Abstract:

Using literature review and inductive inference, this paper conducted, from the perspective of how to use research methods, a research on the key techniques, theoretical inquiries, and the limitations in four typical case studies in the hope of rethinking the case study approach in sports social sciences and providing theoretical and practical references for case studies in sports social sciences. The results show that: case study follows the logic of analytical summary, which emphasizes the important role of theory in generalization studies. The four typical case study methods, which include “relational case study”, “deep descriptive theory”, “type comparison” and “extended case study”, not only lay a solid foundation for the development of case study approach, but also accumulate knowledge for the use of case study in sports social sciences.

Key words: Sports Social Sciences, Case Study, Theoretical Appeal, Knowledge Growth, Transcending Case Study