Page 74 - Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

CASE STUDY AS A METHoD oF RESEARCH n 41

typical, extreme, critical, unique, or revela- context and processes surrounding the phe-
tory case (Yin, 2003). When the purpose of the nomenon under investigation. A discussion
study is theory generation, a multiple-case of the results is also included in the reports, C
design is appropriate. Multiple-case design which can contain inferences about how
draws inferences and interpretations from a these results fit with the existing literature
group of cases. The multiple-case design is and practice implications.
also useful to add depth to explanatory and The standard measures of reliability and
descriptive studies. validity apply to case studies that are quanti-
Data for case study can be qualitative tative. The criteria developed by Lincoln and
or quantitative and often includes both in Guba (1985) are used to evaluate qualitative
the same study depending on the research case studies. When a study meets the criteria
question. Data from multiple sources, archi- for credibility, transferability, dependabil-
val data, field notes, interview tapes (audio ity, and confirmability, it is considered to be
or video), direct observation, participant trustworthy (reliable and valid). Credibility
observation, logs, documents, and narra- of the interpretations is supported by tech-
tives generate a comprehensive and rich case niques such as triangulation of data collec-
study. Every source of data has strengths and tion methods, negative case analysis, and
weaknesses, but when used together the ben- checking the interpretation with the par-
efits of each combine to diminish the weak- ticipants themselves. Transferability (gener-
nesses and strengthen the outcome. alizability) is an indication of whether the
Data analysis in case study is guided findings or conclusions of the study fit in
by the propositions and the type of data. other contexts and fit with the existing liter-
Qualitative data analysis techniques, content ature. When another person is able to follow
analysis, analytic induction, constant com- the researcher’s audit trail or the process and
parison, and phenomenological analysis are procedures of the inquiry, then the study is
used in case study depending on the type considered to be dependable. Confirmability
of data and research question. Planned case is achieved when the results, conclusions,
studies are generally analyzed using pat- and recommendations are supported in the
tern matching because the multiple sources data and the audit trail is evident.
of data contribute to similar phenomena Case study method is a comprehensive
(Gangeness & Yurkovich, 2006). Because research strategy used to examine phenom-
there are no fixed formulas for analyzing ena of interest to nursing within the real-life
qualitative data, the researcher’s own rigor- context. As a method, it has survived the pos-
ous thinking is paramount, giving consid- itivist debate and is being used more often in
eration to alternative interpretations (Yin, nursing. on the basis of the fact that case stud-
2003). If data are quantitative in nature, anal- ies are reported almost exclusively in peer-
ysis is similar to any quantitative study and reviewed journals (benchmarks of quality),
is dependent on the research question. it can be stated that case study is an accepted
Case study reports are presented in a research method/design in nursing. An ongo-
variety of ways, from formal written narra- ing challenge to the utility of case study as a
tives to creative montages of photographs, research method in nursing is the continued
videotape, and arts and craft work. Most case debate and lack of clarity in what case study
study reports in nursing are formal written actual is. Case study method fits with the cur-
narratives appearing in peer-reviewed jour- rent trend in inquiry that supports flexibility
nals. There are no rules or standardized in epistemology, ontology, methodology, and
ways to write a report, but most case stud- research strategy (Denzin & Lincoln, 2000).
ies include an explanation of the problem
or issue and a detailed description of the Debera Jane Thomas