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Chapter 11: Case Research - Coggle Diagram
Chapter 11: Case Research
Case Research
Definition:
A method of intensively studying a phenomenon over time within its natural setting in one or a few sites.
Purpose:
To gain in-depth understanding and rich, contextualized insights.
Key Decisions
Method Suitability: Assessing if case research is appropriate for the research questions.
Unit of Analysis: Deciding the focus of the study (e.g., individuals, groups, organizations).
Single vs. Multiple Case Design: Choosing between in-depth study of a single case or comparative analysis across multiple cases.
Site Selection: Identifying and selecting relevant case sites.
Data Collection Techniques: Selecting appropriate methods for data collection based on research objectives.
Weaknesses
Subjectivity: Potential bias from the researcher's perspective and interpretation.
Limited Generalizability: Findings may not be easily generalizable to other contexts.
Weak Internal Validity: Difficulty in establishing causal relationships.
Theory Testing
Positivist Approach: Using case research to test existing theories through empirical evidence.
Process: Hypothesis formulation, data collection, data analysis, and theory validation.
Data Collection Methods
Observations: Direct observation of events, behaviors, and interactions.
Prerecorded Documents: Analysis of existing documents, reports, and records.
Interviews: Structured, semi-structured, or unstructured interviews with respondents.
Secondary Data: Utilization of data collected for other purposes but relevant to the research.
Theory Building
Process: Iterative comparison of emerging patterns and constructs, leading to theory formulation.
Interpretive Approach: Using case research to develop new theories based on observed patterns and insights.
Strengths
Contextualized Insights: Studies phenomena within their real-life context.
Multiple Levels of Analysis: Can explore individual, group, organizational, and societal levels simultaneously.
Rich, Detailed Inferences: Provides deep insights and understanding of complex phenomena.
Reporting
Process Description: Detailed account of the sampling, data collection, and analysis procedures.
Findings Presentation: Clear presentation of findings, hypotheses, and theoretical contributions.
Implications: Discussing the implications for theory, practice, and future research.
Conducting Case Research
Creating Instruments and Protocols: Developing tools and procedures for data collection.
Selecting Respondents: Identifying individuals who can provide valuable insights.
Selecting Case Sites: Choosing sites that are relevant and provide rich data.
Data Collection: Gathering data using chosen methods and instruments.
Defining Research Questions: Clearly articulating the questions the research aims to answer.
Data Analysis: Analyzing collected data to identify patterns and insights.
Cross-Case Analysis
Process: Comparing and contrasting findings across different case sites.
Goal: To identify common patterns, themes, and constructs.
Within-Case Data Analysis
Process: Examining emergent concepts and patterns within each case site independently.
Goal: To understand the unique aspects and nuances of each case.
Hypotheses Building and Testing
Iterative Comparison: Continuously comparing hypotheses with new evidence.
Theory Refinement: Refining and validating hypotheses based on empirical findings.
Hypotheses Construction: Formulating hypotheses based on observed data.