Cited by 7,594Qualitative Research Methods and ApplicationsQualitative Comparative Analysis ResearchMethodology and Impact of Social Science Research

Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice Researchers

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Baxter, Pamela, Jack, Susan·2015·The Qualitative Report

Abstract

Qualitative case study methodology provides tools for researchers to study complex phenomena within their contexts. When the approach is applied correctly, it becomes a valuable method for health science research to develop theory, evaluate programs, and develop interventions. The purpose of this paper is to guide the novice researcher in identifying the key elements for designing and implementing qualitative case study research projects. An overview of the types of case study designs is provided along with general recommendations for writing the research questions, developing propositions, determining the “case” under study, binding the case and a discussion of data sources and triangulation. To facilitate application of these principles, clear examples of research questions, study propositions and the different types of case study designs are provided.

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  1. Baxter, P. (2000). An exploration of student decision making as experienced by second year baccalaureate nursing students in a surgical clinical setting. Unpublished master's thesis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
  2. Baxter, P., & Rideout, L. (2006). Decision making of 2nd year baccalaureate nursing students. Journal of Nursing Education, 45(4), 121-128.
  3. Russell, C., Gregory, D., Ploeg, J., DiCenso, A., & Guyatt, G. (2005). Qualitative research. In A. DiCenso, G. Guyatt, & D. Ciliska (Eds.), Evidence-based nursing: A guide to clinical practice (pp. 120-135). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

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Authors
Baxter, P., & Jack, S.
Affiliations
McMaster University (CA)
Venue
The Qualitative Report
Published
2015-01-14
ISSN
  • 1052-0147 (ISSN-L)
  • 2160-3715
OpenAlex
W2131919497
Cited by
7,594
References
47
Citations by year
2026: 142 · 2025: 323 · 2024: 503 · 2023: 517 · 2022: 491 · 2021: 764 · 2020: 754 · 2019: 754 · 2018: 625 · 2017: 645 · 2016: 595 · 2015: 468 · 2014: 377 · 2013: 303 · 2012: 170
FWCI
3854.89
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc-sa
Locations
  • The Qualitative Report (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • NSUWorks (Nova Southeastern University) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Comparative Analysis Research
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Methodology and Impact of Social Science Research
Keywords
qualitative case study, case study design, novice researchers, research questions, case selection, triangulation, data sources, health research, theory development, program evaluation, intervention development

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