Case Study Research Method案例研究方法.pptVIP

PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION Strengths: Same as for direct observation Insightful into interpersonal behavior and motives Weaknesses: Same as for direct observation Bias due to participant-observer’s manipulation of events PHYSICAL ARTEFACTS Strengths: Insightful into cultural features and technical operations Weaknesses: Selectivity and availability E.g., technological device, tool or instrument, a work of art PRINCIPLE 1: USE MULTIPLE SOURCES OF EVIDENCE Use of multiple sources is a strength of a case study Triangulation - findings are more convincing and accurate Convergence and nonconvergence of sources Prerequisites for using multiple sources: costs, knowledge in different data collection methods PRINCIPLE 2: CREATE A CASE STUDY DATABASE Way of organizing and documenting the data collected Increases reliability of research Database includes: case study notes (e.g., results of interviews, observations) case study documents tabular materials (e.g., survey and other quantitative data) narratives (open-ended answers to the questions) PRINCIPLE 3: MAINTAIN A CHAIN OF EVIDENCE To allow an external observer to follow the derivation of any evidence from initial research questions to ultimate conclusions Not only the actual evidence but the circumstances of its collection ANALYSIS PLAN DESIGN PREPARE COLLECT ANALYZE SHARE GENERAL STRATEGIES Relying on theoretical propositions Developing a case description Using both qualitative and quantitative data Examining rival explanations 1. PATTERN MATCHING Compare an empirically based pattern with a predicted one Can help to strengthen the internal validity A pattern might be related to the variables of the study Example of pattern analysis 2. EXPLANATION BUILDING Analysis of a case study by building an explanation about the case Mainly relevant to explanatory case studies Explanation building occurs most often in a narrative form Reflect theoretically significant propositions Iterative nature of explanation building Potential p