case study vs archival research

Case Study vs. Research

What's the difference.

Case study and research are both methods used in academic and professional settings to gather information and gain insights. However, they differ in their approach and purpose. A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or situation, aiming to understand the unique characteristics and dynamics involved. It often involves qualitative data collection methods such as interviews, observations, and document analysis. On the other hand, research is a systematic investigation conducted to generate new knowledge or validate existing theories. It typically involves a larger sample size and employs quantitative data collection methods such as surveys, experiments, or statistical analysis. While case studies provide detailed and context-specific information, research aims to generalize findings to a broader population.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to conducting studies and gathering information, researchers have various methods at their disposal. Two commonly used approaches are case study and research. While both methods aim to explore and understand a particular subject, they differ in their approach, scope, and the type of data they collect. In this article, we will delve into the attributes of case study and research, highlighting their similarities and differences.

A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, event, or phenomenon. It involves a detailed examination of a particular case to gain insights into its unique characteristics, context, and dynamics. Case studies often employ multiple sources of data, such as interviews, observations, and documents, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject under investigation.

One of the key attributes of a case study is its focus on a specific case, which allows researchers to explore complex and nuanced aspects of the subject. By examining a single case in detail, researchers can uncover rich and detailed information that may not be possible with broader research methods. Case studies are particularly useful when studying rare or unique phenomena, as they provide an opportunity to deeply analyze and understand them.

Furthermore, case studies often employ qualitative research methods, emphasizing the collection of non-numerical data. This qualitative approach allows researchers to capture the subjective experiences, perspectives, and motivations of the individuals or groups involved in the case. By using open-ended interviews and observations, researchers can gather rich and detailed data that provides a holistic view of the subject.

However, it is important to note that case studies have limitations. Due to their focus on a specific case, the findings may not be easily generalized to a larger population or context. The small sample size and unique characteristics of the case may limit the generalizability of the results. Additionally, the subjective nature of qualitative data collection in case studies may introduce bias or interpretation challenges.

Research, on the other hand, is a systematic investigation aimed at discovering new knowledge or validating existing theories. It involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. Research can be conducted using various methods, including surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis, depending on the nature of the study.

One of the primary attributes of research is its emphasis on generating generalizable knowledge. By using representative samples and statistical techniques, researchers aim to draw conclusions that can be applied to a larger population or context. This allows for the identification of patterns, trends, and relationships that can inform theories, policies, or practices.

Research often employs quantitative methods, focusing on the collection of numerical data that can be analyzed using statistical techniques. Surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis allow researchers to measure variables, establish correlations, and test hypotheses. This objective approach provides a level of objectivity and replicability that is crucial for scientific inquiry.

However, research also has its limitations. The focus on generalizability may sometimes sacrifice the depth and richness of understanding that case studies offer. The reliance on quantitative data may overlook important qualitative aspects of the subject, such as individual experiences or contextual factors. Additionally, the controlled nature of research settings may not fully capture the complexity and dynamics of real-world situations.

Similarities

Despite their differences, case studies and research share some common attributes. Both methods aim to gather information and generate knowledge about a particular subject. They require careful planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Both case studies and research contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

Furthermore, both case studies and research can be used in various disciplines, including social sciences, psychology, business, and healthcare. They provide valuable insights and contribute to evidence-based decision-making. Whether it is understanding the impact of a new treatment, exploring consumer behavior, or investigating social phenomena, both case studies and research play a crucial role in expanding our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, case study and research are two distinct yet valuable approaches to studying and understanding a subject. Case studies offer an in-depth analysis of a specific case, providing rich and detailed information that may not be possible with broader research methods. On the other hand, research aims to generate generalizable knowledge by using representative samples and quantitative methods. While case studies emphasize qualitative data collection, research focuses on quantitative analysis. Both methods have their strengths and limitations, and their choice depends on the research objectives, scope, and context. By utilizing the appropriate method, researchers can gain valuable insights and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

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How to Write a Case Study for American Archivist

As journal of record for the Society of American Archivists, the American Archivist provides a forum for discussion of trends and issues in archival theory and practice both in the United States and abroad. American Archivist defines case studies as “analytical reports of projects or activities that take place in a specific setting and offer the basis for emulation or comparison in other settings.” Case studies provide opportunities to report on the application of theory to practice or to discuss developments or experiments in practice of interest to many archival institutions.

Thus, a case study report is much more than a set of anecdotes describing “this is how we did it.” It identifies how the project or activity adds to the corpus of archival literature regarding a particular issue or scenario. Although the case study itself may be specific or narrow, the context of the issue involved and the implications it holds for practice apply to a broad audience. Readers want to understand the context and see how to generalize the specific case in a wide variety of circumstances.

A case study provides a means of understanding particular social phenomenon such as an event, activity, or project in its natural setting or context (Yin, 1994). Rich descriptions of specific cases allow us to understand complex social phenomenon and interaction within a particular context. A case study can also be used as a teaching tool to provide insight into specific situations and provide a framework for discussion.

Although we do not specify a template for a case study report in the American Archivist , we suggest that a case study contain the following sections:

• Identify or establish the problem or issue being addressed—i.e., this is a case study on outreach in literary archives, or a case study of digital project collaboration across state institutions, or a case study on implementing More Product, Less Process (MPLP) in a historical society.
• Provide context for the specific problem by discussing relevant literature, which may come from fields such as archives, library and information science, related disciplines, or subject matter specialties. Pay particular attention to identifying the knowledge gap that might be partly filled through lessons learned in the case study.
• Present the case(s). This can vary between case studies—some case studies use a standard research method of data gathering and analysis, others employ a narrative approach describing how the author dealt with the situation in question. Either may be suitable as long as the other required elements create a case study that provides for contextualization and generalization.
• Discuss and analyze the case(s). In your discussion, be candid in considering both the pros and cons of the approach(es) taken and in noting what could have been improved in the course of the activity. Discuss lessons learned, unresolved issues, unsuccessful strategies, next steps, and future plans. Learning from both successes and failures is one of the most beneficial aspects of the case study as a genre of research.
• Conclude by describing the implications of the case for generalized practice, emphasizing the specific points or most significant lessons learned during the episode being described, and where appropriate , a discussion of additional research needed regarding this issue.

