Analysis
research design
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This study used a single case study with embedded multiple units
of analysis research design (Yin, 1983). Within this design primarily
qualitative data collection and analysis techniques were used. A case study
design was adopted, because it was a highly appropriate method for the research
questions addressed
CASE STUDY METHOD
This Section will not attempt to review case study and
qualitative research methods in depth. Instead, attention will be focused on
the specific advantages and disadvantages of these methods for the problematic
of this study. Also, specific attention will be given to two major issues
particularly relevant to the single case study with embedded multiple units of
analysis design used (activity systems), the problems of the ability to
generalize findings.
Advantages and
Disadvantages of Case Studies
A first step in identifying the advantages and disadvantages of
case study method is to clarify the major attributes of this research strategy.
Normally, a definition would be expected to specify such boundaries.
Unfortunately, most definitions in the literature are not useful in this regard
as they concentrate more on the unique features of some subject of analysis,
for example, a decision, organization, or process, than the unique features of
case study method as a research technique (Yin, 1989). However, some major
attributes of case study research method can be derived from the useful
discussions provided by Mitchell (1983) and Yin (1989).
First, a case study usually investigates a contemporary
phenomenon. While it is possible to talk of historical case studies, a
significant attribute of case study research is the examination of a social
situation as it unfolds. Second, however, a simple narrative account of any
contemporary phenomenon is not case study research. The phenomenon examined
should be of theoretical significance. It should be noted that this does not mean
that a case study must always be based on a prior theory, only that it should
be concerned with a subject of research interest. Third, case study method
involves the detailed examination of the phenomenon within its real-life
context. The aim is to provide depth of analysis, which includes not only the
phenomenon itself but also the context within which it is located. This often
involves a trade-off against breadth of analysis. Fourth, this recognition of
context involves more than just the specification of antecedent and moderating
variables, but the recognition that any phenomenon is embedded in its context.
Thus, case study method gives attention to the intertwining of phenomenon and
context. However, such detailed examination can be applied only within the
specified boundaries of the case. As Mitchell (1983) quite rightly emphasizes,
all cases are themselves situated in some wider social context which cannot be
directly taken into account. "These contexts constitute some panoply of
ceteris paribus conditions which the analyst will need to allow for.."
(Mitchell, 1983, p.192) by either controlling for them in case selection or by
incorporating critical factors in the theoretical framework brought to bear on
the case. Fifth, the detailed examination of the phenomenon and its context
usually involves a longitudinal analysis. The concern with the unfolding of a
social situation leads to an emphasis on the phenomenon in process, and thus
the explicit attention to the time dimension in case study method. This can be
manifested both in the continuing collection and analysis of data over the
study time period, and in attention to history as part of the understanding of
current context. Finally, case study research usually makes use of multiple
sources of data. There is no prior fixed commitment to any particular form of
data collection or analysis. Depending on the researcher's theoretical and
disciplinary commitment, the phenomenon, access and resources, data collection
can involve some combination of qualitative and/or quantitative techniques
applied to direct observations, archival material, artifacts, and/or interviews
in an attempt to capture the complexity of the phenomenon and its context.
However, the commitment to depth of analysis usually means that qualitative
methods dominate. These six major attributes of case study method as a research
strategy are summarized in Table???.
Table???. major Attributes of Case Study Method
- Subject is a
contemporary phenomenon.
- Subject must
have theoretical significance.
- Detailed
examination within real-life context.
- Phenomenon
embedded in context.
- Examination is
usually longitudinal.
- Examination uses
multiple sources of data
If case study method involves the detailed examination of a
contemporary phenomenon of theoretical significance embedded in its real-life
context, usually by the use of multiple data sources in a longitudinal
analysis, what are its specific advantages and disadvantages as a research
strategy? Those traditionally identified are listed in Table ???.
The list of advantages in Table ?? illustrates that the primary
strengths of case study method are the depth and flexibility of analysis of a
social situation that it makes possible. By concentrating research effort on
the detailed study of a specified occurrence of a phenomenon, the analysis can
pay attention to context, consider a large range of variables simultaneously as
they unfold in the situation, adapt the research design as understanding of
both the questions and answers develop, and thereby provide a much richer
explanation of the subject of interest.
The characteristics of
qualitative method
The characteristics of qualitative methods are listed in Table
??. Characteristics 1, 2, 4 and 7 highlight the emphasis of qualitative data on
providing richness of understanding of phenomenon in context (Duncan, 1979;
Yin, 1989). Quantitative methods "..by themselves may ignore much of the
process phenomenon associated with a particular research question so that a
real understanding of what's happened may not exist" (Duncan, 1979,
p.424). The use of qualitative data collection and analysis methods increases
the likelihood that the advantages of case study method can be obtained.
Table ?? Characteristics of qualitative methods
- Qualitative
research is inductive.
- Researchers look
at settings and subjects holistically.
- The researchers
are sensitive to their effects on subjects.
- Researchers try
to understand subjects from their own perspective.
- Researchers try
to set aside their own beliefs, perspectives and predispositions.
- Researchers try
to see all different perspectives of subjects as valuable.
- Qualitative
methods are humanistic.
- Researchers
emphasis validity as prime research criteria
- Researcher sees
all settings and subjects as worthy of study.
- Qualitative
research is a craft.
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