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Introduction to Qualitative
Research
CHAPTER
OVERVIEW
Qualitative Data Collection Methods
Steps
Preamble
in using the case study method
Ethnography
What is a case study?
Action Research
Qualitative case study used in
Key Terms
Case Study
several disciplines
Summary
PREAMBLE
This chapter introduces the case study as one of the methods of qualitative
research. Focus is on the definition of a case study, followed by discussion on the
difference between single and multiple case deign, methods of data collection and the
steps involved in conducting a case study.
WHAT IS A CASE STUDY?
Miles and Huberman (1994) present a graphic meaning of a case study by
suggesting that it is like a circle with a heart in the middle (see Figure 5.1). The heart is
the focus of the study, while the circle defines the edge or boundary of the case. What is
beyond the edge or boundary will not be studied. In other words, to qualify as a case
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Chapter 5: Case Study
study, you have to state the boundary or delimit what you want to study. For example,
you have to limit the number of people you intend to interview, you have to limit the
amount of time you intend to spend. If there is no end, actually or theoretically, to the
number of people who could be interviewed or to observations that could be conducted,
then the phenomenon is not bounded enough to qualify as a case (Merriam, 1998, p.28).
Boundary
Focus of the study
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Chapter 5: Case Study
Particularistic
Descriptive
Heuristic
Heuristic A case can explain the reasons for a problem or issue (i.e. what
happened and why). For example, through a case study it is possible to explain a
curriculum innovation failed to work.
The Case Study is a method used in both quantitative and qualitative research.
As expected there are varying definitions of the case study as a method in qualitative
research. Merriam (1988) defines a qualitative case study as an intensive, holistic
description and analysis of a single instance, phenomenon, or social unit (p. 21). The
case study can be a descriptive case study, an interpretive case study or an evaluative
case study.
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Chapter 5: Case Study
In such a case study the researcher goes beyond description and explanation,
and attempts to evaluate and make judgements about the phenomenon studied.
For example, case study can be used in evaluating a programme; and based on
the case study the researcher can conclude whether the objectives of the
programme have been achieved.
LEARNING ACTIVITY
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Chapter 5: Case Study
LEARNING ACTIVITY
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Chapter 5: Case Study
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Chapter 5: Case Study
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Chapter 5: Case Study
Techniques such as cross-case examination and within-case examination
along with literature review helps ensure external validity.
o Reliability i.e.. the stability, accuracy, and precision of measurement.
You should ensure that the procedures used are well documented and can
be repeated with the same results over and over again [refer to Chapter
2: Qualitative Data Collection Techniques]
STEP 3: PREPARE TO COLLECT THE DATA
Be clear as to how you plan to organise the data collected in a systematic
manner as you may be overwhelmed by the amount of data. You may lose sight
of the original research purpose and research questions.
Make preparations in handling large amounts of data in a documented and
systematic fashion.
Select a pilot site and conduct a pilot test using the data gathering techniques
you have planned. Keep track of the problems you encountered and how you
can avoid them in actual study.
You need to prepare letters of introduction, establish rules for confidentiality,
and be prepared to revisit and revise the research design and the original set of
research questions.
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Chapter 5: Case Study
Because you have used multiple data collection methods, you are able to
triangulate data in order to strengthen the research findings and conclusions.
When you analyse the data you have collected, you categorise, tabulate and
recombine data to address the initial research questons.
You also will come across discrepancies in the data and data that does not fit in.
Perhaps you may need to re-interview the subject to verify some of your
findings or check a fact (e.g. When you said I am disappointed, what did you
actually mean?).
In short, In all cases, the researcher treats the evidence fairly to produce analytic
conclusions answering the original "how" and "why" research questions.
LEARNING ACTIVITY
What is the purpose of using multiple data collection techniques in case studies?
What are the factors that determine the selection of cases?
List the preparations you should make before going to the field.
How should the written report of a case study be presented?
KEY WORDS
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Chapter 5: Case Study
Case study
Boundary
Particularistic
Single case design
Multiple case design
Validity
Unit of analysis
Collect data
Select cases
Interpretation
SUMMARY
The case study as an instance drawn from a class and is the examination of
an instance in action.
To qualify as a case study, you have to state the boundary or delimit what you
want to study.
One must determine whether to select cases which are unique in some way or
cases which are considered typical or cases that represent a variety of
geographic region or other parameters.
The case study method used in qualitative research has the following
characteristics: Particularistic, Descriptive & Heuristic.
Ideally, one should collect and store multiple sources of evidence to facilitate
triangulation.
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Chapter 5: Case Study
The aim of the written report is to transform a complex issue into one that the
reader can understand.
The report of case studies should convince the reader that you have examined
all aspects of the subject studied and the boundaries of the case.
REFERENCES
Hamel, J. (with Dufour, S., & Fortin, D.). (1993). Case study methods. Newbury Park,
CA: Sage.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1984). Qualitative data analysis: A sourcebook of
new methods. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
Miller, F. (1986). Use, appraisal, and research: A case study of social history. The
American Archivist: 49(4), 371-392.
Patton, M. Q. (1980). Qualitative evaluation methods. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
Tellis, W. (1997). Application of a case study methodology. The Qualitative Report,
volume 2, No. 3. September.
Yin, R. K. (1984). Case study research: Design and methods. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
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