The Rationale of the Case Study Research Method Coursework - 2

The Rationale of the Case Study Research Method - Coursework Example It is widely applied as a valuable method in the study of psychology and health sciences in order to develop a theory, design and evaluate interventions. (Baxter & Jack, 2008) A case study approach is used when it is needed to explore a phenomenon within its context and through the variety of lenses. The following enables researchers to reveal and comprehend different facets of an event or a situation and develop a full understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. Moreover, due to the fact that researchers have little or no influences on the course of case studies, they allow for the flexibility and do not demand rigorous planning. As a result, case studies can produce unexpected findings and encourage researchers to reorient their studies and direct them to the right conclusions while saving from making incorrect assumptions. (Baxter & Jack, 2008) In addition, it is reasonable to resort to the case study method when a research is aimed at answering such questions as â€Å"how† and â€Å"why† something is happening and when the issue to be investigated is current. Among the main advantages of the case study approach can be named the possibility to collect significant amounts of details and in-depth data that could be left without attention when applying other methods. Also, case studies are extremely useful when large samples of participants are not available or there is a lack of previous research on the given topic. (Case study research, 2009) In this context, case studies appear to be useful when making an insight into unique and unusual situations that cannot be otherwise studied due to ethical or some practical considerations. Subsequently, a case study can help to generate new hypotheses and innovations as well as challenge theoretical assumptions and study the rare phenomenon.