Sunday, January 10, 2010

Discussion of Yin's Ch. 3 2010

Describe the case study protocol and why a researcher would begin with a pilot case study.

18 comments:

  1. The reason a researcher would begin with a pilot case study is to work out the kinks and potential problems that may occur through the study. According to Yin,"a pilot case study will help you refine your data collection plans with respect to both the content and the procedures to be followed." It's a sort of formative assessment to help the researcher develop relevant lines of questions. Also, if you are using a team of assistants, everyone can make sure that they are on the same page and have worked out any biases. The case study protocol is basically an outline pre-formulated by the research to help guide the investigator in carrying out the data collection. Also, the protocol helps increase reliability.

    Question: I didn't see myself using a team of assistants during my study, but it sure seems like it would help. I was wondering if a classroom teacher is conducting a case study, how he/she would be able to gather data and teach at the same time? If you wanted to interview your students, would a substitute be required, to eliminate outside interupptions?
    Fact: I found the comparison to a detective relatable. On pg 87, Yin talks about the level of questions for case study protocol, " the verbal line of inquiry is different from the mental line of inquiry..." I find this happening to me in many conversations, I am thinking and analyzing one thing, while asking another.
    Quote: pg 69 (skills of good case study skills)
    "A person should be unbiased by preconcieved notions, including those derived by theory." I think I say to my fellow teachers weekly, that I have a theory. I find myself constantly trying to figure out why people or students are acting a certain way. This skill will be the hardest one for me.

    And yes my fellow cohortians, I did post first!! Miracles can occur when you least expect it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The case study protocol first and foremost is a crucial want to increase the reliability of a case study research has been designed to assist investigators in completing data collection from a single case. Also the protocol contains an instrument however also contains the procedures and basic rules and guidelines to be followed in using this instrument. Protocol is designed for the researcher and not for the participants in the case study. Protocol is necessary when a researcher is conducting a multiple-case study.
    Why would a researcher want to begin by conducting a pilot case study? According to Yin a research would want to use a pilot case study to help fine tune data collection plans giving respect to both the content of the data and the procedures to be followed during data collection.

    Quote: Page 70 "The skilled investigator must remember the original purpose of the investigation but then must e willing to adapt procedures or plans if unanticipated events occur."

    Fact: Page 71 Yin states that the main way of staying on target is to really understand the purpose of your case study investigation. Each investigator needs to understand the theoretical or policy issues because analytic judgments have to be made throughout the data collection phase. Yin states that if the researcher doesn't have a firm understanding of the issues at hand, they would miss extremely important clues and would be unaware of deviations and if they are acceptable or not.

    Question: Page 75 Yin says, "A single case calls for intensive data collection at the same site requiring a "team" of investigators." My questions is this...If using the case study method how heavily would I need to rely on my two grade level partners? More than them collecting student work samples and providing me with data from their student assessments?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shelly - Great question! I was thinking that student interviews could be conducted during Reader's and Writer's Workshop Conferences. Now I am doubting myself and thinking I will need to allow more time than allowed during conferences.

    In response to your fact: I believe our minds are so busy and full of our to do lists that it is hard to concentrate on what we are asking and talking about at the same time. At moments that is. Not all of the time. I suppose it would depend on the situation, conversation and person or people you are in conversation with.

    In response to your quote: The preconcieved notions really struck me. So many teachers have these notions of entire classes of students. I remember one year when I was teaching 3rd grade, a 2nd grade teacher came to me and said the class you are getting this next year is a challenge, low test scores and you will need to take your vitamins. I blocked this out of my mind and gave the class a fresh start. They were great! Sure they had their bumps in the road, but, what class doesn't!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A well-designed case study protocol is crucial to case study reseach. According to Yin, the components of a case study protocol include: an overview of the research project which includes the objectives, issues, and literature review of the topic; procedures to be used in the field, including presentation of credentials, access to sites of study, information regarding protection of human subjects, sources of data, and reminders about procedure; case study questions, which include the specific questions the investigator must be aware of during collection; and a guide for the case study report, which includes an outline, format for collected data, presentation of other documentation, and bibligraphical information. A pilot case study would be advantageous for case study researchers for several reasons. First, the pilot study aids the researcher in refining data collection plans in regard to the content of the data and the data collection procedures to be followed-a trial run if you will. Also, the pilot is formative in nature, allowing the researcher to assess the process as it unfolds and adjust the research design accordingly. Information gleaned from formative assessment may even provide an argument favoring the completion of a pilot project before seeking IRB approval. Yin notes that a pilot may even require more resources during data collection than the actual case study. Because of this, Yin gives detailed information regarding the selection, scope, and reports of pilot case studies.

