Case Study Observational Research: A Framework for Conducting Case Study Research Where Observation Data Are the Focus

Abstract

Case study research is a comprehensive method that incorporates multiple sources of data to provide detailed accounts of complex research phenomena in real-life contexts. However, current models of case study research do not particularly distinguish the unique contribution observation data can make. Observation methods have the potential to reach beyond other methods that rely largely or solely on self-report. This article describes the distinctive characteristics of case study observational research, a modified form of Yin's 2014 model of case study research the authors used in a study exploring interprofessional collaboration in primary care. In this approach, observation data are positioned as the central component of the research design. Case study observational research offers a promising approach for researchers in a wide range of health care settings seeking more complete understandings of complex topics, where contextual influences are of primary concern. Future research is needed to refine and evaluate the approach.

Best intentions or best practice? A case study of the nutritional needs and outcomes of a person with dementia living in a residential aged care home

“…However, an evaluation of a single case can provide instrumental insights that are of wider relevance than the case (eg, Borley, Sixsmith, & Church, ; Flyvbjerg, ; Hellström et al, ; Jaffe & Wellin, ). Importantly, ethnographic single‐case descriptions can serve as a viable initial strategy to plan and implement further investigations that will incorporate larger‐sample mixed methods research designs (Morgan, Pullon, Macdonald, McKinlay, & Gray, ; Yin, ).…”

Shared reading as a practice for fostering early learning in an Early Childhood Education and Care centre: a naturalistic, comparative study of one infant's experiences with two educators

“…In order to capture naturally occurring talk in the ECEC setting (Baxter and Jack, 2008;Morgan et al, 2017;Thiese, 2014), this research involved minimal intervention and manipulation of the context. The video recordings of the two shared reading episodes were transcribed verbatim by a second Research Assistant (RA2), and all relevant situational information was noted.…”

A Social E-Learning Experience in the Raval Neighbourhood: Human Perceptions and Community Development

“…Entering in such community required to buil-up some rapport over time (in other words the researcher is also a member of the group being observed, Morgan, et al 2016). One of the researchers was attending the center once a week and systematically observing people in naturally occurring contexts, which could potentially reveal more information than individuals could recall or be aware of (Mays & Pope, 1995;Morse, 2003;Mulhall, 2003;Morgan et al, 2016).…”

“…One of the researchers was attending the center once a week and systematically observing people in naturally occurring contexts, which could potentially reveal more information than individuals could recall or be aware of (Mays & Pope, 1995;Morse, 2003;Mulhall, 2003;Morgan et al, 2016). In this study, the data drawn from the observation served as "front seat" for later on decide: 1) Selection criteria for the interviewees and 2) The data drawn from the observation informed individual semi-structured interviews.…”