Response to Post: A case study is when a researcher attempts to shed light on a decision as to why certain actions are taken, in what way they are put into play and what the results occur. An example of when a case study is may be preferred is when a process (such as method of teaching) is being evaluated/observed. Criticisms of the case studies are sometimes are confused with ethnographies or with participant-observation. Also can be viewed as an exploratory state prior to actual research.
Quote: Page 11 "Assuming that "how" and "why" questions are to be the focus of study, a further distinction among history, case study and experiment is the extent of the investigator's control over and access to actual behavioral events."
Question: Page 11 "Moreover, in some situations, such as participate-observation informal manipulation can occur. Informal manipulation? Does this mean accidental? To me manipulation is done purposefully.
Fact: page 13 Field experiments within a large number of collective entities also raise a number of practical challenges: the same systems change aspect of the intervention also may mean that the organizations or entities administering the intervention may not necessarily remain stable over the course of time (the design requires such stability until the random field trials have been completed. (This is something I will need to keep in mind when conducting research.)
Response to Dr. Hendrix's question by Barb Stubbs: The text describes the definition of a case study as: Empirical inquiry that is used to investigate a comtemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real- life context, especially when boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident. A case study deals with a situation for which there will be many more variables of interest than data points, so therefore relies on multiple sources of evidence, with data converging and triangulating, and as a result, benefits from prior development of theoretical propositions to guide data collection and analysis.
The decision to use the case study method depends upon your research question. The text explains that case study may be the preferred method if research questions seek to explain some present circumstance (how, why some social phenomenon works). The method is preferrable the more a research question requires an extensive and "in-depth" description of some social phemomenon.
The text offers four criticisms of the case study method. According to Yin, there has previously been a lack of rigor of case study research in prior case studies. Yin cites a lack of case study methodology texts as a possible cause of this problem. Also, another concern notes the fact that case studies provide little basis for scientific generalization. Otherwords, how can you generalize from a singe case study? A third concern is that cases studies take too much time to complete and result in extensive documents which are difficult to interpret. A fourth criticism addresses the issue of randomized field trials or "true experiments". Otherwords, has a "treatment" resulted in a particular "effect" in a case study? Yin adds that there is debate because case studies cannot directly address this issue, but may in fact be more effective in complimenting experiments.
Fact: (Page 3) Using case studies for research remains one of the most challenging of all social science endeavors.
Question: How often do case studies become the basis for best-selling books, such as Graham Allison's (1971) case study of the Cuban Missile Crisis (page 6)? Did the fact that this book became a best-seller (and money maker) increase or decrease its value as a research study?
Quote: (Page 10) "Defining the research questions is probably the most important step to be taken in a research study, so you should be patient and allow sufficient time for this task."
Response to A. Dotson: In response to your question regarding informal manipulation, it seems to me that this would involve the background and interpretation of a particular event that each researcher may have. Your interpretation of the same event would be slightly different than mine, influenced by your prior experience and background knowledge, and our interpretions of the same event would vary to some degree. Otherwords, informal manipulation would be unintentional, and therefore a possible problem for the researcher. This leads to question of my own: How would the researcher control informal manipulation? Is it possible to do so?
Quote (p. 4): "The more that your questions seek to explain some present circumstance (e.g. "how" or "why" some social phenomenon works), the more that the case study method will be relevant. The method also is relevant the more that your questions require and extensive and "in-depth" description of some socail phenomenon."
Fact: On page 8 (Fig. 1.1), Yin displays a table that is helpful when deciding when to use the five research methods being discussed: experiments, surveys, archival analyses, histories, and case studies, based on three conditions: 1)type of research question, 2)researcher control over behavioral events, and 3)focus on contemporary events.
Question: I was just wondering why our Master's program has an entire course based on case studies as opposed to any other type of research method.
Discussion Question Response: Yin defines a case study as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary issue in depth and within a real-life context. The case study inquiry involves many variables of interest, relies on multiple sources of evidence that need to triangularly relate. Yin also points out that case study inquiry benefits from prior theoretical dispositions to guide data collection and analysis.
A case study would be preferred in educational research if the investigator seeks to explain how or why some social phenomenon works. For example, a teacher may want to research how or why technology enhances student learning in the classroom.
Yin discusses four criticisms for the use of case studies. First, there is concern over the lack of rigor of case study research. Second, case studies provide little basis for scientific generalization. Third, case studies take too long and may result in documents difficult to follow because of the large amount of information collected. Lastly, a renewed emphasis on randomized field trials or "true experiments", especially in education.
