Between contextuality and comparability: a dilemma in qualitative comparative case studies

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pål Repstad
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
International Study ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
International Group ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Comparative Case Studies ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Rich Data

This chapter illustrates the challenge of obtaining notably rich data from the respective localities, while at the same time being able to draw effective and insightful comparisons. Comparative case studies contain an inherent tension between offering a useful and problem-oriented opportunity for conducting research keeping the local situation in mind and seeking more general patterns, which may turn out to be fruitful and rewarding for social science in the long run. The inherent tension in the case study method shows that there is no perfect research design for study in social science. However, when an international group of researchers has been given the means to conduct a large international study and has succeeded in the painstaking job of establishing an international framework, there are some good arguments to develop a design for the study with a minimum level of standardisation, to increase the possibilities of identifying causal mechanisms.

Magnetic Current Imaging Techniques: Comparative Case Studies

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Crépel ◽  
Philippe Descamps ◽  
Patrick Poirier ◽  
Romain Desplats ◽  
Philippe Perdu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Optimal Domain ◽  
Magnetic Current ◽  
Comparative Case Studies ◽  
Current Flows

Abstract Magnetic field based techniques have shown great capabilities for investigation of current flows in integrated circuits (ICs). After reviewing the performances of SQUID, GMR (hard disk head technologies) and MTJ existing sensors, we will present results obtained on various case studies. This comparison will show the benefit of each approach according to each case study (packaged devices, flip-chip circuits, …). Finally we will discuss on the obtained results to classify current techniques, optimal domain of applications and advantages.

THE USE OF CASE STUDY METHOD IN TEACHING THE TERMINOLOGY IN THE FIELD OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

2019 ◽  
pp. 123-130
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
The United States ◽  
Machine Building ◽  
Soil Tillage ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Agricultural Machine ◽  
Manufacturing Machine

The scientific research works concerning the field of mechanical engineering such as, manufacturing machine slate, soil tillage, sowing and harvesting based on the requirements for the implementation of agrotechnical measures for the cultivation of plants in its transportation, through the development of mastering new types of high-performance and energy-saving machines in manufacturing machine slate, creation of multifunctional machines, allowing simultaneous soil cultivation, by means of several planting operations, integration of agricultural machine designs are taken into account in manufacturing of the local universal tractor designed basing on high ergonomic indicators. For this reason, this article explores the use of case studies in teaching agricultural terminology by means analyzing the researches in machine building. Case study method was firstly used in 1870 in Harvard University of Law School in the United States. Also in the article, we give the examples of agricultural machine-building terms, teaching terminology and case methods, case study process and case studies method itself. The research works in the field of mechanical engineering and the use of case studies in teaching terminology have also been analyzed. In addition, the requirements for the development of case study tasks are given in their practical didactic nature. We also give case study models that allow us analyzing and evaluating students' activities.

Developing Computational Thinking Using Lego Education WeDo at 4th Grade of Primary Education

2021 ◽  
pp. 298-316
Author(s):  
Ana María Pinto-Llorente
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Semantic Differential ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Positive Perspective

The research was carried out at the School Santísima Trinidad in the framework of robotics education and social science. The aims of the study were to determine participants' perceptions about the effectiveness of the experience to meet the learning objective, to construct and programme robotics models, and to help pupils to become familiar with computational concepts and practices. Based on these goals, it employed a case study method in which were involved a teacher and 52 students of the fourth grade of primary education. The instruments used to collect data were a questionnaire, a semantic differential, a semi-structured interview, and a monitoring guide. The findings suggested participants' positive perspective towards the project to achieve the objectives and contents of the unit; acquire the skills of critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving; apply their knowledge to real-world problems; and become familiar with some mechanical movements and with a set of computational concepts.

scholarly journals Reconsidering the case study method in management education

1982 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-66
Author(s):  
Christopher Orpen
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Business Schools ◽  
Dominant Mode ◽  
Practical Skills ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Mode Of Instruction

This paper argues that recent criticisms of the case study method are not well-founded and that, on the contrary, there are good reasons why it should be a major, or even the dominant, mode of instruction at business schools. As a method, case studies possess a number of distinct advantages over lectures/tutorials in helping students acquire those practical skills in diagnosing and solving problems that serve to distinguish effective from ineffective managers. It is the case study method which also serves to distinguish management from other subjects and gives it the coherence it needs to be regarded as a discipline in its own right. It is argued that for these reasons the current swing away from the case study method at many business schools should be reversed.

