanatory case studies are particularly useful for exploring complex issues where variables are intertwined and cannot be easily isolated.
2. This method allows researchers to examine phenomena in real-world settings, providing context that can lead to more nuanced interpretations of data.
3. Explanatory case studies often involve various data sources such as interviews, documents, and observations to create a comprehensive understanding.
4. They are typically used in social sciences, but can also be relevant in fields like public policy, education, and health research.
5. Findings from explanatory case studies can contribute significantly to theory development by providing detailed examples that support or challenge existing theories.

Review Questions

• How does an explanatory case study differ from descriptive and exploratory case studies in terms of research goals?
  • An explanatory case study focuses specifically on explaining the causal relationships and underlying reasons for specific phenomena, while descriptive case studies aim to provide a detailed account of a situation without emphasizing cause-and-effect. Exploratory case studies seek to investigate new or unclear issues, often forming initial hypotheses rather than testing them. By distinguishing these goals, researchers can choose the most suitable approach based on the nature of their inquiry.
• In what ways do explanatory case studies enhance our understanding of complex social phenomena compared to quantitative methods?
  • Explanatory case studies enhance understanding by providing rich qualitative insights that capture the complexity and nuance of social phenomena. Unlike quantitative methods that rely heavily on numerical data and statistical analysis, case studies allow for a deeper exploration of the contextual factors and human experiences influencing events. This qualitative richness helps reveal causal mechanisms and underlying dynamics that may be overlooked in purely quantitative analyses.
• Evaluate the impact of using an explanatory case study on theory-building within the field of political science.
  • Using an explanatory case study can significantly impact theory-building in political science by offering detailed evidence that supports or challenges existing theoretical frameworks. Through in-depth analysis of specific instances, researchers can identify patterns and causal relationships that may inform broader theories about political behavior or institutional dynamics. This method allows scholars to connect empirical findings with theoretical constructs, thereby enriching the academic discourse and potentially leading to new theoretical developments.

Related terms

Causal Inference: The process of drawing conclusions about causal relationships based on empirical evidence, often used in social sciences to understand how one factor influences another.

Qualitative Research: A research method focused on understanding human behavior and experiences through in-depth interviews, observations, and content analysis, often used in case studies.

Generalizability: The extent to which findings from a specific study can be applied to other contexts or populations, a key consideration when interpreting results from case studies.