triple I Flashcards
Both a method of analysis and a specific research design for examining a problem
case study
Weeks 1-2: What is a Case Study?
There are three (3) primary types of case studies.
When the researcher has already amassed a usable amount of information about a given topic, person, organization, or event, and so is well-poised to conduct a study of it.
Local knowledge
Those which are chosen because the researcher has a particular interest in it or the circumstances surrounding it.
Key cases
Those that are chosen because the case stands out from other events, organizations, or situations, for some reason, and social scientists recognize that we can learn a lot from those things that differ from the norm.
Outlier cases
(4) different forms.
Those in which a researcher pulls together already completed case studies on a particular topic.
Cumulative
Conducted when a researcher wants to understand what happened with a unique event and/or to challenge commonly held assumptions about it that may be faulty due to a lack of critical understanding.
Critical instance
Descriptive in nature and designed to shed light on a particular situation, set of circumstances, and the social relations and processes that are embedded in them.
Illustrative
Also known as pilot studies. This type of case study is typically used when a researcher wants to identify research questions and methods of study for a large, complex study.
Exploratory
Weeks 3-4: The Case Method as a Learning Tool
ADVANTAGES OR DISADVANTAGES
Case study method is responsible for the intensive study of a unit.
Advantages
Many studies cannot be replicated, and therefore, cannot be corroborated.
Disadvantages
Any classification is not possible due to studying a small unit
Disadvantages
Case study method may have errors of memory or judgment.
Disadvantages
Case studies are one of the best ways to stimulate new research.
Advantages
With small studies, there is always the question of ethics. Sometimes, because the researcher became so invested in the study, people questioned whether a researcher would report unethical behavior if they witnessed it.
Disadvantages
When conducting a case study, it is very possible for the author to form a bias.
Disadvantages
Case studies can be very time-consuming.
Disadvantages
Case studies have the ability to give insight into phenomena that cannot be learned in any other way.
Advantages
Fill the blanks
Documents could include almost anything, including ______, ________, ________, _________, other case studies, or any other document germane to the study.
letters, memos, newspaper articles, Internet articles,
Archival records can include military and service records, company or business records, survey data or ________ information.
census
Before beginning the study, you must have a clear ____________. Your best chance at success will be if you use an outline that describes how you will gather your data and how you will answer your research questions.
research strategy
It is best if you make yourself ______________points that you are going to try and address during the study. If you make sure that all research refers back to these then you will not be far wrong.
a short list of 4 or 5 bullet
Then, choose at least _______ data sources. These sources could include interviews, Internet research, and fieldwork or report collection. The more data sources used, the better the quality of the final data
two (2)
TRUE OR FALSE
The INTERVIEWER then must formulate interview questions that will result in detailed and in-depth answers that will help meet the research goals. A list of 15-20 questions is a good start, but these can and will change as the process flows.
FALSE - RESEARCHER
The **RESEARCH **process is one of the most important parts of the case study process. But before this can begin, it is imperative the researcher gets informed consent from the subjects.
FALSE- INTERVIEW
Weeks 5-6: How to do a Case Study?
Case Study Method
- the case study,
- formulate guiding questions that will need to be answered; and
- do some readings that have relevance to the case subject.
The most important parts of the case study are:
- The case study’s questions
- The study’s propositions
- How information and data will be analyzed
- The logic behind the propositions
- How the findings will be interpreted
Key Components
- Case study’s questions: Formulate “how” or “why” questions to determine study goals.
- Study’s propositions: Define hypotheses or purpose guiding the study.
- Data analysis: Determine how information will be analyzed based on the topic.
- Interpretation of findings: Provide context and draw conclusions from collected data.
Research Methods
- Documents and archival records
- Interviews
- Direct and indirect observations
- Physical artifacts and tools
Case Study Protocol
- Overview of the case study, including objectives and issues.
- Procedures for gathering information and conducting interviews.
- Questions for interviews and data collection.
- Guide for the final case study report.
Interview Process
- Obtain informed consent from subjects.
- Formulate detailed and in-depth interview questions.
- Assure subjects of privacy and confidentiality.
- Use pseudonyms if necessary to protect identities.
Data Analysis
- Analyze results in a narrative format.
- Use examples to illustrate trends.
- Refer back to key points to maintain focus.
- Write for a broad audience with varying levels of expertise.
Case Study Characteristics
- Opinion-based rather than strictly factual.
- Designed to provoke reasoned debate.
- No right or wrong answers.
- Focus on interpretation and discussion rather than statistical analysis.
*Weeks 10-17: Preparing a Case Study - The Long Cycle Process
Part 1: Problem Statement
- Clear and concise statement of the problem or issue.
- Questions to guide problem identification: What is the problem? How do I know it’s a problem? What are the immediate issues?
- Differentiate between importance and urgency of problems.
Part 2: Data Analysis
- Determine cause and effect for identified issues.
- Identify relevant stakeholders and those most affected.
- Assess constraints and opportunities.
- Analyze evidence provided in the case study for relevance.
Part 3: Generating Alternatives
- Be realistic and creative in proposing solutions.
- Ensure alternatives are mutually exclusive.
- Avoid “doing nothing” as a viable alternative.
- Evaluate obstacles to implementing alternatives.
Part 5: Alternatives Analysis
- Measure each alternative against key decision criteria.
Use tables or pros/cons lists for comparison. - Predict short and long-term implications of each alternative.
- Consider different levels of outcome: best, worst, most likely.
Part 6: Recommendations
- Practice making decisions based on analysis.
- Justify chosen alternative with clear reasoning.
- Ensure recommendation resolves identified problem or issue
