Week3

Question 1

Outcomes of this are conceptual models and propositions. It uses research strategies such as case studies, interviews, etc as data analysis method. + subjective

Answer 1

Qualitative research

Question 2

The results are usually hypothesis tests and optimal choices. It utilises research strategies such as surveys, experiments and mathematical modelling. + objective

Answer 2

Quantitative research

Question 3

Advantages of combining research strategies

Answer 3

enrich interpretation
Better methodological quality (triangulation)
better generalizability and conving results of the research

Question 4

case study

Answer 4

A case study is a research strategy that involves an in-depth investigation of a specific phenomenon, event, organization, or individual within a real-world context. It is commonly used in qualitative research, though it can include quantitative elements.

not suited for decision science

Question 5

Advantages and disadvantages of case studies

Answer 5

Advantages of Case Studies
✔ Provides deep insights into a specific problem
✔ Helps generate new theories (inductive approach)
✔ Can combine qualitative & quantitative data
✔ Useful for real-world business problems

Disadvantages of Case Studies
✘ Findings may not be generalizable to all situations
✘ Can be time-consuming and require large amounts of data
✘ Risk of researcher bias due to deep involvement in the case

Case studies are appropriate for many research objectives: what, how, why, etc. But nog for: how many, how often. -> harder to quantify the relationship between variables using case studies.

Question 6

2 types of case studies

Answer 6

single and comparative

Question 7

Difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal case studies.

Answer 7

A cross-sectional case study examines a phenomenon at a single point in time or within a short time frame. It provides a snapshot of a situation but does not track changes over time.

A longitudinal case study examines changes in a phenomenon over time, often spanning months or years. It tracks trends, developments, and cause-effect relationships.

Question 8

What does it mean when a study has an embedded design?

Answer 8

The study then has multiple levels of analysis

Question 9

Difference between unit of analysis and level of analysis

Answer 9

The unit of analysis refers to the primary entity being studied or observed in the research. It defines what or who is being analyzed to answer the research question.

The level of analysis refers to the perspective or scale at which the data is interpreted. It defines how findings are generalized and at what level patterns are observed.

If you analyze individual employee responses, your level of analysis is micro.

If you compare departments or teams, your level of analysis is meso.

If you compare industries or generations, your level of analysis is macro.

Question 10

Common data sources in case studies

Answer 10

Interviews
Documentation
Observations

Question 11

Data triangulation

Answer 11

Combining two ore more sources of data

Question 12

How to get convincing results in case studies?

Answer 12

Use more than one source of data.
belangrijk begrip: Informant triangulation -> ask similar questions to multiple respondents.

Question 13

Three types of interviews

Answer 13

structured, semi-structured and unstructured

Question 14

Questions that lead the interviewee to the answer that you are expecting.

Answer 14

Leading question

Question 15

Thematic analysis

Answer 15

Thematic Analysis is a qualitative data analysis method used to identify, analyze, and interpret patterns (themes) within textual data. It is commonly used in research that involves interviews, open-ended survey responses, documents, or other qualitative data.

Question 16

Coding (qualitative data)
3 types of coding

Answer 16

Critical process in making sense of qualitative data.

First-level codes -> The initial stage where researchers assign labels (codes) to raw data.
These codes are descriptive and close to the original text (surface-level meaning).
Focuses on identifying recurring words, phrases, or ideas in the data.

Second-level codes -> The process of grouping first-level codes into broader categories (themes).
Looks for relationships between codes to form meaningful patterns.
Helps in categorizing similar ideas under overarching themes.

Third-level codes -> The highest level of coding, where broader themes and theories emerge.
Themes are linked to theoretical concepts and the research question.
Used to build narratives or frameworks based on findings.

Question 17

Synonyms for first, second and third level codes (respectively)

Answer 17

Open, axial, selective coding

Question 18

Validity

Answer 18

Instrument measures what it is intended to measure

Question 19

Reliability

Answer 19

Findings will be the same if the research is replicated

Question 20

3 types of validity

Answer 20

Construct validity:Ensures that your survey, test, or experiment accurately measures the concepts it is supposed to.

Internal validity: Ensures that X causes Y and not due to other factors.
External validity: Ensures that findings apply beyond the study sample (to other people, settings, or time periods).

Question 21

3 general threats to validity in qualitative research

Answer 21

Informant bias (the one that is being questioned): topic is too personal or sensitive. personal connection or event discussed happende a while ago.

Researcher bias: researcher has personal connection or lacks the necessary research skill.

Idiosyncratic bias: cases of informants are unique, making it difficult to generalise.