Page 69 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Methodology of Research and Statistical Techniques

Notes data into the database so that it can be used independently as well as integrated when the case
study progresses to the point of cross-case examination of data for all four cases.
Step 5. Evaluate and Analyze the Data
Within-case analysis is the first analysis technique used with each non-profit organization
under study. The assigned investigator studies each organization?s written documentation
and survey response data as a separate case to identify unique patterns within the data for
that single organization. Individual investigators prepare detailed case study write-ups for
each organization, categorizing interview questions and answers and examining the data for
within-group similarities and differences.
Cross-case analysis follows. Investigators examine pairs of cases, categorizing the similarities
and differences in each pair. Investigators then examine similar pairs for differences, and
dissimilar pairs for similarities. As patterns begin to emerge, certain evidence may stand out
as being in conflict with the patterns. In those cases, the investigator conducts follow-up
focused interviews to confirm or correct the initial data in order to tie the evidence to the
findings and to state relationships in answer to the research questions.

Step 6. Prepare the Report
The outline of the report includes thanking all of the participants, stating the problem, listing
the research questions, describing the methods used to conduct the research and any potential
flaws in the method used, explaining the data gathering and analysis techniques used, and
concluding with the answers to the questions and suggestions for further research. Key features
of the report include a retelling of specific stories related to the successes or disappointments
experienced by the organizations that were conveyed during data collection, and answers or
comments illuminating issues directly related to the research questions.
The researcher develops each issue using quotations or other details from the data collected,
and points out the triangulation of data where applicable. The report also includes confirming
and conflicting findings from literature reviews. The report conclusion makes assertions and
suggestions for further research activity, so that another researcher may apply these techniques
to another electronic community network and its participants to determine whether similar
findings are identifiable in other communities. Final report distribution includes all participants.

Applicability to Library and Information Science
Case study research, with its applicability across many disciplines, is an appropriate methodology
to use in library studies. In Library and Information Science, case study research has been
used to study reasons why library school programs close (Paris, 1988), to examine reference
service practices in university library settings (Lawson, 1971), and to examine how questions
are negotiated between customers and librarians (Taylor, 1967). Much of the research is focused
exclusively on the librarian as the object or the customer as the object. Researchers could use
the case study method to further study the role of the librarian in implementing specific
models of service. For example, case study research could examine how information-seeking
behavior in public libraries compares with information-seeking behavior in places other than
libraries, to conduct in-depth studies of non-library community based information services to
compare with library based community information services, and to study community networks
based in libraries.

Conclusion
Case studies are complex because they generally involve multiple sources of data, may include
multiple cases within a study, and produce large amounts of data for analysis. Researchers

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