How to do your case study / Gary Thomas

Includes bibliographical references (pages 284-294) and index.

Stage 1. Getting your bearings. What is a case study? -- The case study and research design -- The whole is more than the sum of the parts: seeing a complete picture -- Rigour and quality in your case study: what's important? -- Ethics -- Stage 2. Choosing a case and structuring your study. Different kinds of case studies: selecting a subject for your case study -- Your purpose: thinking about the object of your study -- Your approach: theory testing or theory building; interpretation or illustration -- Your process: the shape, style and manner of your case study -- Stage 3. Collecting evidence, analysing and writing up. Out in the field: some ways to collect data and evidence -- Analysis: a toolkit for analysing and thinking in case study -- Writing your study.

"This accessible guide takes you through the process of designing, conducting and writing up a research project using case study methods. In his characteristic warm and friendly style, Gary Thomas covers each step at a confidence-building pace, helping you to get to grips with the theory and practice of doing a case study. Focusing on vital issues like validity, reliability and quality in research, the author helps you ensure your research is rigorous and methodologically sound."--Publisher's description.