    Quote: (Page 70) "One insight into asking good questions is to understand that research is about questions and not necessarily about answers."

    Fact: (Page 71) The point is that case study data collection is not merely a matter of recording the data in a mechanical fashion, as it is in some other types of research. You must be able to interpret the information as it is being collected and to know immediately, for instance, if several sources of information contradict one another and lead to the need for additional evidence-much like a good detective.

    Question: My question involves the problem of avoiding bias. How can one completely avoid bias? Isn't this, after all, the impetus for choosing a particular case of study? Aren't all researchers biased to a degree simply because of emotions, background experiences, and personal interests or agendas? Yin discusses methods to help combat bias (Page 72), but I'm not convinced. Dr. Hendrix, how have you overcome bias in your research?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fact: A case study protocal should contain an overview of the case study project, field procedures, case study questions, and a guide for the case study report. Page 81

    Question: Yin explains that "During data collection, only a more experienced investigator will be able to take advantage of unexpected opportunities rather than being trapped by them-and also will exercise sufficent care against potentially biased procedures." What does this mean and should this make us hesitant as reserachers? Page 68

    Quote: The main way of staying on target, of course, is to udnerstand the prupose of the case study investigation in the first place. Page 71

    ReplyDelete
  6. A Case study protocol is a way to increase reliability of a case study and can guide an investigator in carrying specific actions. Yin explains that there are four components of a case study protocol. An overview of a case study allows the investigator to determine objectives and issues and relevant readings found on the topic being studied. Field procedures focus on describing access to location of study, ensuring the protection of participants, and methods of data collection. Case study questions will provide the specific question of the study, specific arrays of data, and answers found from data collection. The guide for the case study report contains the format of data, sources of the data and the bibliographical information.
    Yin explains the importance of beginning with a pilot study because “it will refine your data collection plans with report to both the content of the data and the procedures to be followed.”

    ReplyDelete
  7. Shelley, I agree with your comment related to your quote. I think figuring out our students is a major part of our job. How can we all of a sudden stop doing our “job” and take a step back? I not only have a theory about students, other people, but I also try to put a theory to my madness.
    Ann D., I understand how important it would be for you to count on your grade level partners if you are using your data. It almost would seem that no matter what research method you are conducting, you would have to explain the importance of your research and explain to them how they can help you become successful. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  8. The case study protocol is desired to gain reliability. A protocol is an instrument used that sets the tone of the research. The protocol includes the procedures and rules to be followed while partaking in the research study. Pilot studies are a way to help the researcher improve their study for the future. I like how the book refers to it as a “dress rehearsal.” By focusing on the lessons learned from the pilot study an improved and better research study will hopefully take place.


    Fact: The following are commonly required skills for a case study: ask good questions, be a good listener, be flexible, have a grasp on the stud subject, and be unbiased.

    Quote: “An investigator can prepare to do a high-quality case study through intensive training.”

    Question: If a pilot study goes better then planned and no major changes are needed is the data gained usable in the research study?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Christina, I don't know the answer to your question, but it mentions an "experienced researcher" I am beginning to think a case study is more than I ever imagined!! Here I started to feel good about research and Yin goes and takes away any confidence I had!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Shelly, I am so proud of you!!! Also, it is hard to be unbiased with our own classes. I know for myself I get attached, just like my own child. I hate it when another teacher says they weren't good or one of my students gets in trouble when I am not around. As researchers we must be aware of this and make sure when doing our research it is not allowed. Just like Barb mentioned though can it happen???

    ReplyDelete
  11. Shelly, first of all-Way to go for being first and forging the way through Chapter 3! In response to your quote about a person being free from preconcieved notions, including those derived by theory, I, like you, spend a good deal of time trying to form theories why students, other teachers, administrators, men, and everyone else do the things they do and form my own theories. Helpful or not, I guess it's human nature to try to figure out human behavior. As I mentioned in my question, is it possible for us as researchers to be completely free from bias? I guess the key as researchers is to minimize the bias as much as possible to increase the validity of our work.