A case study is a way of doing research that is related to social science (pg.2). Research questions help the researcher answer numerous questions, but a case study focuses on the how and why (pg. 9). A case study also includes direct observations while using numerous evidence that the researcher finds to be useful (pg. 11). As I begin to think about it related to educational research I think of my own research project. I feel as I want to know “how” students feel regarding using technology to learn. This seems to fit since a case study has three purposes: exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory (pg. 7). The problem is I also want numerical evidence showing that technology is a great teaching method. Can I combine these two methods without an “experienced” researcher thinking I am nuts? I could not believe all the criticisms over case study and how less desirable they are. Lack of rigor would have never come to my mind, but compared to other research methods I guess so. I would also hope case study or not that the researcher would follow the set procedures exactly and not be sloppy…I would think this would be more of a researcher fault, then method fault. Also, I would like to know more about the case study teaching and case study research. I realize anyone can deliberately “fix” data, but again doesn’t this rest on the researcher’s shoulders? (pg.14)
Question: After reading on page 7 about, 2B. A National Crisis, I was wondering if anyone (U.S. Government) is doing another case study on the recent swine flu immunizations.
Quote: Page 3 “The path begins with a thorough literature review…” I really need to get on this, I have some, but do not feel as if it is thorough and I am getting worried that what I am finding is not exactly what I need. There is so much “stuff” out there it is hard to muck through it all!
Fact: On page 13, Yin discusses how various methods are not mutually exclusive. I am hoping this means I am able to combine the two methods I discussed above.
Thought (Yes, I know this was not on the assignment, but I just have to…) I will admit I did not mind reading this and felt I understood most of what I read while waiting for my son to play in a basketball tournament, which lasted all day!!! However, I was put off from this book from the beginning after reading that the book is not intended to help those who might use case studies as a teaching tool. Are we using case study for this??? Am I just taking this the wrong way??? Just a thought… Oh yeah and did you all see quasi-experimental??? Dr. Porr would be proud!
Tanya and Ann, I liked the "how" and "why" questions related to case studies. Do we create a question to fit a case study or create our research question like we want and find the correct method? I am sure the later is correct.
Barb, Your fact, "Using case studies for research remains one of the most challenging of all social science endeavors," makes me wonder why some say it is a lesser research method this comment seems to differ from the lack of rigor and sloppiness comments. Who is right?
Yin describes case study research as "empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real life context, especially when its boundries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident. The case study inquiry copes with the technically distinctive situation in which there will be many variables of interest than data points, and as one result relies on multiple sources of evidence, with data needing to converge in a triangulating fashion, and as another result benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions to guide data collection and analysis." Case Study research is the preferred method when "how" or "why" questions are used and when the focus is on contemporary issues with no requirement to control behavioral events. Criticism of case study research stems from a perceived lack of rigor with this type of research.
Question: What would be an example of a survey within a case study as compared to a case study within a survey?
Fact: Case study research is meant to develop sharper and more insightful questions about a topic rather than to determine answers.
Quote (p14): "Although the case study is a distinctive form of empirical inquiry, many research investigators nevertheless disdain the strategy." Corey: I also found the National Crisis text about the "Epidemic That Never Was" interesting. I imagine Neustadt & Fineberg's analysis has been revisited lately as the Swine Flu has become the "Epidemic That Is."
Barb: Your quote from page 3 describing case study research as the most challenging of all social science endeavors is a bit daunting. Did anyone else get frightened away?
Corey, I feel the same about my lit review so far, but I think as we probe deeper into the literature, the overall picture will emerge exposing trends and themes which we can use to support our research. The key to knowing what's out there is to read every bit of written material you can find which touches your question ("immerse" yourself in the literature). Also, maybe you are filling a hole in field. I am excited to see the outcome of your research, as it has implications for all educators and their students.
Dana, I am also intimidated by the quote about case studies being the most difficult of research methods. But then, almost every single method so far has had me shaking in my boots! It does seem like Yin was warning us off, but with determination, research skills, and help (Dr. Hendrix), I'm sure it can be done. It will be interesting to discover more about case study research. Even if we do not use it as our research method, our base of knowledge as researchers will be expanded through our work this semester.
