understanding case studies as different from methods

Yin's article this week was insightful, however, after first reading the article, I was a little confused about the differences between case studies and some of the other methods we have examined this term, such as ethnography and focus groups. Although Yin did describe that case studies are not a research method, I was still a little fuzzy on the differences. Yin even mentioned that confusion between types of evidence, types of data collection, and research strategies occurs (e.g. Miles' 1979 case study) (p.58). However, after our class discussion on Monday, I think the differentiation is clearer in my mind. The case study is a research strategy and not an actual research method. Case studies can utilize different methods but are a stand-alone approach. As Yin discussed, case studies are used as way of conducting research that encompasses multiple methods, such as focus groups and questionnaires. Interestingly, the results of case studies are not generalizable because the researcher is examining a specific subject where the data cannot be used to develop a theory about the wider population. After the readings and class discussion, this is my understanding of case studies as a research strategy.