Case studies as a research method

Yin [2008]. Case study research. Four applications for evaluation research.

1) Explain causal links. 2) Describe an intervention and its real-life context. 3) Illustrate certain topics within an evaluation. 4) Enlighten situations in which the intervention has no clear, single set of outcomes.

Creswell [2013]. Three types of case studies.

1. *Intrinsic*. Has unique or unusual interest in and of itself. 2. *Instrumental*. Focuses on an issue of concern, and then a bounded case is used to illustrate this issue. 3. *Collective*. Multiple cases illustrate an issue.

Yin [2008]. Case study research. Five components of case study research design.

1. A study's questions. 2. Its propositions, if any. 3. Its units of analysis. 4. The logic linking the data to the proposition. 5. The criteria for interpreting the findings.

Yin [2008]. Internal validity in case studies.

1. Do pattern matching. 2. Do explanation building. 3. Address rival explanations. 4. Use logic models.

Yin [2008]. Reliability in case studies.

1. Use case study protocol. 2. Develop case study database.

Yin [2008]. Case study research. Features.

Case study is an all-encompassing method that includes logic of design, data collection techniques, and specific approaches to data analysis. Theory development is essential to the design phase of good case studies.

Sullivan [2010]. Five components for case studies.

1. Opening para with an overview of the situation. 2. Description of the institutional setting. 3. Narrative. [C&J prefer exposition.] 4. Close with an analysis of the dilemma and any lessons learned. 5. Conclude with a set of questions to guide discussion.

Yin [2008]. Construct validity in case studies.

1. Use multiple sources of evidence. 2. Establish chain of evidence. 3. Have key informants review draft report.

Yin [2008]. External validity in case studies.

1. Use theory in single-case studies. 2. Use replication logic in multiple-case studies.

Yin [2008]. When case studies are a good fit.

1. When *how and why* questions are to be answered. 2. When the focus is on a *current phenomenon* in a *real-life context.*

Yin [2008]. Case study research. Definition.

A case study is an empirical inquiry that: 1) Investigates a *contemporary phenomenon* in depth and within its real-life context, especially when: 2) The *boundaries* between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident.

Creswell [2013]. Challenges with case studies.

Case selection requires skill. Defining boundaries is difficult.

Yin [2008]. Generalizability.

Case studies are generalizable to theoretical propositions.

Yin [2008]. Sources of evidence [6].

Documentation. Archival records. Interviews. Direct observations. Participant-observation. Physical artifacts.

Yin [2008]. Case study research. Types of case studies.

Single, multiple-case. Case studies can also be part of a larger mixed-method study.