Case Study Research design

A good case study research design includes a statement of the purpose of the research, initial research
questions, review of related literature, and a rationale for the selection of the case. Specifically, the case
study researcher should:

 Determine the research questions

 Define the case under study
 Determine the role of theory development in case selection.
 Determine the theoretical and conceptual framework of the case study
 Determine whether a single case study, a multiple case study, or a collective case study is
appropriate

Sample Selection in Case study Research

Qualitative sampling is the process of selecting a small number of individuals for a study in such a way
that the individuals chosen will be able to help the researcher understand the phenomenon under
investigation. In case study research, the researcher is charged with selecting the unit of analysis. The
most common form of sampling is purposive or purposeful sampling. the case study researcher should
consider a screening procedure to avoid the problems associated with choosing a particular case or
cases. Screening helps the researcher determine whether a case study participant has the necessary
experience or knowledge of the phenomenon under investigation.

A screening procedure may include the following steps:

 Review documents about the proposed case study site to determine whether or not it is an
appropriate choice.
 Conduct informal interviews of key participants in the study to determine their willingness to
participate in the study and to ensure that they fully understand the nature of their
commitment over the length of the study.
 Determine whether the case study participants have the necessary experience and knowledge
of the phenomenon under investigation and the ability to provide information.

Data Collection Technique

Case study researchers use the same data collection techniques used by researchers conducting other
genres of qualitative research with the aim of seeking understanding about the case under investigation.
Case study researchers must also be concerned with triangulation.