Case Study Selection, Quality Assessment, and Methodological Triangulation in Research
Overview
This coursework assignment addresses four fundamental questions about case study methodology in academic research. It explores how researchers select appropriate case studies based on their investigative aims, examines quality assessment criteria for case study reports, distinguishes between intrinsic case studies, and discusses triangulation as a validity-enhancing research strategy applicable across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs.
What this coursework covers
- Q1: Case study selection criteria and types (intrinsic, instrumental, collective) based on research objectives
- Q2: Stake's quality assessment checklist for evaluating case study reports
- Q3: Characteristics and example of intrinsic case studies focused on unique phenomena
- Q4: Triangulation methodology for enhancing internal validity through multiple data sources
Preview
Case Studies Question
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Case Studies Question
Q1.
Choosing a case study for a research project is influenced by the researcher’s aims. For instance, a researcher investigating a unique phenomenon will select a case study for its uniqueness rather than its representativeness. In an intrinsic case study, the investigator selects a case not because it is representative but because it is of unique interest to him or her. On the other hand, a researcher investigating a broad phenomenon, such as physicians’ attitudes toward minority patients, will choose a case study more representative of the issue. In an instrumental case study, the researcher focuses on atypical cases that reveal the most information about the study topic and help identify causal processes, generate hypotheses, and create theory. On the other hand, a researcher keen on comparing several cases will opt for multiple case studies to develop a generalized theory (Crowe et al., 2011). Collective case studies are chosen for their ability to predict similar findings and support analytical generalization. Some of the questions I would ask to evaluate the method of a potential case study are:
(1) What potential burdens or risks are associated with conducting the case study?
(2) Is the case study site hospitable to the inquiry in terms of allowing the research team to access the selected investigation unit for the study?
(3) Does the case study method allow full collaboration to generate informative data?
Q2.