Case Study Research Methods

by Bill Gillham

More people than ever are using case studies in research, yet there is very little guidance on how to construct case studies effectively. Drawing on his vast experience of teaching and mentoring researchers, Bill Gillham here provides a comprehensive guide to this popular method of research.Using real-life examples throughout, Case Study Research Methods guides the reader through all the stages of a case study, from initial design to the processing and writing up of findings. Especially detailed guidance offered on observation techniques, using documentary and electronic sources and physical artifacts, conducting interviews and analyzing and writing up case-study data.

114 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Abtin Mainson]

A weak book with lots of faults or incomplete guides. It is better to dedicate your precious time to a better book.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good basic understanding of case studies - 2*

[Usfromdk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Given my background I don't have a high opinion of this kind of stuff, but I figured it couldn't hurt to read the book as it wasn't very long and given that it might yield some insight into the research methods applied in the humanities. In that respect the book is far from completely worthless, but I was along the way mainly debating with myself whether to give the book one star or two. In the very last pages of the book the author made the decision easy for me:

"single cases can carry a powerful argument even when they do not have [a] 'life or death' quality. [...] single cases [...] have altered our understanding of what IQ means: that it doesn't set a limit on what people can achieve."

Yeah, well...

The book's as mentioned not completely worthless and this may well be a difficult topic to cover well. But I didn't like this book.

[Duncan Maccoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential and enjoyable material. A short book with unending answers to most questions about case study research methods. I wish my MBA examiner had read this. Now no longer required and for sale in another place .