Quote: "The case study method allows investigators to retain the holistic and meaningful characteristics of real-life events-life cycles, small group behavior, organizational and managerial processes, neighborhood change, school performance, international relations, and the maturation or industries." Page 4
Question: From EDU 530, we learned that research methods provide a standard format when developing research. Yin explains that there are prejudices against the Case Study Method because of the lack of rigor and sloppiness investigators have shown. Is there format or procedure to follow when completing a case study? I am assuming there is and may have missed that section when reading. Page 14
Interesting Fact: Yin explains that with research, there are large areas of overlap among the methods, so that, for some questiona, a choice among methods night actually exsist. Page 11
Discussion question response: The case study is one of several ways of doing social science research. Case studies are generally the preferred research method when "how" or "why" questions are being asked, the focus is on a present circumstance with a real-life context, and the researcher has little control over events.
As many educational research questions deal with "how" and/or "why", case studies could be used for these. An example would be why some students do well on classroom work but don't perform well on tests.
Criticisms of case studies include: lack of rigor, they provide little basis for scientific generalization, and they take too long and result in massive, unreadable documents.
Question: I'm getting the impression that if I am researching whether or not a specific intervention results in higher scores, I would not be doing a case study. Is this correct?
Quote: (p 8) "The goal is to avoid gross misfits- that is, when you are planning to use one type of method but another is really more advantageous."
Fact: (p 10) The first and most important condition for differentiating among the various research methods to is classify the type of research question being asked.
Corey, I agree there seems to be a lot out there to "muck through" when it comes to lit reviews! Barb's comment to "immerse yourself in the literature" is true, but sometimes I feel a bit like I'm drowning trying to sort out what will actually be useful in my research project.
Dana, while reading Chapter One, I also wrote down your fact about case study research developing more insightful questions rather than determining answers. I find myself wondering... When do the answers come into play or do they?
Dana, I agree with feeling a little unsure and intimidated with the quote Barb found regarding case studies as the most challenging social science endeavors. What is Dr. Hendrix getting us into??;)Seems like research is like education. Every day you learn something new!!
Ann, I think Figure 1.1 on page 8 fits your quote and is a great resource for any researcher who is struggling with an appropriate method to match his/her research question.
The Case Study Method is used when a researcher’s goal is to explain “how” or “why” a present phenomenon works. This method is also used when the research question requires an extensive description of a social phenomenon. Case studies are preferred in educational research when investigators area able to ”retain the holistic and meaningful characteristics of real-life events-such as individual life cycles, small group behavior, organizational and managerial processes, neighborhood change, school performance, international relations, and the maturation of industries.” Page 4. Criticisms that Yin discuss in chapter 1 focus on the lack of rigor and the lack of procedures which creates for sloppy research. Case studies are also criticized because they provide little scientific generalizations and are very time consuming.
Reponse to Dr. Hendrix post: Case studies may be one of the most challenging endeavors, because you must be able to keep bias out, design the study to collect, present, and analyze data fairly. Which of course is why it will be difficult, especially to we new researchers. The case study should be preferred, by educators, because he/she could learn more about the behaviors or actions of the subjects being researched. The case study may help define the proper action needed to help change the way students are being taught in the classroom.The defintiton of a case study is* a how or why question is being asked, *a contemporary set of events, *the investigator has little or no control.
Mrs. Dalrymple - In response to your question as to why we focus on case study research. I find this very interesting. I am very curious to know what type of research you would be interesting in reading and learning about.
Ann Gustafson - in response to your quote. So once you have started your research and realize that your method is no effective. What I am getting from your quote is to stop the research and utilize the more advantageous method?
Question: Being an educator who needs to learn what makes eachs student "tick", Why isn't a case study required when researching student or student group actions or reactions to a newer education method? Quote (pg 11) "..."although case studies and histories can overlap, the case study's unique strength is its ability to deal with with a full variety of evidence-documents, artifacts, interviews,and observations...." Fact:pg 19.." historical research can include enormous amounts of quantitative evidence." It's hard to believe that you can quantify historical research.
Comments: Corey, I know this might be hard to believe, but I think like you do. I agree that we researchers want to jump in with both feet, using all methods possible, but can we use methods and be unbiased? I hope we will learn either moderation or the how-to's of case study. Ann G, I get the impression that a case study could be used as an addition to most any research, but why would we want to is the question!
Response to Post: A case study is when a researcher attempts to shed light on a decision as to why certain actions are taken, in what way they are put into play and what the results occur. An example of when a case study is may be preferred is when a process (such as method of teaching) is being evaluated/observed. Criticisms of the case studies are sometimes are confused with ethnographies or with participant-observation. Also can be viewed as an exploratory state prior to actual research.
