1-Increase Of Knowledge:
Like the historical method, the traditional case study method also serves a dual purpose. While the intensive investigation of a single case is made for the purpose of increasing general knowledge in the area it may also be used for the ultimate purpose of making practical improvements to the specific instance examined.
2-Development of Hypothesis:
A case study leads not only to well ‘an established’ conclusion but also to the development of empirical hypotheses. This is because it is based upon one or a few examples, which may vary in a number of ways from other units. The case study alone can neer be considered, as adequate evidence from some particular generalization in a well-developed and highly structured situation except in those instances in which the contingencies are sufficiently controlled to guarantee generalizability of the results.
3-Flexibility:
Here the investigator has latitude and apparent general freedom with respect to the type and amount of data gathered the sources of information, and the procedures used to gather the information .due to this sometimes a case study may not result in a systematic scientific study of a problem at all.
4-Application to troubled-situation:
These days case study method is used more and more in a preventive way rather than as a therapy after a situation has broken down.
Specific steps in the case study approach
The steps involved in the case study method are not as clear as other methods.
1. Determining the present status
2. Gathering background information
3. Testing suggested hypotheses
4. Instituting remedial action
Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Method
Advantages:
1- The case study approach is used in sociology primarily of the insights it can offer to guide further research in large samples. The purpose of the case history is to see how action and attitude develop over a period of time.
2- The Case study adds to our knowledge, it is a tremendous producer of ideas, suggestions, and hypotheses about behavior.
3-Case study methods also like other methods of data collection have been used for testing theories.It is an essential technique for exploring completely new fields when we do not have any idea of the commonalties or the categories of variables which play important part in a situation.
Disadvantages:
1- The case study has one big disadvantage. This generalization to a larger, similar papulation is almost impossible, though it sheds light on what is happening to a person is similar experiences and social characteristics.
2-in those case studies that depend on retrospective data, there is a real possibility that the subject may either forget important details or may purposefully falsify them. If the investigator assumes that what is remembered affects present behavior and is, therefore, important for the researcher to know about, regardless of whether it is incorrect from an objective point of view. These are the Steps of the case study.
3-The case study often assumes that all past experiences of the individual or past happening in the have contributed to the final result. The consequence of this assumption is that much data gathered later on turns out to be the specific aspects of the situation under investigation.
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