What is a limitation of the instrumental case study design?

The selection of examining a single issue within a unique context as a limitation of the instrumental case study design highlights a significant aspect of this research methodology. Instrumental case studies are primarily designed to provide insights into a specific phenomenon or to better understand a particular issue through the lens of one or a few cases. While this approach can yield deep and nuanced understandings, it can also limit generalizability.

By focusing on a singular issue in a unique context, the findings may not readily apply to other situations or populations. This narrowed scope can lead researchers to overlook broader trends or patterns that might emerge from studying multiple cases or more diverse settings. In practical terms, this limitation means that while the research can provide valuable insights, those insights are often not universally applicable, potentially hampering the development of broader theories or applications in the field.

Recognizing this limitation is crucial for researchers using the instrumental case study design, as it influences how they approach data interpretation and the implications drawn from their findings. Understanding the context-dependency of the results helps ensure more accurate and thoughtful application within the field.