The Importance of Case Study Research in Educational Settings

Abstract

Case study is a research method which is used to answer how and why questions regarding an issue to be investigated, with no researcher control over variables and when the case is current. There are many factors that affect the phenomenon in the studied case, these factors and their interactions are described by the case study. It is a fact that case study can be used for many purposes in educational research because it enables the capacity to describe a lot of factors and their interact with each other in real contexts. Case studies offer an opportunity to learn from experiences and influence the practice of theories. Case studies are valuable data sources for researchers in view of the complexity and diversity of educational settings and purposes. Case study research has an important role in putting theories into practice, thus developing the practice in the field of educational sciences. In this regard, it is important that the nature and the focus of the case study is clear. The aim of this study is to explain the focus and nature of the case study research method to investigate its importance in educational settings and to offer suggestions for practice to researchers.