Research Methology IV - BNV45211 Chapter 14 Case studies.

Research Methology IV - BNV4521Research Methology IV - BNV4521 11

Chapter 14Chapter 14

Case studiesCase studies


Case studies vs SurveysCase studies vs Surveys

Survey Survey Get a little bit of info about a large populationGet a little bit of info about a large population

Case studiesCase studiesSpecific cases in more detailSpecific cases in more detail

The challenge is to make a case study The challenge is to make a case study usefulusefulWho says info from few cases has any Who says info from few cases has any

bearing on other?bearing on other?


Case studies - techniquesCase studies - techniques

Structured and unstructured interviewsStructured and unstructured interviewsDirect observationDirect observationDirect measurementsDirect measurementsParticipant observationsParticipant observationsGroup discussionsGroup discussions

Quantitative & Qualitative informationQuantitative & Qualitative information


Case studiesCase studies

Range fromRange fromTechnical systemsTechnical systemsTo social systemsTo social systems

Case studies in IT is relatively scarceCase studies in IT is relatively scarce

Structured approach vs ExploratoryStructured approach vs Exploratory


Case study designCase study design

Single-case

Multiple-case

Holistic Embedded



Single-case

Multiple-case

Holistic Embedded

Comparisons



Single-case

Multiple-case

Holistic EmbeddedCritical caseExtremeUniqueRevelatory



Single-case

Multiple-case

Holistic Embedded

Focus?



Single-case

Multiple-case

Holistic Embedded

Generalization?


The protocolThe protocol

Sets out precisely what is to be studied Sets out precisely what is to be studied and how its to be doneand how its to be done

Helps in retaining focusHelps in retaining focusSpell outSpell out

What you expect to learn What you expect to learn (the theory/hypothesis)(the theory/hypothesis)Questions to be askedQuestions to be askedAspects to be observedAspects to be observed

Commit to paper before study commencesCommit to paper before study commencesMultiple-cases: pilot study?Multiple-cases: pilot study?


Data collectionData collection

QuantitativeQuantitativeSurveysSurveysMeasurementsMeasurements

QualitativeQualitativeObservationsObservationsFeelingsFeelings

Variety of methods used in a case adds Variety of methods used in a case adds strengthstrength


ExampleExample

P 100P 100

If your theory is that some system improves If your theory is that some system improves patient care…patient care…

Select a few hospitals that use the system.Select a few hospitals that use the system.

And …And …


CausationCausation

Surveys could only show correlation Surveys could only show correlation Case study (can) collect evidence of Case study (can) collect evidence of

causationcausationRemove other reasonable explanationsRemove other reasonable explanationsGet similar results in multiple casesGet similar results in multiple cases


The role of the researcherThe role of the researcher

Participant-observer to unobtrusive Participant-observer to unobtrusive observerobserver

RememberRememberHawthorne effect?Hawthorne effect?Unobtrusive – difficult to collect infoUnobtrusive – difficult to collect info


Record keepingRecord keeping

Keep complete records of observationsKeep complete records of observations If something become apparent later you should be If something become apparent later you should be

able to go back to previous observationsable to go back to previous observations Reconsider correctnessReconsider correctness If available for others to scrutinize can add scientific If available for others to scrutinize can add scientific

meritmerit

How? – capture data in its original formHow? – capture data in its original form Tape recordings of interviews (transcribed)Tape recordings of interviews (transcribed) PrintoutsPrintouts Photographs…Photographs…


Case selectionCase selection

Literal replicationLiteral replicationRandom?Random?Cases where theory least likely to apply…Cases where theory least likely to apply…

Theoretical replicationTheoretical replicationX iff Y, select a couple where X applies and X iff Y, select a couple where X applies and

notnotX causes Y, select case where X applies and X causes Y, select case where X applies and

cases where Y appliescases where Y applies


Data analysisData analysis

Pattern matchingPattern matchingPredicts observationsPredicts observations


Generalizing resultsGeneralizing results

Number of successes in a row…Number of successes in a row…

If chosen probably the odss are stacked in If chosen probably the odss are stacked in your favoryour favorSee p 102-103See p 102-103

Research Methology IV - BNV45211 Chapter 14 Case studies.

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