Methods

Definition & nature of case study

A case study is defined as an in-depth exploration of a specific subject, be it an

individual, group, organization, or event, involving a detailed analysis to gain a comprehensive
understanding of its characteristics, behaviors, and context (Bromley, 1986: 8). It is a research
method that thoroughly studies one or a few instances of a phenomenon, providing an in-depth,
rigorous, and sharply focused investigation (Given, 2008). The case study method involves an
intensive examination of a specific unit of analysis, referred to as the "case," which can range
from a group of people to a community or a patient. The goal is to collect information in a
manner that enables the researcher to understand how the case operates or functions within its
context. Case study methodology is characterized by its methodological approach, incorporating
various data-gathering measures rather than being confined to a specific technique.

Features of case study

The defining features of case study method includes:

Idiographic Perspective: Case study research adopts an idiographic approach, focusing on

the specific rather than the general. It aims to understand individual cases in their particular
context(Smith et al., 1995).

Attention to Contextual Data: Case studies take a holistic approach, considering the case
within its context. Researchers emphasize the interplay between various dimensions of the case
and its environment, rejecting isolation for a more comprehensive understanding (Bromley,
1986: 25).

Triangulation: Integrating information from diverse sources, case studies use triangulation
to gain an in-depth understanding. This involves employing various data collection and analysis
techniques within one study, enriching perspectives on different dimensions and contexts (Yin,
1994).
 Temporal Element: Case studies investigate occurrences over time, focusing on processes
and changes. Understanding the "how" and "why" of complex human situations involves a
temporal element, emphasizing the importance of exploring developments (Yin, 1994: 16).

Case study design type

Case study research involves diverse designs tailored to different research goals.
Researchers may choose a particular case due to its uniqueness, representativeness, or to test
existing theories. Designs include:

Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Case Studies:

Intrinsic case studies focus on cases chosen for their inherent interest, like patients with rare
diseases. Conversely, instrumental case studies use cases as exemplars to explore a broader
phenomenon, selected based on their relevance to the phenomenon of interest (Stake, 1994,
1995; Chamberlain et al., 2004).

Single vs. Multiple-Case Studies:

Single-case studies delve deeply into one case, either due to its uniqueness, as a critical test for
theory, or if it was previously inaccessible. Multiple-case studies involve comparing several
cases, generating new theories through comparative analysis and modification of emerging
theories with each new case (Yin, 1994; Smith, 1997).

Descriptive vs. Explanatory Case Studies:

Descriptive case studies provide a detailed description of a phenomenon, aiming to generate
new insights. Explanatory case studies, on the other hand, seek to provide explanations for
occurrences by deploying explanatory concepts within the account (Bromley, 1986).

Naturalist vs. Pragmatic Case Studies:

Naturalistic case study research is conducted in real-world contexts, focusing on a single case,
allowing patterns to emerge. Pragmatic case study research is more focused, beginning with a
well-defined research question, testing and revising hypotheses during the research process
(Chamberlain et al., 2004; Stake, 1995; Yin, 1994).
Methods of Data Collection in Case Study Research

Case study research doesn't rely on just one type of information like surveys often do.
It benefits from using many different sources of evidence (Yin, 2012). These sources include
things like documents, old records, interviews, physical objects, direct observations, and being
part of what's happening (participant-observation). Think of each source like a piece of a puzzle
that helps create the full picture. It's like putting together a complex puzzle where each piece
adds something special. This way of studying lets researchers see the big picture and understand
all the details better. It's like weaving together different threads of information to make a
stronger and richer understanding of the case.

Utility And Critical Evaluation

Utility of Case Study:

Outstanding Cases: Case studies are valuable for exploring unique or unexpected
phenomena that were not foreseeable or investigable beforehand (Coolican, 2006).

Contradicting a Theory: A single case challenging an assumed trend or theoretical cause-

and-effect link is adequate to raise questions about established theories (Coolican, 2006).

Critical Evaluation of Case Study:

Reliability and Validity: Individual case studies exhibit a high degree of unreliability due
to the inherent uniqueness of each case; no two cases are identical (Coolican, 2006).

Observer Interaction: The case study necessitates a prolonged and personal relationship
between the researcher and the participant, involving numerous intimate observation or
interview sessions. While this intensity can yield a rich information source, it may compromise
the researcher's neutrality (Coolican, 2006).

Subjective Selection: Subjectivity may arise in selecting information for the final report,
as researchers must be selective due to constraints on report length (Coolican, 2006).
Participants

The case study focuses on the kinner community, a marginalized group facing social stigmas. It
aims to understand their lived experiences, with inclusion criteria being self-identification as a
kinner and exclusion criteria excluding those who don't identify as part of the community.
Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed. The kinner community, known as
hijra in some regions, represents a unique gender identity in South Asia, facing societal
challenges. The participants in this study were selected based on specific inclusion and
exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and focus of the research. The target group comprised
individuals who identified as kinner. Inclusion criteria encompassed individuals who openly
identified as kinner and were willing to share their experiences during the interview process.
Exclusion criteria were applied to those who did not identify as kinner or were unwilling to
participate in the study. The sampling strategy employed for participant selection was purposive
sampling.

Tools

Informed Consent:

For the present case study, verbal consent was taken from the participant. She was thoroughly
explained the aim and only after her consent the study proceeded.

Demographic Form:

A demographic form was utilized to collect essential participant information, such as age,
gender identity, educational background, and her position in her Gharana . This form provided
context for understanding the diverse backgrounds of the participants and is included in the
appendices (see Appendix A).

Qualitative Life-history Interview Guide:

To delve into the life experiences of the kinner community, a qualitative life-history interview
guide was developed. This guide covered domains such as Personal Background, Life
Transitions, Relationships etc.
Observation:
In some instances, unstructured observation was conducted to capture non-verbal cues and
contextual factors. This method provided additional insights into the daily lives and interactions
of the kinner community.

Procedure

The research objective emerged after an extensive literature review, considering various
potential topics, and the participant selection criteria were carefully delineated.The research
procedure was meticulously orchestrated, encompassing various stages from tool designing to
data collection, all while adeptly addressing inherent challenges in the field. The tools,
including the informed consent form, demographic form, and life-history interview guide, were
meticulously crafted to comprehensively capture the diverse experiences within the kinner
community. Ethical considerations were of utmost importance, particularly in the development
of the consent form. Recruitment strategies involved reaching out through community leaders
and safe spaces. The process of data collection was dynamic, incorporating open-ended and
empathetic approaches in both individual and life-history interviews. The field presented
challenges such as overcoming societal stigma and building trust within the community.
Despite these obstacles, the team remained steadfast in their commitment to ethical principles
and exhibited a flexible approach, ultimately contributing to a nuanced understanding of the
lives and experiences within the kinner community.
 References

Coolican, H. (2006). Introduction to research methodology in psychology. London: Hodder

Arnold.

Given, L. M. (2008b). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. In SAGE

Publications, Inc. eBooks. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

Yin, R. K. (2012). A (very) brief refresher on the case study method. Applications of case study
research, 3, 3-20.