ReplyDeleteQuote: Page 11 "Assuming that "how" and "why" questions are to be the focus of study, a further distinction among history, case study and experiment is the extent of the investigator's control over and access to actual behavioral events."
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Page 11 "Moreover, in some situations, such as participate-observation informal manipulation can occur. Informal manipulation? Does this mean accidental? To me manipulation is done purposefully.
Fact: page 13 Field experiments within a large number of collective entities also raise a number of practical challenges: the same systems change aspect of the intervention also may mean that the organizations or entities administering the intervention may not necessarily remain stable over the course of time (the design requires such stability until the random field trials have been completed. (This is something I will need to keep in mind when conducting research.)
Response to Dr. Hendrix's question by Barb Stubbs:
ReplyDeleteThe text describes the definition of a case study as: Empirical inquiry that is used to investigate a comtemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real- life context, especially when boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident. A case study deals with a situation for which there will be many more variables of interest than data points, so therefore relies on multiple sources of evidence, with data converging and triangulating, and as a result, benefits from prior development of theoretical propositions to guide data collection and analysis.
The decision to use the case study method depends upon your research question. The text explains that case study may be the preferred method if research questions seek to explain some present circumstance (how, why some social phenomenon works). The method is preferrable the more a research question requires an extensive and "in-depth" description of some social phemomenon.
The text offers four criticisms of the case study method. According to Yin, there has previously been a lack of rigor of case study research in prior case studies. Yin cites a lack of case study methodology texts as a possible cause of this problem. Also, another concern notes the fact that case studies provide little basis for scientific generalization. Otherwords, how can you generalize from a singe case study? A third concern is that cases studies take too much time to complete and result in extensive documents which are difficult to interpret. A fourth criticism addresses the issue of randomized field trials or "true experiments". Otherwords, has a "treatment" resulted in a particular "effect" in a case study? Yin adds that there is debate because case studies cannot directly address this issue, but may in fact be more effective in complimenting experiments.
Fact: (Page 3) Using case studies for research remains one of the most challenging of all social science endeavors.
Question: How often do case studies become the basis for best-selling books, such as Graham Allison's (1971) case study of the Cuban Missile Crisis (page 6)? Did the fact that this book became a best-seller (and money maker) increase or decrease its value as a research study?
Quote: (Page 10) "Defining the research questions is probably the most important step to be taken in a research study, so you should be patient and allow sufficient time for this task."
Response to A. Dotson:
In response to your question regarding informal manipulation, it seems to me that this would involve the background and interpretation of a particular event that each researcher may have. Your interpretation of the same event would be slightly different than mine, influenced by your prior experience and background knowledge, and our interpretions of the same event would vary to some degree. Otherwords, informal manipulation would be unintentional, and therefore a possible problem for the researcher. This leads to question of my own: How would the researcher control informal manipulation? Is it possible to do so?
Quote (p. 4): "The more that your questions seek to explain some present circumstance (e.g. "how" or "why" some social phenomenon works), the more that the case study method will be relevant. The method also is relevant the more that your questions require and extensive and "in-depth" description of some socail phenomenon."
ReplyDeleteFact: On page 8 (Fig. 1.1), Yin displays a table that is helpful when deciding when to use the five research methods being discussed: experiments, surveys, archival analyses, histories, and case studies, based on three conditions: 1)type of research question, 2)researcher control over behavioral events, and 3)focus on contemporary events.
Question: I was just wondering why our Master's program has an entire course based on case studies as opposed to any other type of research method.
Discussion Question Response: Yin defines a case study as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary issue in depth and within a real-life context. The case study inquiry involves many variables of interest, relies on multiple sources of evidence that need to triangularly relate. Yin also points out that case study inquiry benefits from prior theoretical dispositions to guide data collection and analysis.
ReplyDeleteA case study would be preferred in educational research if the investigator seeks to explain how or why some social phenomenon works. For example, a teacher may want to research how or why technology enhances student learning in the classroom.
Yin discusses four criticisms for the use of case studies. First, there is concern over the lack of rigor of case study research. Second, case studies provide little basis for scientific generalization. Third, case studies take too long and may result in documents difficult to follow because of the large amount of information collected. Lastly, a renewed emphasis on randomized field trials or "true experiments", especially in education.
