Case study method for research on disability

Abstract

This paper investigates the case study as a research method. It examines its strengths, weaknesses, and criticisms. It describes important characteristics of the method and its important features, providing examples from the literature. It seeks to correct some misimpressions, and to point out overlooked potentials, new justifications, and further possibilities and directions. It points to features of the case study that would be particularly useful in studies of disability. The conclusion is that case studies, especially those focusing on verstehen and on special in-depth understanding, offer great potential in disability studies.

Citation

Mazumdar, S. and Geis, G. (2001), "Case study method for research on disability", Barnartt, S.N. and Altman, B.M. (Ed.) Exploring Theories and Expanding Methodologies: Where we are and where we need to go (Research in Social Science and Disability, Vol. 2), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 255-275. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-3547(01)80029-4