Case study in the contemporary world of research: Using notions of purpose,place, process and product to develop some principles for practice

In the contemporary research context policy makers tend to value the generalizable outcomes associated with numerical data and quantitative techniques. Case study research, using the qualitative techniques of interpretive social science and critical social theory, does not seem to enjoy the same acceptance. This article argues that case study research is capable of creating thick descriptions and rich understandings of social contexts that have relevance and resonance across social sites. Furthermore, in its critical mode, as expressed in action research, it leads research participants to take a pro-active role in shaping the policies that affect their social environments and to determine the norms and values that direct their social practices. To demonstrate this approach to case study research the article uses notions of purpose, place, process and product; and sets them to work in an empirical case study. It is argued, therefore, that qualitative case study approaches offer valuable research strategies and insights for public policy makers. The article concludes with a set of principles for the practice of case study research.