Case Study Research and Applications

Robert K. Yin is President of COSMOS Corporation, an applied research and social science firm.  Over the years, COSMOS has successfully completed hundreds of projects for federal agencies, state and local agencies, and private foundations.

Recognized as one of the most cited methodology books in the social sciences, the Sixth Edition of Robert K. Yin's bestselling text provides a complete portal to the world of case study research. With the integration of 11 applications in this edition, the book gives readers access to exemplary case studies drawn from a wide variety of academic and applied fields. Ultimately, Case Study Research and Applications will guide students in the successful design and use of the case study research method.New to this Edition Includes 11 in-depth applications that show how researchers have implemented case study methods successfully.Increases reference to relativist and constructivist approaches to case study research, as well as how case studies can be part of mixed methods projects.Places greater emphasis on using plausible rival explanations to bolster case study quality.Discusses synthesizing findings across case studies in a multiple-case study in more detailAdds an expanded list of 15 fields that have text or texts devoted to case study research.Sharpens discussion of distinguishing research from non-research case studies.The author brings to light at least three remaining gaps to be filled in the future:how rival explanations can become more routinely integrated into all case study research;the difference between case-based and variable-based approaches to designing and analyzing case studies; andthe relationship between case study research and qualitative research.

ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorChapter 1. Getting Started: How to Know Whether and When to Use the Case Study as a Research Method Being Ready for the Challenge, and Setting High Expectations Comparing Case Studies With Other Social Science Research Methods Variations in Case Studies, but a Common Definition Addressing Traditional Concerns About Case Study Research Summary Notes to Chapter 1Chapter 2. Designing Case Studies: Identifying Your Case(s) and Establishing the Logic of Your Case Study General Approach to Designing Case Studies The Role of Theory in Research Designs Criteria for Judging the Quality of Research Designs Case Study Research Designs Modest Advice in Selecting Case Study Designs Notes to Chapter 2 Application #1: An Exploratory Case Study: How New Organizational Practices Become Routinized Application #2: Defining the "Case" in a Case Study: Linking Job Training and Economic Development Initiatives at the Local Level Application #3: How "Discovery" Can Occur in the Field: Social Stratification in a Midsized CommunityChapter 3. Preparing to Collect Case Study Evidence: What You Need to Do Before Starting to Collect Case Study Data The Case Study Researcher: Desired Skills and Values Preparation and Training for a Specific Case Study The Case Study Protocol Screening the Candidate Cases for Your Case Study The Pilot Case Study Summary Notes to Chapter 3Chapter 4. Collecting Case Study Evidence: The Principles You Should Follow in Working With Six Sources of Evidence Six Sources of Evidence Four Principles of Data Collection Summary Notes to Chapter 4 Application #4: Doing Interviews in the Field: Citizens on Patrol Application #5: Making Field Observations: First Day in an Urban Neighborhood Application #6: Assembling a Question-and-Answer Database: A Case Study of a Community OrganizationChapter 5. Analyzing Case Study Evidence: How to Start Your Analysis, Your Analytic Choices, and How They Work An Analytic Strategy: More Than Relying on Analytic Tools Five Analytic Techniques Pressing for a High-Quality Analysis Summary Notes to Chapter 5 Application #7: Using a Case Study to Compare Directly Competing Rival Hypotheses: Whether Military Base Closures Produce Catastrophic Economic Impacts or Not Application #8: A Nutshell Example of an Explanatory Case Study: How a Federal Award Affected a University Computer Department Application #9: An Explanatory Case Study: Transforming a Business Firm Through Strategic PlanningChapter 6. Reporting Case Studies: How and What to Compose Audiences for Case Study Research Varieties of Case Study Compositions Procedures in Composing a Case Study What Makes an Exemplary Case Study? Notes to Chapter 6 Application #10: A Multiple-Case Study Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Proposal Processing at 17 UniversitiesAppendix A. A Note on the Uses of Case Study Research in PsychologyAppendix B. A Note on the Uses of Case Study Research in Evaluations Application #11: An Evaluation Case Study: Evaluation of a Community Coalition's CampaignBrief Glossary of Terms Directly Related to Case Study ResearchReferencesAuthor IndexSubject Index