[TYPE THE COMPANY NAME]
CMY3708 Assignment 1
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 Due 17
August 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
,Exam (elaborations)
CMY3708 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 Due 17 August
2025
Course
Qualitative Research Methodology in Criminology (CMY3708)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
"Viral video depicting bullying at Thabela High School sparks outrage"
Provide a detailed discussion on case study research as a qualitative
research method by applying the school bullying case study above.
Introduction to Case Study Research
Case study research is a qualitative research method that involves an in-depth, intensive
investigation of a phenomenon within its real-world context. This "bounded system" (the case)
can be an individual, a group, an organization, a program, or an event. The goal of a case study is
to gain a deep, holistic understanding of the case by exploring the intricate details and contextual
factors that influence it. Rather than seeking to generalize findings to a larger population, case
study research aims to provide rich, nuanced insights into a specific situation.
In the context of the "viral video depicting bullying at Thabela High School," a case study would
be an ideal method to move beyond the surface-level outrage and delve into the complexities of
the incident. The viral video serves as the starting point, but a case study would seek to answer
the "how" and "why" behind the event, offering a comprehensive picture of what happened, who
was involved, and the broader environment in which it occurred.
Application of Case Study Research to the Thabela High School Bullying
Incident
Here's a detailed discussion on how case study research would be applied to the Thabela High
School bullying incident:
1. Defining the Case and Research Questions:
The Case: The case is not just the viral video itself, but the bullying incident at Thabela
High School. This includes the students involved (bully and victim), the school
environment, the response of the school administration, parents, and the wider
community, and the specific circumstances leading to the video.
Research Questions: A case study would move beyond a simple description of the event
to ask more profound questions, such as:
, o Why did this bullying incident occur at Thabela High School at this specific time?
o What are the underlying power dynamics, social hierarchies, and peer pressures
that led to this act of bullying?
o How did the school's existing anti-bullying policies, or lack thereof, influence the
situation?
o What were the perspectives and experiences of the victim, the perpetrator, and the
bystanders?
o How did the public outcry and the school's response impact the students, staff,
and the wider school community?
2. Data Collection Methods (Triangulation):
A key strength of case study research is the use of multiple data sources to provide a more
complete picture. This process, known as triangulation, ensures a comprehensive and credible
analysis. For the Thabela High School case, a researcher would collect data from various
sources:
Interviews: In-depth, semi-structured interviews would be conducted with key
stakeholders.
o The victim: To understand their emotional and psychological experience, their
history with the bully, and their perception of the school's response.
o The perpetrator: To explore their motivations, peer influences, and their
understanding of the consequences of their actions.
o Bystanders/witnesses: To understand the peer dynamics, the role of silence or
intervention, and the social norms at the school.
o Teachers and school administrators: To gain insight into the school's culture,
existing anti-bullying measures, and their response to the incident.
o Parents of all involved students: To understand the home environment, parental
involvement, and their expectations of the school.
o Community leaders and local law enforcement: To understand the broader
community context and any legal or social implications.
Document Analysis: Examination of relevant documents would provide crucial context.
o The school's official anti-bullying policy and code of conduct.
o Minutes from school disciplinary hearings or meetings related to the incident.
o Emails or official correspondence between the school and parents.
o Newspaper articles, social media posts, and official statements from the
Department of Education.
Observations: Researchers could conduct on-site observations at Thabela High School to
understand the school's social environment, student interactions, and the general
atmosphere after the incident.
Audiovisual Materials: The viral video itself is a primary data source, but other visual
evidence, such as photographs or recordings, could also be analyzed.
3. Data Analysis:
CMY3708 Assignment 1
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 Due 17
August 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
,Exam (elaborations)
CMY3708 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025 Due 17 August
2025
Course
Qualitative Research Methodology in Criminology (CMY3708)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
"Viral video depicting bullying at Thabela High School sparks outrage"
Provide a detailed discussion on case study research as a qualitative
research method by applying the school bullying case study above.
Introduction to Case Study Research
Case study research is a qualitative research method that involves an in-depth, intensive
investigation of a phenomenon within its real-world context. This "bounded system" (the case)
can be an individual, a group, an organization, a program, or an event. The goal of a case study is
to gain a deep, holistic understanding of the case by exploring the intricate details and contextual
factors that influence it. Rather than seeking to generalize findings to a larger population, case
study research aims to provide rich, nuanced insights into a specific situation.
In the context of the "viral video depicting bullying at Thabela High School," a case study would
be an ideal method to move beyond the surface-level outrage and delve into the complexities of
the incident. The viral video serves as the starting point, but a case study would seek to answer
the "how" and "why" behind the event, offering a comprehensive picture of what happened, who
was involved, and the broader environment in which it occurred.
Application of Case Study Research to the Thabela High School Bullying
Incident
Here's a detailed discussion on how case study research would be applied to the Thabela High
School bullying incident:
1. Defining the Case and Research Questions:
The Case: The case is not just the viral video itself, but the bullying incident at Thabela
High School. This includes the students involved (bully and victim), the school
environment, the response of the school administration, parents, and the wider
community, and the specific circumstances leading to the video.
Research Questions: A case study would move beyond a simple description of the event
to ask more profound questions, such as:
, o Why did this bullying incident occur at Thabela High School at this specific time?
o What are the underlying power dynamics, social hierarchies, and peer pressures
that led to this act of bullying?
o How did the school's existing anti-bullying policies, or lack thereof, influence the
situation?
o What were the perspectives and experiences of the victim, the perpetrator, and the
bystanders?
o How did the public outcry and the school's response impact the students, staff,
and the wider school community?
2. Data Collection Methods (Triangulation):
A key strength of case study research is the use of multiple data sources to provide a more
complete picture. This process, known as triangulation, ensures a comprehensive and credible
analysis. For the Thabela High School case, a researcher would collect data from various
sources:
Interviews: In-depth, semi-structured interviews would be conducted with key
stakeholders.
o The victim: To understand their emotional and psychological experience, their
history with the bully, and their perception of the school's response.
o The perpetrator: To explore their motivations, peer influences, and their
understanding of the consequences of their actions.
o Bystanders/witnesses: To understand the peer dynamics, the role of silence or
intervention, and the social norms at the school.
o Teachers and school administrators: To gain insight into the school's culture,
existing anti-bullying measures, and their response to the incident.
o Parents of all involved students: To understand the home environment, parental
involvement, and their expectations of the school.
o Community leaders and local law enforcement: To understand the broader
community context and any legal or social implications.
Document Analysis: Examination of relevant documents would provide crucial context.
o The school's official anti-bullying policy and code of conduct.
o Minutes from school disciplinary hearings or meetings related to the incident.
o Emails or official correspondence between the school and parents.
o Newspaper articles, social media posts, and official statements from the
Department of Education.
Observations: Researchers could conduct on-site observations at Thabela High School to
understand the school's social environment, student interactions, and the general
atmosphere after the incident.
Audiovisual Materials: The viral video itself is a primary data source, but other visual
evidence, such as photographs or recordings, could also be analyzed.
3. Data Analysis:
