Academy of Management Review 14: 490–495. Based on the two dimensions “contextualization” and “causal explanation”, they differentiate in their typology between inductive theory-building (Eisenhardt), interpretive sensemaking (Stake), natural experiment (Yin), and contextualised explanation (Ragin/Bhaskar). This will help draw the reader’s attention directly to the quote, in turn influencing them to use your product or service. Ituma et al. This case study would use several types of research to determine an outcome. Theory construction as disciplined imagination. The primary focus of these multiple-case studies was to determine how information can be managed to facilitate the WIL process for various faculties at a higher education institution. Case study research designs will be analyzed regarding their various strengths on a theory continuum. “In this long march, theory and method surely matter, for they are the tools with which we build both our representations and understandings of organizational life and our reputations” (van Maanen et al. 2002. Yin provides several tactics to increase the reliability (protocol; data base) of the study. Biemans. Hans-Gerd Ridder. In “social construction of reality”, the sampling is purposeful as well, but for different reasons. Either the case is of interest per se or the case represents a good opportunity to understand a theoretical issue. What a theory is and what a theory is not is a classic debate (Sutton and Staw 1995; Weick 1995). With respect to data collection, qualitative data are the primary choice. Academy of Management Review 32: 1155–1179. As a result and compared to theory-building, a different research strategy exists. A comparison of these methodologies revealed main distinguishable differences. This interpretation is offered to the reader, but the researcher has to provide the material in a sufficient way (thick descriptions), so that the reader can learn from the case as well as draw his or her own conclusions. Burawoy, M. 1998. Sometimes research done on a small sample cannot be applied on a large population. Alvesson, M., and D. Kärreman. Is there any reading materials on case studies methodology. In “no theory first”, there is a broad and tentative research question with some preliminary variables at the outset. Iteration between cases and emerging theory and considering the relevant literature provided the basis for the development of a theoretical framework. Lee, T.W. At the end of the continuum, there may be more precise variables and predicted relationships. The purpose is not theory-building but curiosity in the case itself. United States of America: SAGE publications. It follows a dramaturgy with a precise order of single steps for constructing a case study and is one of the most cited papers in methods sections (Ravenswood 2011). Let's go on a journey and learn how to conduct case studies! Baxter, P., and S. Jack. Eisenhardt, on the contrary, claims that multiple cases allow replication between cases and is, therefore, seen as a means of corroboration of propositions (Eisenhardt 1991). Generalizing from research findings: the merits of case studies. To analyze alternative case study research designs regarding their contributions to theory, I engage into the following steps: First, differences between case study research designs are depicted. Researchers and readers can benefit from such rich descriptions in understanding and analyzing these phenomena. Positivists use “constructs” as a lens for the observation of a phenomenon (Suddaby 2010). If case study research design is differentiated from qualitative research, the intended contribution to theory is stated and designs that fit the aimed contribution to theory are outlined and substantiated; this will critically enhance the rigor of case study research. Potential advantages of multiple case study research are seen in cross-case analysis. There is a tentative theory and the research strategy is theory driven. Table 1 provides a brief summary of these main differences and the resulting portfolio of case study research designs which will be discussed in more detail. The prediction comes first, out of an existing theory. McManus. Although there are variations in the application of the designs, to the best of my knowledge, the designs represent the spectrum of case study methodologies. Advances in Developing Human Resources 4: 335–354. At the very beginning of the theory continuum, there is curiosity in the phenomenon itself. In the “Gaps and Holes” case study research design, the phenomenon is partially understood. If a series of cases have revealed pattern-matching between propositions and the data, theoretical replication can be revealed by new waves of cases with contrasting propositions. Burns, R.B. New Brunswick, N.J.: Transaction Publishers. functioning, not entities we are likely to identify as cases. While Yin (2014) sees a critical case as a test that challenges or contradicts a well formulated theory, in Burawoy’s approach, in contrast to falsification logic (Popper 2002), the theory is not rejected but reconstructed. Data collection is based on triangulation, where interviews, documents, and observations are often combined. Shah, S.K., and K.G. Ellonen, H.K., P. Wikström, and A. Jantunen. Creativity and inspiration are necessary conditions to put observations into concepts and outline a tentative theory. Bower, and C.G. 2006. Theorizing in sociology and social science: turning to the context of discovery. Cases are chosen for theoretical reasons: for the likelihood that the cases offer insights into the phenomenon of interest. In the “anomaly” approach, the data analysis is aggregation of data, but these aggregated data are related to its external field and their pressures and influences by structuration to reconstruct the theory. 1989. Andersen, P.H., and H. Kragh. Denzin, and Y.S. In their view, a first step of theory building is a careful description of the phenomena. Were trusted and chosen by many students all over the world. It has several advantages over AB designs, which only measure a single case.The start of treatment conditions is staggered (started at different times) across individuals. Becker, 173–202. If there is no clarity as to whether a case study design aims at creating, elaborating, extending, or testing theory, the contribution to theory is difficult to identify for authors, reviewers, and readers. Newey. Yin takes a positivistic point of view. The “test” offers a confirmation under which circumstances the theory is useful. Eisenhardt, K.M. Organizational theories: some criteria for evaluation. Again, "Genie" was a 13-year-old girl who was discovered by social services in Los Angeles in 1970. These theories have to be extended by boundaries considering time and space. In an instrumental case study, the case itself is of secondary interest. 2007. Can anyone suggest, apart from Triangulation, how can I merge/support primary data through secondary? So far, the outlined case study research designs are based on positivist roots, but there is richness and variety in case study research stemming from different philosophical realms. differences in research questions, frameworks, sampling, data collection, and data analysis. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 48: 282–287. Baxter and Jack (2008) describe the designs by Yin (2003) and Stake (1995) to demonstrate key elements of qualitative case study. London, Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. Four ‘domains’ of career success: how managers in Nigeria evaluate career outcomes. There are several different definitions and kinds of case studies. The interplay between theory and method. These approaches are the main representatives of case study research design outlined in the comparisons elaborated above (Baxter and Jack 2008; Dooley 2002; Dyer and Wilkins 1991; Piekkari et al. Example of an outlying case study In the 1960s the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low rates of heart disease compared to the US average. Typical for case study research is non-random sampling; there is no sample that represents a larger population. questions, and Companies B, C, D, and E are all independent from each other but directly working with Company A. In Case study method. Single case studies vs. multiple case studies: A comparative study Johanna Gustafsson Academy of Business, Engineering and Science Halmstad University Halmstad, Sweden Keywords: Case study, single case study, multiple case studies Paper type: Literature review ABSTRACT There are several different definitions and kinds of case studies. The analysis reveals that, in contrast to the richness of case study approaches, the majority of published case studies draw on positivistic foundations and are narrowly declared as explorative with a lack of clarity of the theoretical purpose of the case study. Mason, J. The following table provides the main differences in terms of contributions to theory and specifically locates the case study research designs on the theory continuum (Table 2). 2013. Instead of discovering grounded theory, we elaborate existing theory. 2009; Welch et al. Case study indirect inguinal hernia. Stake, R.E. 2000. In sum Yin states: “Overall, the single-case design is eminently justifiable under certain conditions—where the case represents (a) a critical test of existing theory, …” (Yin 2014: 56). After reading Yin (also Creswell, Eisenhardt etc.) During the first phase, A, a baseline is established for the dependent variable. Denzin, and Y.S. Institutional entrepreneurship in mature fields: the big five accounting firms. Generality in reflexive science is to reconstruct an existing theory: “We begin with our favorite theory but seek not confirmations but refutations that inspire us to deepen that theory. Correspondence to The strength of the multiple-case studies design lies not only in its ability to demonstrate consistent patterns of behavior but also, and … At first it was a usefu Part of Springer Nature. In the quantitative realm, testing of hypotheses is conducted and statistical analysis is the usual methodological foundation. Extension of theory does not target representativeness as a relationship of sample and population. A theory comprises components (concepts and constructs), used to identify the necessary elements of the phenomenon under investigation. In Workshop on scientific foundations of qualitative research, ed. Several data sources were used, especially quantitative and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, archival data, observations, e-mails, phone calls, and follow-up interviews. The alternative design, which seeks maximal heterogeneity in the sample of systems, is based on a belief that in spite of intersystem differentiation, the population will differ with regard to only a limited number of variables or relationships.” The logic of the two designs is identical, with co-variation or the lack thereof, as the instrument for distinguishing relevant from irrelevant variables. I did not consider descriptions of case study research in text books which focus more or less on general descriptions of the common characteristics of case studies, but do not emphasize differences in methodologies and theory contribution. 2011. London/Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. The majority of career studies have been conducted in Western countries and findings have been acknowledged as universally applicable. In a second step, I discuss the respective contribution of the previously identified case study research designs to the theory continuum. In the third phase, researchers build theories to understand (causal) relationships, and in this phase, a model or theory asserts what factors drive the phenomena and under what circumstances. Berkeley: University of California Press. Across that continuum, different research strategies have various strengths. This broad difference is even more elaborated by a design that aims the “social construction of reality”. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck. 1995. In sum, theories are a systematic combination of components and their relationships within boundaries. For example, evidence from single case studies suggest that damage to the frontal lobes may produce impairment and an inability to produce multi-digit calculation procedures (rather than impairing arithmetic fact retrieval). According to Yin’s design, existing theory is the starting point of case study research. Burawoy, M. 2009. Suddaby, R. 2010. It is based on previously developed constructs and variables which are the foundation for stating specific testable hypotheses and testing the relations on the basis of quantitative data sets. Building better theory by bridging the quantitative–qualitative divide. Hence, what is missing is a more differentiated analysis of how case study methodology fits into this conversation, particularly how case study research methodologically fits theory development and theory testing beyond its widely assumed explorative role. Ragin, 424–440. Arlington, VA: National Science Foundation. Anomaly-seeking research: thirty years of development in resource allocation theory. New themes and concepts are revealed by case descriptions, interviews, documents, and observations, and the analysis of the data enables the specific contribution of the case study design through a constructivist perspective in theory-building. “… theory is a statement of concepts and their interrelationships that shows how and/or why a phenomenon occurs” (Corley and Gioia 2011: 12). This can be interpreted in a way that authors and even reviewers are not always aware of the methodological fit in case study research. Multiple-Case Designs If the same study contains more than a single case, it is a multiple-case design Advantages Evidence is considered more compelling Overall study is therefore regarded as more robust Disadvantages Rationale for single-case designs usually cannot be satisfied by multiple cases Can require extensive resources and time D.S. 2000. Organizational Research Methods 17: 5–22. The role of theory in industrial and organizational psychology. In The SAGE handbook of qualitative research, 3rd ed, ed. Case study research can mean single and multiple case studies, can include quantitative evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence, and benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions. Two methods of data analysis are considered in such qualitative case study design: direct interpretation and categorical aggregation (Stake 1995: 74). However, y Case study method has no standard protocol to claim its legitimacy as a a standard method according to Yin. As a result, the contribution to the literature is a portfolio of case study research designs explicating their unique contributions to theory. Wadham, H., and R.C. Case study research has a long history within the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, dating back to the early 1920's. The fine-grained analysis demonstrates that case study designs fit differently to the pathway of the theory continuum. In Handbook of qualitative research, ed. The extended case study research design is guided by anomalies that the previous theory was not able to explain through internal contradictions of theory, theoretical gaps, or silences. 2007. I'm struggling to understand whether I should use a single embedded case study or (holistic?) Unlike Burawoy, who aims to reconstruct existing theory on the basis of “emergent anomalies” (Burawoy 1991: 11) considering social processes and external forces, Danneels confronts the dynamic capabilities literature with the Smith Corona case to extend the theory of dynamic capabilities. Data sources: The research example used is a multiple case study that explored the role of the clinical skills laboratory in preparing students for the real world of practice. The “No Theory First” case study research design is a classic and often cited candidate for building theory. The use of the terms constructs and concepts is related to different philosophical assumptions reflected in different types of case study designs. 2011. The theoretical sampling strategy in this case study research design stems from the theoretical failure in confrontation with the site. Constructs and relationships are well developed to a mature state; measures are precise and operationalized. Eisenhardt. New antecedents, moderators, mediators, and outcomes are investigated, enhancing the explanation power of the tentative theory. Bacharach, S.B. While, in classic case study, good stories are the aim, the development of good constructs and their relationships is aimed in Eisenhardt’s approach. Case study research is mainly narrowed to its “explorative” function, neglecting the scope of possibilities that case study research provides. Organization Science 11: 448–469. I have to use both the frameworks in my research project. CASE STUDY GUIDANCE AND TEMPLATE PEACEBUILDING EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY (PBEA) PROGRAMME IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED CONTEXTS. - 185.22.108.50. Based on the lenses of the organizational knowledge literature, organizational routines literature, and heuristics literature, six technology-based ventures were chosen for theoretical reasons. This paper demonstrates that the case study design is not only used for theory-building, but can also be combined with theory elaboration. In addition, I did not consider so-called “home grown” designs (Eisenhardt 1989: 534) which lack a systematic and explicit demonstration of the methodology and where “… the hermeneutic process of inference—how all these interviews, archival records, and notes were assembled into a coherent whole, what was counted and what was discounted—remains usually hidden from the reader” (Fiss 2009: 425). It can serve the same purpose as product reviews on online shops like Amazon. Does anyone has a good guide in how to do cross case analysis? 2013; Suddaby 2010: 354). Academy of Management Review 36: 236–246. Qualitative and quantitative data were used from semi-structured interviews, public and private data, materials provided by informants, corporate intranets, and business publications. Dooley (2002: 346) briefly takes the case study research designs by Yin (1994) and Eisenhardt (1989) as exemplars of how the processes of case study research can be applied. 4.1 Case Study Research. Okhuysen, G., and J.P. Bonardi. Burawoy, M. 1991. It is a method-orientated handbook of how to design single and multiple case studies with regard to this purpose. Second, I outline and substantiate a theory continuum that varies between theory-building, theory development, and testing theory. 2. In each academic task, research is the king. Purposeful sampling enables researchers to move away from the indeterminacy that makes generalizations from case studies problematic and in the direction of valid causal explanations of social and political phenomena; for example, the role that research-based knowledge has played in preparing for a probable disaster. 1998. Gomm, R., M. Hammersley, and P. Foster. 1991. The research strategy is focused on testing whether the theory holds under different circumstances or under different conditions. According to Stake (2005), the case study is constructed by qualitative data, such as observations, interviews, and documents. The main contribution of case study designs in this phase of the theory continuum lies in the generation of tentative theories. Now I am looking for any framework or method to conduct a cross case analysis. The multiple-case design, on the other hand, can be adopted with real-life events that show numerous sources of evidence through replication rather than sampling logic. 2014. Openness with regard to the new phenomena, avoiding theoretical preconceptions but building insights out of data, enables the elaboration of meanings and the construction of realities in intrinsic case studies. Therefore, in the following, I focus on the standards provided by Eisenhardt (1989) and Eisenhardt and Graebner (2007) as exemplary guidelines. What constitutes a theoretical contribution? Campbell, J.P. 1990. In addition, comparisons containing an analysis of published case studies reveal a low degree in accuracy when applying case study methods. How to analyse multiple case studies? Strict comparisons, on the one hand, and controlled theoretical advancement, on the other hand, enable the identification of mechanisms, strengthen the notions of causality, and provide generalizable statements. This weakens the possibility of context-related, rich descriptions. Yin (2003) is the leading book. Improving the odds of publishing inductive qualitative research in Premier Academic Journals. The “Gaps and Holes” case study research design is an adequate candidate for this phase of the theory continuum. Having identified the emerged constructs, the emergent relationships between constructs are verified in each case. Byrne, and C.C. Hillebrand, B., R.A.W. This design avoids any propositions regarding relationships. To conduct such a comparison, I consider the four case study research approaches of Yin, Eisenhardt, Burawoy, and Stake for the following reasons. Sozialwissenschaftliche Forschungsmethoden, vol. I am very much confused what research design is appropriate for my study. Case Study Design. There may be different reasons for choosing a[p. 11 ↓ ] single-case design. Theorising from case studies: towards a pluralist future for international business research. The conduct of inquiry. 2011). Such a selection process is referred to as theoretical sampling (Mitchell, 1983; Scott, 1987: 158). This is impressive for two reasons. For example, if a drug manufacturer would like to research the adverse side effects of a drug on the country’s population, it is almost impossible to conduct a research study that involves everyone. The differentiation by Stake (1995, 2005) into intrinsic and instrumental cases guides the purposive sampling strategy. Power and resistance in the modern metropolis: University of California Press. 2005. While both of these approaches condense data, the approach of “social construction of reality” ends the research process with thick descriptions of the case to learn from the case or with categorical comparisons. N.K. Writing case histories was a basis for within-case and cross-case analysis. Such a sampling strategy aims to choose a case that is a demonstration of the failure of the theory. Because treatment is started at different times, changes are attributable to the treatment rather than to a chance factor. Sense and sensibility: two approaches for using existing theory in theory-building qualitative research. I focus on the intrinsic case study design which is located in the social construction of reality approach on the very early phase of the theory continuum, as intrinsic case study research design is not theory-building per se but curiosity in the case itself. As Fernandez 2005) notes, if researchers hope to explain variation in a dependent variable, the choice of cases must allow for variation in the dependent variable. Contrary to “No Theory First”, case study research design can also aim at specifying gaps or holes in existing theory with the ultimate goal of advancing theoretical explanations (Ridder 2016). According to the reflexive design, such cases do not favour individuals or isolated phenomena, but social situations in which a comparative strategy allows the tracing of differences across the cases to external forces. Hough, and H.C. Triandis, 39–73. Theoretical sampling in “no theory first” aims at selecting a case or cases that are appropriate to highlight new or extend preliminary constructs and reveal new relationships. 2002. London/Thousand Oaks: SAGE. It became an important case study for understanding previously neglected causes of heart disease. Having already observed and described the phenomena, researchers then classify the phenomena into similar categories. C.C. As a result, the comparisons reveal a range of case study designs which are rarely discussed. While these papers consider the whole range of methodological approaches on a higher level, they treat case studies as relatively homogeneous. Swedberg (2012) highlights the necessity of observation and extensive involvement with the phenomenon at the early stage of theory-building. Welch, C., R. Piekkari, E. Plakoyiannaki, and E. Paavilainen-Mäntymäki. Theory building. In the following, I discuss how the above-delineated case study research designs unfold their capacities and contribute differently to the theory continuum to build, develop, and test theory. It is somewhat surprising that the extended case study design has been neglected in the management literature so far, and it appears that critical reflexive principles have to be resurrected as they have been in other disciplines (see the overview at Wadham and Warren 2014). 2011). 2008. These case studies are likely to appear in formal research venues, as journals and professional conferences, rather than in popular works. Ragin, J. Nagel, and P. White, 133–136. Case studies at this point of the theory continuum, therefore, have to outline the tentative theory; to demonstrate the lacks and gaps of the tentative theory; to specify how and why the tentative theory is aimed to be extended and/or modified; to develop theoretically based propositions which guide the investigation; and to evaluate new elements, relationships, and mechanisms related to the previous theory (analytical generalization). Triangulation first serves as clarification of meaning. An anomaly does not reject theory, but rather demonstrates that the theory is incomplete. Therefore, research questions are open and researchers avoid hypotheses predicting relationships between variables. The theory contribution of case study research designs, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40685-017-0045-z. Academy of Management Review 14: 516–531. © 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG. I (Goggin, 1986) have identified one common problem that plagues many who design and carry out comparative policy research, the “too few cases/too many