From: The case study approach
Potential pitfall | Mitigating action |
---|---|
Selecting/conceptualising the wrong case(s) resulting in lack of theoretical generalisations | Developing in-depth knowledge of theoretical and empirical literature, justifying choices made |
Collecting large volumes of data that are not relevant to the case or too little to be of any value | Focus data collection in line with research questions, whilst being flexible and allowing different paths to be explored |
Defining/bounding the case | Focus on related components (either by time and/or space), be clear what is outside the scope of the case |
Lack of rigour | Triangulation, respondent validation, the use of theoretical sampling, transparency throughout the research process |
Ethical issues | Anonymise appropriately as cases are often easily identifiable to insiders, informed consent of participants |
Integration with theoretical framework | Allow for unexpected issues to emerge and do not force fit, test out preliminary explanations, be clear about epistemological positions in advance |