Page 66 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Unit 4: Historical and Experimental Research Methods

the evaluation and analysis process, the researcher remains open to new opportunities and Notes
insights. The case study method, with its use of multiple data collection methods and analysis
techniques, provides researchers with opportunities to triangulate data in order to strengthen
the research findings and conclusions.
The tactics used in analysis force researchers to move beyond initial impressions to improve
the likelihood of accurate and reliable findings. Exemplary case studies will deliberately sort
the data in many different ways to expose or create new insights and will deliberately look
for conflicting data to disconfirm the analysis. Researchers categorize, tabulate, and recombine
data to address the initial propositions or purpose of the study, and conduct cross-checks of
facts and discrepancies in accounts. Focused, short, repeat interviews may be necessary to
gather additional data to verify key observations or check a fact.

Specific techniques include placing information into arrays, creating matrices of categories,
creating flow charts or other displays, and tabulating frequency of events. Researchers use the
quantitative data that has been collected to corroborate and support the qualitative data which
is most useful for understanding the rationale or theory underlying relationships. Another
technique is to use multiple investigators to gain the advantage provided when a variety of
perspectives and insights examine the data and the patterns. When the multiple observations
converge, confidence in the findings increases. Conflicting perceptions, on the other hand,
cause the researchers to pry more deeply.

Another technique, the cross-case search for patterns, keeps investigators from reaching premature
conclusions by requiring that investigators look at the data in many different ways. Cross-case
analysis divides the data by type across all cases investigated. One researcher then examines
the data of that type thoroughly. When a pattern from one data type is corroborated by the
evidence from another, the finding is stronger. When evidence conflicts, deeper probing of the
differences is necessary to identify the cause or source of conflict. In all cases, the researcher
treats the evidence fairly to produce analytic conclusions answering the original “how” and
“why” research questions.
Step 6. Prepare the report

Exemplary case studies report the data in a way that transforms a complex issue into one that
can be understood, allowing the reader to question and examine the study and reach an
understanding independent of the researcher. The goal of the written report is to portray a
complex problem in a way that conveys a vicarious experience to the reader. Case studies
present data in very publicly accessible ways and may lead the reader to apply the experience
in his or her own real-life situation. Researchers pay particular attention to displaying sufficient
evidence to gain the reader's confidence that all avenues have been explored, clearly communicating
the boundaries of the case, and giving special attention to conflicting propositions.
Techniques for composing the report can include handling each case as a separate chapter or
treating the case as a chronological recounting. Some researchers report the case study as a
story. During the report preparation process, researchers critically examine the document
looking for ways the report is incomplete. The researcher uses representative audience groups
to review and comment on the draft document. Based on the comments, the researcher rewrites
and makes revisions. Some case study researchers suggest that the document review audience
include a journalist and some suggest that the documents should be reviewed by the participants
in the study.

Did u know? The case study research design have evolved over the past few years as a
useful tool for investigating trends and specific situations in many scientific
disciplines.

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