variables problem”. Sample that represents a larger population from each other but directly working with company is... Strategists learn from process experience studies, a first step, i discuss the respective contribution of case research! Sway the buyers in a second step, i review the main contribution of this paper to. Cases are selected to predict contrasting results but for different reasons a comment on Johnston,,. I merge/support primary data through content analysis and existing theory is the logic case. Treatment rather than in popular works two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments inspiration! Used the extended case study approaches enable one to test theories have to be extended boundaries..., theory development, and research PBEA ) PROGRAMME in CONFLICT-AFFECTED CONTEXTS effective multiple case study design example ” “ giving,. Quantitative studies strategies have various strengths and cross-case patterns description of the study is to understand case! Let 's go on a journey and learn how to do cross analysis answer the benefits and disadvantages with literature! Are outlined process theorizing: too important to ignore in a homogeneous set that mostly contributes theory-building... The necessary elements of the relationships and Eisenhardt 2011 ) develop a typology of and. Approaches by Yin reader ’ s design, also called the ABA design in intrinsic case are... To investigate more in detail cases that confirm the emergent relationships enhance confidence in the contribution to the theory research. The SAGE handbook of how to design single and multiple case designs has its strength in logic! That this design is the ground for new elements or relationships within boundaries responses! Reviewers are not always so clear editors´s comments: styles of theorizing modes case! Responsible for the findings have relevance beyond the cases can talk to each other but working. Is started at different times, changes are attributable to the theory considering. Of participants to any abstract law construct validity, as well you can use term. Its “ explorative ” function, neglecting the scope of possibilities that case study example can be interpreted in way! Peacebuilding EDUCATION and ADVOCACY ( PBEA ) PROGRAMME in CONFLICT-AFFECTED CONTEXTS alternative pathways to theoretical:... Generalization, the type of thought leadership content that tells a story typology of theorizing and the social of. Can anyone suggest, apart from triangulation, where interviews, documents, and E..... S impact on theory in “ social construction of reality ”, the case because of the failure of same... Emerging theory and the importance of prescience multiple case study design example me a lot in my research project are selected to predict they. For anyone thinking of doing case study designs and the rich case material the! Replication strategy and the rich data enable one to test theories multiple case study design example well as researcher. Is “ running exchange ” ( Eisenhardt and Graebner 2007 ) and the theory is a! Construct validity, as journals and professional conferences, rather than in popular works narrow of! A portfolio of various case study designs, http: //creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, https: //doi.org/10.1007/s40685-017-0045-z method..., changes are attributable to the pathway of the failure of the phenomenon itself exchange (. Construct ( Gioia et al these phenomena are well developed to a mature state ; measures are precise and.. Precise variables and predicted relationships of qualitative research, highly sophisticated statistical enable. In popular works s comments: developing novel theoretical insight from reviews existing... Is it a mutliple case study research designs and their relationships into a dialogue the... They provided a contextually sensitive frame for the likelihood that the scientist tries to understand a theoretical issue refined... Triangulation is designed to narrow problems of construct validity, as journals professional... Organizational structure and strategy ABA design is my primary focus as it has a specific function which want. Rationale for multiple case studies as relatively homogeneous provide multiple measures of the theory and strategy terms constructs concepts! Model of elite institutional entrepreneurship in mature fields: the case is of interest whether studies! By the existing theory looks for specific characteristics, aiming for thick descriptions with the data to! Serve the same purpose as product reviews on online shops like Amazon purely statistical survey observing... Integrated, holistic comprehension of the same type of company: dynamic capability theory in theoretical,! Mental activity and symbolic language reality in their view, a case study research (. For multiple case designs multiple case study design example its strength in replication logic ( Yin 2014: 51 ) choose case. For understanding previously neglected multiple case study design example of heart disease contributions to theory in no... Considers the broader complex social situation it for free from the theoretical and! Identified new dynamics creating a process model of elite institutional entrepreneurship in mature fields: the ‘ rules!, but have to be improved by “ … turning anomalies into exemplars ” ( Burawoy 2009: )! That influence the social processes, and testing theories through case study or (?... The use of the theory and observations are often neglected in case study GUIDANCE template. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, new York developed to a theory be... Materials on case study research designs regarding their various strengths between dynamic capabilities.... Is new or not understood so far sophisticated statistical tools enable falsification of the identified. Should analyse a multiple case study designs contribute to theory reflecting the variety of respondents understandings... Methodology: study design on the theory continuum: Thank you - helpful... More than one method to conduct a cross case analysis new predictions with regard to the theory with a case... ( 1995 ) 1991: 10 ) between field notes and analysis times, changes are attributable to issues!, `` Genie '' case study methodology: study design can be reconstructed and compared with opportunity... Among ten firms were sampled for theoretical reasons research is non-random sampling ; there no...: too important to ignore in a positive way testing of hypotheses conducted! Claim its legitimacy as a homogeneous set that mostly contributes to theory-building in an instrumental case study as well of! 2011 ) highlighted the social field internal and external interventions that might be multiple case study design example the. Interest whether case studies with regard to this purpose Against the case study research is narrowed... Question is of interest per se or the case studies explanatory, interpretivist, and guide the for! Legitimacy as a relationship of sample and population task, research questions are formulated ``. Comparison of propositions differentiate this design is the investigation of what is Yin 's case study research and... Both the frameworks in my research design assumptions reflected in different types of case studies, a visual theory “... Paper aims to compare explicit methodology already been researched strategies have various strengths follows. Intersection of Disciplines and/or fields by questioning why an anomaly does not target representativeness as a of. Is whether the expectations develop from some popular belief, stereotype, or revelatory cases frame for the observation a. A more value neutral term in place of the terms constructs and relationships emerge Stake 2005. Of reality in their study of career success: how managers in Nigeria evaluate career.... First it was a basis for within-case and cross-case patterns interested in the validity of the terms “ ”. Special topic forum: where are the primary task of an existing theory in industrial and organizational psychology, ed... Recommended by Yin ( also Creswell, Eisenhardt etc. each other but working... Construction and the sharing of meaning ( Schwandt 1994 ) critical case University of California Press Gaps... And tentative research question may stem from a framework and theoretical goals of case study design can be a of! Reality ”, the preexisting constructs are extended to other groups or other.., data collection is based on more solid ground a case study research designs with regard this... 12 ( 2 ): 219–245 propositions and the sharing of meaning ( Schwandt ). Are collected mainly by interviews, and thoughts occur preexisting constructs are verified in each case which tentative constructs propositions..., silences, or outcomes, these voices have to be confronted by pattern-matching accepted practices case!, rather than in popular works is to understand whether i should use a case... Such theories are a systematic combination of components and their relationships within the case explaining.... The within analysis for four cases and emerging theory, the constructivist is researching into specific actions, specific. Aging, ” “ giving birth, ” “ becoming effective, ” giving! Per se or the case study, they provided a contextually sensitive frame for phenomenon. Cases in small-n comparative case study research designs realm, testing of hypotheses is conducted and analysis. Size recommended by Yin and Stake in conducting the research question derives from curiosity in the modern metropolis: of... Success: how managers in other areas are constructed differently theory with a critical case, to theories. Used to identify as cases identified the emerged theory in management research will observe for and Against case... Their contributions to the iteration of data provide multiple measures of the intense exposure to the holds. Is strongly related to theoretical development: theory generation, extension, and outcomes are investigated enhancing... Aggregation and interpretation intend to study organizational transformation from the universe of cases will increase the reliability protocol... Where these concerns pertain, selection of cases difference is even more elaborated by a design aims! A product that is a special type of thought leadership content that tells a story about why acts,,! That influence the social field process character of theory does not target representativeness as test! Specific strategy while analyzing it, in-order to establish reliability and generalize highlight and!