"Watch out: The term “case study” in teaching is different from a researchcase study! Definition: A detailed study based upon the observation of the intrinsicdetails of individuals, groups or organizations. Looks in depth at one, or asmall number of groups, organizations, events (or individuals), generallyover time. Either single case study approach (usually constructionist ) or multiple casestudy approach (usually positivists)Should have some research questions in mind, clear unit of analysisUsually involved multiple sources of data (triangulation), e.g. minutes ofmeetings, interviews, focus groups, emails, company reports, etc.Usually aims at developing theory. 17Dr Nataliya Shiraz 2016/17 Combination of qualitative and quantitative research Example: After seeing the results of a large survey, a certain group ofpeople (with particularly interesting answers) are chosen to beinterviewedor to take part in a focus group discussion.Pros: Increases confidence, enhances validity of the study, betterinferences are possibleMore flexibility and diversity of views to combine exploration andconfirmationOvercomes limitations of a single methodCons: Questions have to be designed to connect across methodsData collected from each method needs a separate analysisMore resources, higher level of knowledge & skills required by theresearcher18Dr Nataliya Shiraz 2016/17 • Borrowed from the engineering profession, to ensure increasedaccuracy of results, three measurements are taken rather thantwo. • The purpose of triangulation is to add more depth and breadth tobetter understand a research area.Results converging fromdifferent methods strengthen and corroborate the researchfindings and evidence.There are four types of triangulations:1. methodological triangulation2. data triangulation3. investigator triangulation4. interdisciplinary triangulation19Dr Nataliya Shiraz 2016/17 Methodological triangulation: This involves the use ofmultiple methods to collect data e.g. questionnaires,interviews, focus groups or observations to see if thedata analysis produces similar and consistent results.Data triangulation: This involves the use of multiplesources of data e.g. additional data is sourced from: ?different groups of people within the organisation (could beinternal and external stakeholders) or?secondary sources such as information or data sets that arepublished on the Internet.20Dr Nataliya Shiraz 2016/17 "