    ADotson- Regarding your quote that the investigator must be willing to adapt new procedures or plans if unexpected events occur during research, I want to go on record as saying this scares the pants off me! Being a baby resrearcher, I would prefer an outline for procedure to follow with no "messy" surprises. Of course, in the real world, doesn't every moment hold the opportunity to surprise us in good and bad ways? Research deals with people, and unexpected events are almost a certainty in life, so maybe the key is to expect some problems to come up, be as prepared as possible, and take one step at a time to deal with the problem and complete the research.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The case study protocol effectively deals with increasing reliability of case studies. Yin writes that a case study protocol should have four sections. These include an overview of the project, field procedures, case study questions and a guide for reporting the information.

    A researcher conduct a pilot case study to refine the content of the data as well as the procedures to be followed during the planned case study. Conducting a pilot is a way of working out the kinks before the actual case study is conducted.

    Question: Yin writes, "If you are able to ask good questions throughout the data collection process, a good prediction is that you also will be mentally and emotionally exhausted at the end of each day." Is it adviseable for a novice researcher with many other demands on their time and energy to take on a case study?

    Quote: (pg 67) "If not done well (data collection) the entire case study investigation can be jeopardized..."

    Fact: (pg 94) A difference between the reports of pilot case studies and actual case studies is that pilot study reports need to contain clearly defined information about the knowledge gained about research design and field procedures.

    Several of you have mentioned bias and trying to avoid it while doing a case study. It seems that would be an almost impossible task. Like Corey, I become attached to my students during those nine months when we become a "team."

    Shelly, your mind is always working! Actually, I think you develop theories daily (not weekly). But I also think that is part of what makes you a great teacher! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Case study protocols are used to increase the reliability of the research and give the researcher direction in the collection of data. Protocols include an introduction and purpose which contains case study questions and the theoretical framework. Data collection procedures, an outline of the case study report, detailed case study questions, and an evaluation are the other parts of the protocol. Researchers use pilot studies to plan and revise their plans for the data collection phase of their research. During pilot studies, researchers are able to work through any problems that arise and are able to use that knowledge to plan for their actual case study.

    Question: (70) How do we know, as novice researchers, when our case studies need to be revised or adapted? Is this flexibility something that comes with research experience?

    Quote: (71) “The point is that case study data collection is not merely a matter of recoding data in a mechanical fashion, as is in some other types of research. You must be able to interpret the information as it is being collected and to know immediately, for instance, if several sources of information contradict one another and lead to the need for additional evidence-much like a good detective.”

    Fact:(92)Pilot case studies are formative in nature. They help researchers plan and revise data collection plans and procedures. Researchers are able to test out possible research questions and clarify their research design.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Corey, I was wondering the same thing. I would guess that it would not be if a researcher was doing a single-case study, but maybe it would be if the researcher was doing a multiple case study??? Good question.

    Shelly, Good luck getting sub, if they are as hard to come by in your district as they can be in mine. Depending on what your study is, it may work out to do some team teaching with another teacher. One could lead the lesson and the other could collect data and switch off. Just an idea...not sure if that would work with your particular data collection.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The case study protocol increases the reliability of case study research and guides the investigator in data collection for a single case. According to Yin, a case study protocol should contain four major sections. First, an overview of the case study project should be present. Second, case study protocols should incorporate field procedures which include presentation of credentials, access to case study sites, definitions of participant rights protection, data sources, and procedural reminders. Third, the specific questions, constructed data tables, and potential sources of information for answering each question should be incorporated. Lastly, a guide for the case study report should round out the case study protocol.
    A major reason for conducting a pilot case study is the formative aspect which may assist the investigator in the development of research questions.

    Question: Are case studies investigated by case study teams more accepted in the research field than case studies investigated by a single researcher?

    Quote: “One insight into asking good questions is to understand that research is about questions and not necessarily about answers.” (p. 70)

    Fact: Yin points out five topics for case study preparation: 1) practice of desired skills, 2) training for a specific case study, 3) develop a protocol for the investigation, 4) screening candidate cases, and 5) conducting a pilot case study.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Chris, I almost used this statement for my quote. Is Yin trying to discourage us novices from case study research? Surely not. I appreciate his honesty in preparing us for case study research.

    Corey, I think one could most definitely use data collected from a pilot study in the main research study if no major changes were necessary. One should probably mention that the data was gathered from the pilot study.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes, if you can do it, you should mention your pilot in your methods and data collection sections. That adds weight to your study if you can do a pilot.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Corey, that is a good question if we can use data collected during the pilot study. I mean at this point, we are desperate to get done on time without having to repeat our steps.
    Ann G. I agree as I read about case study I think maybe that is a safer way to go about research, but it does say it takes more time. Maybe because it involves questioning and interviewing everybody.

    ReplyDelete