Research Approaches and Field Work Methods

1
Research Approaches and Field Work Methods

• Interpretive vs. Positivist Research
• Action Research
• Case Studies
• Longitudinal Research
• Comparative Research
• Surveys vs. Survey Research

2
Research Approaches and Field Work Methods

• Field Research Documentation
• Interviewing
• Observations
• Ethnographic Research
• Visual, Photo documentation, Audio
• Documented Records Forms
• Information Communication Systems
• Actors Networks
• Histories (local, global)

3
Research Approaches and Field Work Methods

• Case Study Research Design Methods, Robert K.
  Yin, Applied Social Research Methods Series,
  Volume 5. NY, London Sage Publications, Inc.,
  1994.
• Designing case studies different types of case
  studies criteria for quality of research designs
• Preparing for data collection research skills
  training preparation case study protocol
  pilot case study
• Collecting evidence sources principles
• Analyzing case study evidence modes of analysis
  pressing for high quality analysis
• Composing the case study report audiences
  varieties procedures what makes an exemplary
  case study?

4
Research Approaches and Field Work Methods

• What makes an exemplary case study?
• Significance of the case study
• A single case can have significance
• Completeness
• Well defined boundaries of the case
• Critical evidence has been given complete
  attention
• Consideration of alternative perspectives
• Perspectives of all major actors
• Sufficient evidence presented in case study
  analysis
• Reader can reach an independent judgment of its
  merits
• Engaging write-up
• Enthusiasm for meaning of findings results