Is There a (Viable) Crucial-Case Method?

2007 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Gerring
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Case Method ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Case Selection ◽  
Science Disciplines

Case study researchers use diverse methods to select their cases, a matter that has elicited considerable comment and no little consternation. Of all these methods, perhaps the most controversial is the crucial-case method, first proposed by Harry Eckstein several decades ago. Since Eckstein’s influential essay, the crucial-case approach has been used in a multitude of studies across several social science disciplines and has come to be recognized as a staple of the case study method. Yet the idea of any single case playing a crucial (or critical) role is not widely accepted. In this article, the method of the crucial case is explored, and a limited defense (somewhat less expansive than that envisioned by Eckstein) of that method is undertaken. A second method of case-selection, closely associated with the logic of the crucial case, is introduced: the pathway case.

scholarly journals Enhancing the Robustness of Causal Claims Based on Case Study Research on Conflict Zones: Observations from Fieldwork in Donbas

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Stefan Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Process Tracing ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Causal Inferences ◽  
Conflict Zones ◽  
Central Case ◽  
Data Requirements

Abstract Focusing on process tracing and using the example of fieldwork in Donbas, I develop an argument on what theoretically grounded and empirically detailed methodological solutions can be considered to mitigate the challenges of research on conflict zones and assure the robustness of any causal claims made. I first outline my assumptions about process tracing as the central case study method and its application to research on conflict zones, and then discuss in more detail data requirements, data collection, and data analysis. Using two examples of case studies on the war in and over Donbas, I illustrate how three standards of best-practice in process tracing—the need for a theory-guided inquiry, the necessity to enhance causal inference by paying attention to (and ruling out) rival explanations, and the importance of transparency in the design and execution of research—can be applied in the challenging circumstances of fieldwork-based case studies of conflict zones. I conclude by suggesting that as a minimum threshold for reliance upon causal inferences, these three standards also should align with a standard of evidence that requires both the theoretical and empirical plausibility of any conclusions drawn.

Case Study Method for Design Research: A Justification

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhakar Teegavarapu ◽  
Joshua D. Summers ◽  
Gregory M. Mocko
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Suitable Method ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Benchmark Study

Case studies are used in design research to analyze a phenomenon, to generate hypotheses, and to validate a method. Though they are used extensively, there appears to be no accepted systematic case study method used by design researchers. Considering its nature and objectives, the case study method could be considered as a suitable method for conducting design research. Many times, design researchers have to confront questions about the validity of using case studies and their results. The objective of this paper is to present a brief overview of case study method, compare it with other qualitative and quantitative research methods, and study the merits and limitations of using the same in design research. Requirements are derived from the general characteristics of design research. Four popular research strategies are evaluated with respect to the requirements. A preliminary benchmark study suggests that case study method is a suitable method for conducting design research.

Mega-event flagships in transformation: learning from Expo 2010 Shanghai China

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 440-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Deng ◽  
Sun Wah Poon
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Urban Renewal ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transformation Learning ◽  
Qualitative Nature ◽  
The Right ◽  
Mega Event

Purpose – This paper aims to seek a greater understanding of the conceptualization of mega-event flagship (MEF) development as a point of departure to forge the much-needed organizational capacities in these regions. An MEF constitutes a temporarily themed venue for a mega-event and a transforming force on corresponding urban renewal. The unfailing demand for MEFs from emerging hosts after historical failures in the West draws attention to a glaring weakness of extant literature in wanting of evidence-based case studies. Design/methodology/approach – Due to the explorative nature of research and the context-dependent complexities, the case study method is used for studying the case of Theme Pavilion – one of the four key flagships led by Expo 2010 to catalyze an ambitious urban renewal in Shanghai, China. The focus is on its conceptualization process (2004-2007) where different copying strategies were tested and consolidated to facilitate the post-event transformation. Data were collected mainly through participant observation in that duration. Findings – For future Expo hosts, exhibition center developers and the event industry, the study concludes with eight constructive lessons, namely, clustering strategy, different integration, pre-post orientation, diversification for adaptation, development by stage, flexible mindset, the end crowns the work and building local capacity. Research limitations/implications – Given the qualitative nature of the study, some results may not be fully generalizable. While showing the possibility of sustaining MEF development given the right coping strategy, it also reveals implementation difficulties and emphasizes the importance of continued case studies. Originality/value – The study will contribute fresh insights into forging better strategies to cope with transformation difficulties of MEF development and building greater capacity to accomplish affiliated renewals and other significantly comparable urban projects in emerging economies.

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