Case Study Method : Key Issues, Key Texts

by Roger Gomm

• ISBN13: 9780761964131
• ISBN10: 0761964134
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-12-19
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd

Summary

This is the most comprehensive guide to the current uses and importance of case study methods in social research. The editors bring together key contributions from the field which reflect different interpretations of the purpose and capacity of case study research. The address issues such as: the problem of generalizing from study of a small number of cases; and the role of case study in developing and testing theories. The editors offer in-depth assessments of the main arguments. An annotated bibliography of the literature dealing with case study research makes this an exhaustive and indispensable guide. 'This is a worthwhile book which will be useful to readers. It collects together key sources on a topic which is a "hardy perennial", guaranteeing its relevance for academics, researchers, and students on higher level methods programmes. The editorial contributions are by well-known authorities in the field, are carefully-constructed, and take a clear position. I would certainly want this book on my shelf' - Nigel Fielding, University of Surrey

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Acknowledgments	viii
Introduction	1	(16)
Martyn Hammersley
Roger Gomm
Intrinsic Case Study and Generalizability	17	(100)
The Case Study Method in Social Inquiry	19	(8)
Robert E. Stake
The Only Generalization is: There is No Generalization	27	(18)
Yvonna S. Lincoln
Egon G. Guba
Generalizability and the Single-Case Study	45	(24)
Robert Donmoyer
Increasing the Generalizability of Qualitative Research	69	(29)
Janet Ward Schofield
Case Study and Generalization	98	(19)
Roger Gomm
Martyn Hammersley
Peter Foster
Case Study and Theory	117	(142)
Case Study and Theory in Political Science	119	(46)
Harry Eckstein
Case and Situation Analysis	165	(22)
J. Clyde Mitchell
The Logical Structure of Analytic Induction	187	(9)
W.S. Robinson
The Quest for Universals in Socialogical Research	196	(12)
Ralph H. Turner
Small N's and Big Conclusions: An Examination of the Reasoning in Comparative Studies Based on a Small Number of Cases	208	(15)
Stanley Lieberson
Cases, Causes, Conjunctures, Stories and Imagery	223	(11)
Howard S. Becker
Case Study and Theory	234	(25)
Martyn Hammersley
Roger Gomm
Peter Foster
An Annotated Bibliography	259	(12)
Index	271