15 terms
Case studies as a research method
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Yin [2008].
Case study research.
Definition.
Case study research.
Definition.
A case study is an empirical inquiry that:
1) Investigates a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real-life context, especially when:
2) The boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident.
1) Investigates a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real-life context, especially when:
2) The boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident.
Yin [2008].
Case study research.
Features.
Case study research.
Features.
Case study is an all-encompassing method that includes logic of design, data collection techniques, and specific approaches to data analysis. Theory development is essential to the design phase of good case studies.
Yin [2008].
Case study research.
Types of case studies.
Case study research.
Types of case studies.
Single, multiple-case.
Case studies can also be part of a larger mixed-method study.
Case studies can also be part of a larger mixed-method study.
Yin [2008].
Case study research.
Four applications for evaluation research.
Case study research.
Four applications for evaluation research.
1) Explain causal links.
2) Describe an intervention and its real-life context.
3) Illustrate certain topics within an evaluation.
4) Enlighten situations in which the intervention has no clear, single set of outcomes.
2) Describe an intervention and its real-life context.
3) Illustrate certain topics within an evaluation.
4) Enlighten situations in which the intervention has no clear, single set of outcomes.
Yin [2008].
Case study research.
Five components of case study research design.
Case study research.
Five components of case study research design.
1. A study's questions.
2. Its propositions, if any.
3. Its units of analysis.
4. The logic linking the data to the proposition.
5. The criteria for interpreting the findings.
2. Its propositions, if any.
3. Its units of analysis.
4. The logic linking the data to the proposition.
5. The criteria for interpreting the findings.
Creswell [2013].
Three types of case studies.
Three types of case studies.
1. Intrinsic. Has unique or unusual interest in and of itself.
2. Instrumental. Focuses on an issue of concern, and then a bounded case is used to illustrate this issue.
3. Collective. Multiple cases illustrate an issue.
2. Instrumental. Focuses on an issue of concern, and then a bounded case is used to illustrate this issue.
3. Collective. Multiple cases illustrate an issue.
Creswell [2013].
Challenges with case studies.
Challenges with case studies.
Case selection requires skill.
Defining boundaries is difficult.
Defining boundaries is difficult.
Yin [2008].
Construct validity in case studies.
Construct validity in case studies.
1. Use multiple sources of evidence.
2. Establish chain of evidence.
3. Have key informants review draft report.
2. Establish chain of evidence.
3. Have key informants review draft report.
Yin [2008].
Internal validity in case studies.
Internal validity in case studies.
1. Do pattern matching.
2. Do explanation building.
3. Address rival explanations.
4. Use logic models.
2. Do explanation building.
3. Address rival explanations.
4. Use logic models.
Yin [2008].
External validity in case studies.
External validity in case studies.
1. Use theory in single-case studies.
2. Use replication logic in multiple-case studies.
2. Use replication logic in multiple-case studies.
Yin [2008].
Reliability in case studies.
Reliability in case studies.
1. Use case study protocol.
2. Develop case study database.
2. Develop case study database.
Yin [2008].
When case studies are a good fit.
When case studies are a good fit.
1. When how and why questions are to be answered.
2. When the focus is on a current phenomenon in a real-life context.
2. When the focus is on a current phenomenon in a real-life context.
Yin [2008].
Generalizability.
Generalizability.
Case studies are generalizable to theoretical propositions.
Yin [2008].
Sources of evidence [6].
Sources of evidence [6].
Documentation.
Archival records.
Interviews.
Direct observations.
Participant-observation.
Physical artifacts.
Archival records.
Interviews.
Direct observations.
Participant-observation.
Physical artifacts.
Sullivan [2010].
Five components for case studies.
Five components for case studies.
1. Opening para with an overview of the situation.
2. Description of the institutional setting.
3. Narrative. [C&J prefer exposition.]
4. Close with an analysis of the dilemma and any lessons learned.
5. Conclude with a set of questions to guide discussion.
2. Description of the institutional setting.
3. Narrative. [C&J prefer exposition.]
4. Close with an analysis of the dilemma and any lessons learned.
5. Conclude with a set of questions to guide discussion.