See the Editorial Policy for required elements in formatting the manuscript in “Submitting Manuscripts.” Note especially that the American Archivist uses the latest version of Chicago Manual of Style as the standard for style and end note formatting. All articles must be accompanied by a 250-word abstract.  In addition, the author's name and contact information should appear  only  in relevant text boxes in Submissions Manager . ( T o ensure that the peer review process is completely blind, it's essential that author names do not appear anywhere in the content or metadata of submitted files.   Please do a (Control+F) search within the document and check the file name to ensure that author names do not appear.   In addition, Microsoft  provides instructions  for stripping any author information from the document's metadata.  Selecting File > Info > Related People within the document should reveal whether any document authors are still listed.)

For examples of the case study as a method in archival literature see:

Blouin, Francis X. “ The Relevance of the Case Study Method to Archival Education and Training ,” The American Archivist 41 (1978): 37–44.

Kesner, Richard M. “ Employing the Case Study Method in the Teaching of Automated Records and Techniques to Archivists ,” The  American Archivist 56 (1993): 522–31.

Yin, Robert K.,  Case Study Research: Design and Methods  ( Thousand Oaks, Calif.:  Sage Publications, 1994).  

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Archival, Case Studies and Natural Observations

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• 2 - ARCHIVAL RESEARCH
• 3 - CLINICAL OR CASE STUDIES
• 4 - NATURALISTIC OBSERVATION
• 5 - Summary
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ARCHIVAL RESEARCH

Some researchers gain access to large amounts of data without interacting with a single research participant. Instead, they use existing records to answer various research questions. This type of research approach is known as archival research . Archival research relies on looking at past records or data sets to look for interesting patterns or relationships.

For example, a researcher might access the academic records of all individuals who enrolled in college within the past ten years and calculate how long it took them to complete their degrees, as well as course loads, grades, and extracurricular involvement. Archival research could provide important information about who is most likely to complete their education, and it could help identify important risk factors for struggling students ( Figure ).

In comparing archival research to other research methods, there are several important distinctions. For one, the researcher employing archival research never directly interacts with research participants. Therefore, the investment of time and money to collect data is considerably less with archival research. Additionally, researchers have no control over what information was originally collected. Therefore, research questions have to be tailored so they can be answered within the structure of the existing data sets. There is also no guarantee of consistency between the records from one source to another, which might make comparing and contrasting different data sets problematic.

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Archival Research: A Case Study

• Watching now: Chapter 1: Background & Purpose of Study Start time: 00:00:00 End time: 00:01:48
• Chapter 2: Archival Research Start time: 00:01:49 End time: 00:02:48
• Chapter 3: Data Collection Process Start time: 00:02:49 End time: 00:06:02
• Chapter 4: Challenges Start time: 00:06:03 End time: 00:07:31
• Chapter 5: Tips Start time: 00:07:32 End time: 00:11:33

Video Type: Case Study

Nguyen, T. (Academic). (2018). Archival research: a case study [Video]. Sage Research Methods. https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526432612

Nguyen, Thai-Huy. "Archival Research: A Case Study." In Sage Video . : SAGE Publications, Ltd., 2018. Video, 00:11:33. https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526432612.

Nguyen, T., 2018. Archival Research: A Case Study , Sage Video. [Streaming Video] London: Sage Publications Ltd. Available at: <https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526432612 & gt; [Accessed 24 Oct 2024].

Nguyen, Thai-Huy. Archival Research: A Case Study . Online video clip. SAGE Video. London: SAGE Publications, Ltd., 13 Mar 2018. doi: https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526432612. 24 Oct 2024.

Archival Research: A Case Study [Streaming video]. 2018. doi:10.4135/9781526432612. Accessed 10/24/2024

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Thai-Huy Nguyen examines both the process and challenges associated with archival research. Nguyen also explores the importance of conducting historical research.

Chapter 1: Background & Purpose of Study

• Start time: 00:00:00
• End time: 00:01:48

Chapter 2: Archival Research

• Start time: 00:01:49
• End time: 00:02:48

Chapter 3: Data Collection Process

• Start time: 00:02:49
• End time: 00:06:02

Chapter 4: Challenges

• Start time: 00:06:03
• End time: 00:07:31

Chapter 5: Tips

• Start time: 00:07:32
• End time: 00:11:33
• Product: Sage Research Methods Video: Practical Research and Academic Skills
• Type of Content: Case Study
• Title: Archival Research: A Case Study
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Ltd.
• Publication year: 2018
• Online pub date: March 13, 2018
• Discipline: Sociology
• Methods: Archival research , Doing research
• Duration: 00:11:33
• DOI: https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526432612
• Keywords: Asian American identity and groups , Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in higher education , communication barriers , communication challenges , developing relationships , education and social inequality: race and ethnicity , educational equity: race/ethnicity , excluded/marginalized voices , historical records , historical references: people and projects , language issues and barriers , minority representation , practices, strategies, and tools , Vietnamese Americans Show all Show less

Academic: Thai-Huy Nguyen

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