Perform Background Research

If the case study is about a person or people, it will be necessary to research their backgrounds for any relevant information that could be useful in the study. This could include medical history, including medical history of the subject's family.

When performing research, you want to use basic academic research strategies. This includes knowing the difference between primary and secondary research.

Primary research - Primary research is original research done by the researcher. This means that the research is new, and doesn't appear in any other case study.

Secondary research - Secondary research is research done by reading publications from other experts in your field. This research can be used to reach conclusions about your own ideas.

Performing Obtrusive Observation

In case studies that use human subjects, you cannot overtly "spy" on your subjects. You must use obtrusive observation, which means your subjects are aware that you are observing them.

In this type of study, you can speak with your subjects and make them feel comfortable about the study. Just remember that your presence will affect your subject's behavior, regardless of the type of relationship you have with them.

The best way to observe your subjects in less inhibited behavior is to establish trust with them. You want to be friendly, while not becoming too close. You want to maintain a level of professionalism. Also, people will be less inhibited in natural environments, such as their home or workplace.

Using questionnaires are a great way to conduct obtrusive research. Your subjects will know they are being watched, but it is an easy way to obtain general information.

Take Notes!

When conducting any type of research, it is essential to take as many notes as possible. When possible, some researchers use a tape recorder and speak their observations. This usually isn't possible with observational research, so you will have to take extensive notes.

In some cases, you might need to ask your participants to keep diaries, so they can record their personal experiences.

With the Genie case, all of her sessions were videotaped, and in some instances, other researchers sat in on her sessions. Her mother gave authorization for the sessions to be videotaped, but in retrospect, many child development specialists and other professionals had an issue with the ethics surrounding the videotaping.



The researchers who would sit in on the sessions would write down all observations about Genie, such as how she looked, her behavior, whether she was ill, and how she was responding to the interviews done by the lead researcher. They would also record observations of the main researcher. For instance, if the main researcher was tired or ill, did that affect how they worked with Genie that day? Since the Genie case couldn't be ethically recreated, it was important that every possible observation be made.