What are some misconceptions that novice researchers have about case study design?

In the research realm, case studies are instrumental in informing best practices, they give information for evidence-informed decision making and influence policies. Novice researchers however may be ill informed about the depth of case studies in research, as they may view them as a method for studying individuals or specific historical events and as a teaching strategy. This may lead them to disregard the wider context of the research and lead them to present analysis of the phenomenon on an individual basis instead of relating it to the global context. They may also choose a topic that is too broad which may be difficult to research. Novice researchers may also erroneously feel that they need to include many propositions in their research which may prove to be problematic when analysis of data has to be done. Additionally, they may fall into the trap of including unnecessary data into their research even though it may seem interesting. There is the need therefore to correctly manage data. How can the key elements of case study proposed by Baxter and Jack (2008) enhance the overall quality of the research? To improve the quality, reliability and validity of the research, Baxter and Jack (2008) recommend the following: Develop a clearly written research question. Decide if the type of research is suitable for the case study method.Narrow the topic based on time and place (Cresswell,2003), time and activity (Stake 1995) and definition and context (Miles and Huberman,1994). Determine the type of case study (explanatory, exploratory, descriptive (Yin 2003) or intrinsic, instrumental or collective (Stake, 1995). Decide on the case study design Single Case, Single Case with Embedded Units or Multiple Case study. Develop specific propositions based on empirical data, to make the study feasible as these would be the basis of the conceptual framework. Form the conceptual framework for the study. Engage in various methods of data collection e.g. interviews, participant observations, records, documentation. Manage data. Analyse data based on pattern matching, linking data to propositions, explanation building, time-series analysis, logic models and cross case synthesis. Converge data for a comprehensive analysis. Get feedback from other researchers. Write Up Research Through either of these methods: linearity, comparative basis, chronology, theory building and suspense (Yin 2003).

References Baxter, P., and Jack, S., (2008) Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice Researchers

http://education.astate.edu/dcline/Guide/Framework.html

LOGICAL STRUCTURE, THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK(1)