Case Studies Case Study Research 2

Question 1

According to Robert Yin, case study research is most appropriate when the research question takes which form?

Accepted Answer

How or why questions about contemporary events

Answer

Yin argues case studies suit 'how' and 'why' questions about contemporary phenomena the researcher cannot control.

Question 2

In an embedded single-case design, what distinguishes it from a holistic single-case design?

Accepted Answer

It includes multiple units of analysis within the case

Answer

An embedded design examines subunits (e.g., departments within one organization) inside a single case, while a holistic design treats the case as one unit.

Question 3

A researcher selects a case because it offers unusual access to a phenomenon rarely open to scientific observation. Yin calls this rationale for a single-case design the:

Accepted Answer

Revelatory case

Answer

A revelatory case justifies single-case design because it exposes a previously inaccessible phenomenon.

Question 4

Which tactic most directly strengthens construct validity in a case study?

Accepted Answer

Using multiple sources of evidence that converge on the same facts

Answer

Triangulating multiple evidence sources establishes converging lines of inquiry, the core tactic for construct validity.

Question 5

Robert Stake's concept of an 'instrumental' case study means the case is studied primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Provide insight into an issue or refine a theory beyond the case itself

Answer

In Stake's typology, an instrumental case serves as a means to understand something broader than the particular case.

Case Studies Practice Test

Case Studies Practice Test

Case Studies Case Study Research 2