CASE STUDY AS 1 A RESEARCH METHOD - Adelaide Business School

45 Pages·2014·0.57 MB·English

by  Grimand Amaury

CASE STUDY AS
1
A RESEARCH METHOD

Eric MILLIOT
University of Poitiers, France

[email protected]
Outline
2
Case study typologies
1.
Potential paradigmatic frameworks
2.
Building theory from case study
3.
research
Introduction
3

According to Yin (2014, p. 16), a case study is
an empirical inquiry that

investigates a contemporary phenomenon
(the case) in depth and within its real-life
context, especially when

the boundaries between phenomenon and
context are not clearly evident.
Introduction
4


According to Yin (2014, p.10), the case study
method is particularly appropriate when the
research question starts with: “How?” or “Why?”.

A research question starting with “What?” is also
accurate, especially for a relativist/subjective
approach.

The case study method is particularly interesting
when the studied phenomenon is:

not clearly or not sufficiently theorized,

complex (several actors, assignments,
procedures, goals, etc.).
1- Case study typologies
5
The main types of case study can be
identified on the following basis:
Research design (Yin/COSMOS Corp.,
1.
1984),
Research purpose.
2.
1- Case study typologies
6
Research design (Yin/COSMOS Corp.,
1.
1984):
embedded (multiple units) analysis,
holistic (single-unit) analysis,
single case design,
multiple case design.
Every research design for case studies takes,

somehow, the context into consideration.
1- Case study typologies
7
1- Case study typologies
8
Holistic case study
Embedded case study
 This analysis is based on  This analysis focuses on
the systemic approach different sub-units of a
of a phenomenon/entity. specific phenomenon/
entity.

It is useful to:

It is useful when:

 put into perspective the holistic
 no sub-unit can be
illusion,
identified,
 confront rival interpretations,
 when the theory
underlying the case is itself  strengthen internal validity.
of a holistic nature.
1- Case study typologies
9
Single case design
Multiple case design
According to Yin (2014),
  This design is
this design is
particularly relevant for:
appropriate when the
 testing the conclusions
case:
(replication),
 is critical to test a  avoiding extraneous
specific theory with a variation,
clear set of propositions;
 providing a larger picture
represents an extreme of a complex phenomenon

or unusual case; (Stake, 2006),
 is representative of a  comparing different studies
situation; (between industries, countries,
etc.).
reveals a situation;


is longitudinal.

1- Case study typologies
10
Research purpose:
2.
Exploratory case study

Explanatory (or causal) case study

Descriptive case study

Confirmatory case study
