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All 17 Flashcards — Case studies
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Question
What is a case study?
Answer
An in-depth investigation of a single person, group or event, usually using several methods.
Question
When are case studies used?
Answer
For rare, complex or unrepeatable cases too unusual for other methods.
Question
How does a case study collect its data?
Answer
Through other methods combined on the same case: interviews, observations, tests and records, often over time.
Question
One strength of case studies?
Answer
Rich, detailed, realistic data on complex cases; high ecological validity.
Question
One limitation of case studies?
Answer
Findings may not generalise and they can't establish cause and effect.
Question
Why can a single case be influential?
Answer
A striking case can reshape a theory, even though it can't be generalised.
Question
Depth or breadth?
Answer
A case study gives depth on one case. A survey or an experiment gives breadth across many people.
Question
Can a case study show cause and effect?
Answer
No — that requires a controlled experiment.
Question
One risk to a case study's objectivity?
Answer
Researcher subjectivity, and distortion when relying on memory of the past.
Question
Which concept does it link to?
Answer
Measurement — many kinds of data build one rich picture.
Question
What is triangulation?
Answer
Using two or more methods, data sources, researchers or theories to study the same thing and cross-check findings.
Question
Four types of triangulation?
Answer
Method, data, researcher and theoretical.
Question
What is reflexivity?
Answer
The researcher reflecting on how their own beliefs and role may have shaped the study.
Question
Credibility (qualitative research)?
Answer
How far the findings truly reflect participants' experiences; improved by triangulation, reflexivity and credibility checks.
Question
What is method triangulation?
Answer
Using two or more methods on the same case, such as interviews, tests and observation, so each can check the others.
Question
Generalise or transfer?
Answer
Generalise: apply findings to a whole population. Transfer: apply them to a similar case or context. Case studies transfer.
Question
Why is a case study low in reliability?
Answer
The case is unique, so the study cannot be repeated to check the result.
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Topic 2.4 hub
Research methodology
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