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
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