A case study is a way of doing research that is related to social science (pg.2). Research questions help the researcher answer numerous questions, but a case study focuses on the how and why (pg. 9). A case study also includes direct observations while using numerous evidence that the researcher finds to be useful (pg. 11). As I begin to think about it related to educational research I think of my own research project. I feel as I want to know “how” students feel regarding using technology to learn. This seems to fit since a case study has three purposes: exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory (pg. 7). The problem is I also want numerical evidence showing that technology is a great teaching method. Can I combine these two methods without an “experienced” researcher thinking I am nuts? I could not believe all the criticisms over case study and how less desirable they are. Lack of rigor would have never come to my mind, but compared to other research methods I guess so. I would also hope case study or not that the researcher would follow the set procedures exactly and not be sloppy…I would think this would be more of a researcher fault, then method fault. Also, I would like to know more about the case study teaching and case study research. I realize anyone can deliberately “fix” data, but again doesn’t this rest on the researcher’s shoulders? (pg.14)
ReplyDeleteQuestion: After reading on page 7 about, 2B. A National Crisis, I was wondering if anyone (U.S. Government) is doing another case study on the recent swine flu immunizations.
Quote: Page 3 “The path begins with a thorough literature review…” I really need to get on this, I have some, but do not feel as if it is thorough and I am getting worried that what I am finding is not exactly what I need. There is so much “stuff” out there it is hard to muck through it all!
Fact: On page 13, Yin discusses how various methods are not mutually exclusive. I am hoping this means I am able to combine the two methods I discussed above.
Thought (Yes, I know this was not on the assignment, but I just have to…) I will admit I did not mind reading this and felt I understood most of what I read while waiting for my son to play in a basketball tournament, which lasted all day!!! However, I was put off from this book from the beginning after reading that the book is not intended to help those who might use case studies as a teaching tool. Are we using case study for this??? Am I just taking this the wrong way??? Just a thought… Oh yeah and did you all see quasi-experimental??? Dr. Porr would be proud!
Tanya and Ann, I liked the "how" and "why" questions related to case studies. Do we create a question to fit a case study or create our research question like we want and find the correct method? I am sure the later is correct.
ReplyDeleteBarb, Your fact, "Using case studies for research remains one of the most challenging of all social science endeavors," makes me wonder why some say it is a lesser research method this comment seems to differ from the lack of rigor and sloppiness comments. Who is right?
ReplyDeleteYin describes case study research as "empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real life context, especially when its boundries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident. The case study inquiry copes with the technically distinctive situation in which there will be many variables of interest than data points, and as one result relies on multiple sources of evidence, with data needing to converge in a triangulating fashion, and as another result benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions to guide data collection and analysis."
ReplyDeleteCase Study research is the preferred method when "how" or "why" questions are used and when the focus is on contemporary issues with no requirement to control behavioral events.
Criticism of case study research stems from a perceived lack of rigor with this type of research.
Question: What would be an example of a survey within a case study as compared to a case study within a survey?
Fact: Case study research is meant to develop sharper and more insightful questions about a topic rather than to determine answers.
Quote (p14): "Although the case study is a distinctive form of empirical inquiry, many research investigators nevertheless disdain the strategy."
Corey: I also found the National Crisis text about the "Epidemic That Never Was" interesting. I imagine Neustadt & Fineberg's analysis has been revisited lately as the Swine Flu has become the "Epidemic That Is."
Barb: Your quote from page 3 describing case study research as the most challenging of all social science endeavors is a bit daunting. Did anyone else get frightened away?
Corey, I feel the same about my lit review so far, but I think as we probe deeper into the literature, the overall picture will emerge exposing trends and themes which we can use to support our research. The key to knowing what's out there is to read every bit of written material you can find which touches your question ("immerse" yourself in the literature). Also, maybe you are filling a hole in field. I am excited to see the outcome of your research, as it has implications for all educators and their students.
ReplyDeleteDana, I am also intimidated by the quote about case studies being the most difficult of research methods. But then, almost every single method so far has had me shaking in my boots! It does seem like Yin was warning us off, but with determination, research skills, and help (Dr. Hendrix), I'm sure it can be done. It will be interesting to discover more about case study research. Even if we do not use it as our research method, our base of knowledge as researchers will be expanded through our work this semester.
