USP 317U - Introduction to International Community Development: Case Studies
What is a case study?
A case study is:
An approach that uses in-depth investigation of one or more examples of a current social phenomenon, utilizing a variety of sources of data. A ‘case’ can be an individual person, an event, or a social activity, group, organization or institution.
- Jupp, V. (2006). The SAGE dictionary of social research methods London, : SAGE Publications, Ltd doi: 10.4135/9780857020116
Find Example Case Studies
You may find it helpful for your assignment to find example case studies. In addition to searching the resources listed on this page in the Databases box, you will find good results utilizing the PSU Library Search in advanced search mode.
Use keyword searching in the library catalog to find case studies. Before you begin, login to the library catalog with your ODIN username and password. Then be sure to limit your search to PSU & Summit Libraries, and use the phrase "Case study" in combination with other keywords. Here is a screenshot showing an example.
On the results page you will be able to use the facets listed on the left hand side to further limit your results. Date ranges are particularly useful in limiting your results set.
Databases
- International Planning Case Studies"A dynamic library of case studies for international planning and development education. The cases – which cover major development topics in diverse cities and regions – were developed with practitioners and researchers working across the planning and development arena. Scenarios are based on real-life situations representative of the kinds of professional decisions or actions common to development planning. The IPCS project is a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Texas A&M University." Users should use the "contact us" page to request a password.
- Sage Research Methods OnlineContains full text, Sage research methods books, handbooks, and encyclopedias. Includes videos and interactive mapping tools.
- IssueLabContains free access to case studies, evaluations, white papers, annual reports, issue briefs, and numerous other materials addressing the world's social problems that include aging, crime and safety, government reports, nonprofit and philanthropy, race and ethnicity, and transportation.
