Case study research

Case study research aims to explore and depict a setting with a view to advancing understanding. This note explores the dimensions of case study research in higher education, with special reference to geographical fieldwork. It explores Stake's three categories of case study research: intrinsic, instrumental and collective. It provides guidelines concerning the limits and definitions of case study research, the provision of 'thick descriptions', the formulation of good research questions, data collection, analysis and the search for meaning in case study research findings. Case study research has the capacity to 'sophisticate the beholding' of the settings and activities that are scrutinized.