Case studies stand out to me from other research methods in that they really present a very unique, in-depth picture of a specific setting, population, etc. Also, they seem to be able to draw on different methods and data collection, like surveys, interviews, observations, etc. I think this is powerful because they use this mixed methods approach to tell a more in-depth story of what is going on.
In this same vein, they seem to me more anecdotal because they are covering several layers of a more personalized setting, and tend to be with smaller groups, so this keeps it out of the generalizable pattern. Additionally, I think case studies help to tell a bigger picture through this small sampling, or at least offer avenues for further exploration and research.
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I think your focus on in-depth and detailed description is really important here. That's a big part of case study for me - the opportunity to really study a context rather than just variables within a context. Both are obviously important and both have their limitations, as you have pointed out.
ReplyDeleteI like that you are thinking of this as a place of exploration. Do you think case study will be a part of your larger research agenda (ie the diss)?
I am really leaning toward using the case study approach. Especially because I would likely have a small group in my study and really want to use this to launch me into further research on young girls and exergames. At first, I kind of felt like the case study approach was maybe less rigorous and therefore less credible than say, grounded research. But that was before I read all these samples and realized that's what you did in your study. Barb had also suggested using this for the type of study I wanted to do. So yes, I think I may do this and will use blogs, video closets and probably one-one interviews with participants as part of the overall project. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think doing a case study would definitely help you search out some of the larger questions you may have. Sometimes when I am teaching I come across an issue with students; I will search out why the issue came into existance by using a little mixed methods research. Then, I am left with the bigger questions. Can I actually find out if this issue exists within the greater context of teaching and the field I embody? So, a case study might be just what you need to continue on the journey of questions you will inevitably ask and need answered.
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