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A Case Study of Homeless Students

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A Case Study: A Focused Study of Homeless Students

Toni R. Brent-Willis

Capella University

ED8102 – Introduction to Qualitative Research,

Dr. Patricia Ryan

August 4, 2013

Case study research is designed to bring a greater understanding of a specific phenomena or experience. It can also serve to deepen the understanding of an experience that is already known. Yin (1984) defines case study as research method as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident; and in which multiple sources of evidence are used (p. 23). It presents details on a bounded event or participant experiencing the event. Case study has its roots in anthropology, sociology, and psychology, but gained legitimacy as a valid methodology for use in other fields of study in the 1980’s. It is useful in close examination of existing phenomena of which in-depth study has not been done, or has un-explored areas.
While case studies do fall within the category of qualitative research, they are used when attention to a specific subject, or participant will garnered information about a phenomena or experience that a wide study can not provide. Gobo (2004) writes that in some instances generalizations based on large samples are overrated and close attention to a limited number of participants is more reliable. Information on how or why a specific participant was able to navigate successfully through an event in which others failed may require a case study approach.
Problem Statement
There are specific challenges associated with being a homeless student. Homelessness in students creates academic problems that schools systems are not equipped to address. The social challenges associated with being a homeless student often go unnoticed and un-addressed. Some students

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