ReplyDeleteQuote: "The case study method allows investigators to retain the holistic and meaningful characteristics of real-life events-life cycles, small group behavior, organizational and managerial processes, neighborhood change, school performance, international relations, and the maturation or industries." Page 4
ReplyDeleteQuestion: From EDU 530, we learned that research methods provide a standard format when developing research. Yin explains that there are prejudices against the Case Study Method because of the lack of rigor and sloppiness investigators have shown. Is there format or procedure to follow when completing a case study? I am assuming there is and may have missed that section when reading. Page 14
Interesting Fact: Yin explains that with research, there are large areas of overlap among the methods, so that, for some questiona, a choice among methods night actually exsist. Page 11
Discussion question response:
ReplyDeleteThe case study is one of several ways of doing social science research. Case studies are generally the preferred research method when "how" or "why" questions are being asked, the focus is on a present circumstance with a real-life context, and the researcher has little control over events.
As many educational research questions deal with "how" and/or "why", case studies could be used for these. An example would be why some students do well on classroom work but don't perform well on tests.
Criticisms of case studies include: lack of rigor, they provide little basis for scientific generalization, and they take too long and result in massive, unreadable documents.
Question: I'm getting the impression that if I am researching whether or not a specific intervention results in higher scores, I would not be doing a case study. Is this correct?
Quote: (p 8) "The goal is to avoid gross misfits- that is, when you are planning to use one type of method but another is really more advantageous."
Fact: (p 10) The first and most important condition for differentiating among the various research methods to is classify the type of research question being asked.
Corey, I agree there seems to be a lot out there to "muck through" when it comes to lit reviews! Barb's comment to "immerse yourself in the literature" is true, but sometimes I feel a bit like I'm drowning trying to sort out what will actually be useful in my research project.
Dana, while reading Chapter One, I also wrote down your fact about case study research developing more insightful questions rather than determining answers. I find myself wondering... When do the answers come into play or do they?
Dana, I agree with feeling a little unsure and intimidated with the quote Barb found regarding case studies as the most challenging social science endeavors. What is Dr. Hendrix getting us into??;)Seems like research is like education. Every day you learn something new!!
ReplyDeleteAnn, I think Figure 1.1 on page 8 fits your quote and is a great resource for any researcher who is struggling with an appropriate method to match his/her research question.
ReplyDeleteThe Case Study Method is used when a researcher’s goal is to explain “how” or “why” a present phenomenon works. This method is also used when the research question requires an extensive description of a social phenomenon. Case studies are preferred in educational research when investigators area able to ”retain the holistic and meaningful characteristics of real-life events-such as individual life cycles, small group behavior, organizational and managerial processes, neighborhood change, school performance, international relations, and the maturation of industries.” Page 4.
ReplyDeleteCriticisms that Yin discuss in chapter 1 focus on the lack of rigor and the lack of procedures which creates for sloppy research. Case studies are also criticized because they provide little scientific generalizations and are very time consuming.
Reponse to Dr. Hendrix post: Case studies may be one of the most challenging endeavors, because you must be able to keep bias out, design the study to collect, present, and analyze data fairly. Which of course is why it will be difficult, especially to we new researchers. The case study should be preferred, by educators, because he/she could learn more about the behaviors or actions of the subjects being researched. The case study may help define the proper action needed to help change the way students are being taught in the classroom.The defintiton of a case study is* a how or why question is being asked, *a contemporary set of events, *the investigator has little or no control.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Dalrymple -
ReplyDeleteIn response to your question as to why we focus on case study research. I find this very interesting. I am very curious to know what type of research you would be interesting in reading and learning about.
Ann Gustafson - in response to your quote. So once you have started your research and realize that your method is no effective. What I am getting from your quote is to stop the research and utilize the more advantageous method?
ReplyDeleteAnn Gustafson - Great question! Makes me think I won't be conducting a case study as well. So, how would we classify our research topics?
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Being an educator who needs to learn what makes eachs student "tick", Why isn't a case study required when researching student or student group actions or reactions to a newer education method?
ReplyDeleteQuote (pg 11) "..."although case studies and histories can overlap, the case study's unique strength is its ability to deal with with a full variety of evidence-documents, artifacts, interviews,and observations...."
Fact:pg 19.." historical research can include enormous amounts of quantitative evidence." It's hard to believe that you can quantify historical research.
Comments: Corey, I know this might be hard to believe, but I think like you do. I agree that we researchers want to jump in with both feet, using all methods possible, but can we use methods and be unbiased? I hope we will learn either moderation or the how-to's of case study.
ReplyDeleteAnn G, I get the impression that a case study could be used as an addition to most any research, but why would we want to is the question!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteUsually, you choose your research question first and then match the method to it.
ReplyDeleteGood points here class!