The document “Case Study Research Methods” by Bill Gillham provides a comprehensive guide to conducting case study research. Here are the main points:
The document “Case Study Research Methods” by Bill Gillham provides a comprehensive guide to conducting case study research. Here are the main points:
- Introduction to Case Study Research:
- Definition and characteristics of case studies.
- Importance of context and multiple sources of evidence.
- Research Preliminaries:
- Initial steps in research, including literature review and understanding the case context.
- Developing research aims and questions.
- Evidence Collection:
- Various types of evidence: documents, records, interviews, observations, and physical artifacts.
- Importance of maintaining a research log and database.
- Observation Techniques:
- Participant and detached observation methods.
- Structured observation and preparing observation schedules.
- Interviewing:
- Different types of interviews: elite, semi-structured, and group interviews.
- Preparation, conducting, and analyzing interviews.
- Quantitative Data:
- Use of descriptive and inferential statistics in case study research.
- Time series analysis and pattern matching.
- Physical Artifacts:
- Importance of physical evidence in research.
- Using photographs and videos to document artifacts.
- Writing the Research Report:
- Structuring the report and presenting findings.
- Importance of clear writing and maintaining a chain of evidence.
- The Power of Case Studies:
- Impact of detailed case studies on understanding and policy changes.
- Examples of influential case studies in various fields.
This document emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to case study research, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case.
The book “Case Study Research Methods” by Bill Gillham provides a comprehensive guide to conducting case study research. It covers the definition and characteristics of case studies, research preliminaries, evidence collection, observation techniques, interviewing, quantitative data, physical artifacts, writing the research report, and the impact of detailed case studies on understanding and policy changes. The book emphasizes a systematic approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case.