An Overview of Case Study Research Methods

In-depth analysis of topic using multiple sources

of evidence

What is a case study? Why conduct a case study?

Richly descriptive, grounded in deep and varied

sources of information

Good for showing how something happens/works

in a real life situation / Understanding a complex issue

Explore; Describe; Explain

Choosing Your Case Study

Unit of Analysis

Case selected because they are: highly effective; not effective; representative; of
special interest

Methods of Analysis (Types of Evidence)

Documentation Interviews Direct Observation Participant Observation ...and Others (Survey, Artifacts, etc.) Why multiple? ...Triangulation

How to Conduct Case Studies

Determine / define research question good for how & why questions / limited number of events and their interrelationships Select cases & determine data gathering / analysis techniques not a sampling technique -- select to maximize what can be learned with multiple cases, each is a single case with conclusions contributing to the whole study Prepare to collect data systematic organization is key! Collect / evaluate data Prepare the report (and graduate!)

Analyzing the Evidence

Before writing up your case study, you need to analyze the data -- keep focused on your research question Pattern matching: a set of results is predicted, then compared to actual results

Explanation building: a particular explanation (e.g. theory) use to analyze the data
Time-series analysis: looks at trends over time, matching with possible explanations Logic models: a complex chain of events and looks at relationship between independent variables (causes) and dependent variables (events) Cross-case synthesis: findings are analyzed across cases and generalizations made

Analyzing the Evidence cont.

Key tips:
1. Cover all relevant evidence; account for alternative hypotheses and explanations 2. Focus on most significant aspects of the case 3. Analysis should cover general points from this particular case, and the implications for practice (What are your specific recommendations?)

Writing Up a Case Study

Remember your audience Use short-story writing technique (each element moves the narrative forward) Openings: grab the readers attention Scenes should follow a logical order and illustrate a point, concept or issue related to the problem(s) you are attempting to address

Carry the narrative forward (should not be simply a recitation of events) Relate directly to the problems/issues you are exploring (e.g. tie in to research question)

Provide relevant details