Embedded Case Study Methods
Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Knowledge
- Roland W. Scholz - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Olaf Tietje - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
Case Study & Narrative Analysis | Cognitive Psychology (General) | Decision Analysis
This if a very informative book with regards to embedded case studies and whilst I think the information is valuable, I believe this may be more beneficial for postgraduate study rather than undergraduate study.
This is a bold contribution to case study methodology, perhaps more suitable for postgraduate student considering a mixed methods approach, or a research team collaborating on a new type of project. Scholz and team introduce the transdisciplinary case study approach (TCS), which they developed at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH). There are case studies from 5 different disciplines: neuropsychology, education, law, business, and environmental sciences. An excellent guide for any researcher contemplating a trans-disciplinary or complex case study.
The book is at the forefront of assessing good case study approaches, how they can be managed, and the conditions under which they are effective. The book makes academics aware of useful theories to explore ways in which case studies can be useful.
Embedded case study methods: Integrating quantitative and qualitative knowledge focuses on different aspects of the case study research approach, and argues that systematic embedded case studies can be used as a research methodology in its own right. The authors show how embedded case studies can be employed to qualitative, quantitative and mixed research approaches. The text provides examples of how embedded case studies can be used in different fields to solve complex research problems in areas such as: neuropsychology, educational sciences, law, business and environmental science. The book consists of 20 chapters which are divided into four parts. Part one covers case study design and synthesis which introduces the reader to different types of case studies and their design, as well as the purpose and methods of knowledge integration. Part two discusses methods of knowledge integration in relation to the different methods which can be applied to different types of embedded case studies in areas such as: integrated risk management, life cycle assessment, mediation – area development, bio-ecological potential analysis, methods for medical cases, and more cases are listed in the book, as well as how to choose the right method for different areas of research. Part three contains the largest amount of chapters within the book and its main focus is about discussing in detail the methods which were briefly present to the reader previously in part two of the text. Part four covers validation perspectives in terms of setting out the rationale for research projects and providing validation of embedded case studies. The text includes useful tables and illustrations throughout the book to aid the read and is assessable for both undergraduate and postgraduate students planning to employ embedded case study research.
This is a wonderfully in-depth reference for case study research. It does a fine job of presenting the analytic nature of case study research, which is suitable for doctoral level study.
