Methods for evaluation practice with multiple case designs
Multiple case designs are the methodologies used by students and researchers to study cases that they are unfamiliar with due to the misunderstanding that revolves around the case. This forms a qualitative research using professional tactics and evidenced based decisions to enable one to gain a holistic view in order to help in capturing useful information that has emergent and immanent properties due to its unstable condition that changes rapidly (Sheḳedi, 2005). By using multiple designs a case study allows generalization of the findings which at times leads to replication when they are not strictly related to one another.
Typology is a method used in multiple case studies that classifies information as a general type. This information relates especially to psychology, archaeology, and social science (Sheḳedi, 2005). This method is employed exploratory which aims at providing information in order to gain new knowledge which will facilitate an easier understanding of the problem.
An intrinsic approach is used in evaluating multiple case designs whereby researchers are required to have a general interest in the case so that they will be able to understand the case better. The approach is not taken primarily because the case is of interest and represents other cases whereby a particular trait is illustrated. The purpose of the approach is not to help in understanding the case but the generic phenomenon of the case (Sheḳedi, 2005).
An instrumental approach is used in order to provide insightful information that assists in refining the case. This approach is used in a case where there is secondary interest in order to provide a supportive role and facilitate understanding at the same time. With this approach, the case is looked at in depth due to the content scrutiny that helps in pursuit of external interest (Sheḳedi, 2005).
Reference
Sheḳedi, A. (2005). Multiple case narrative: A qualitative approach to studying multiple populations. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Pub.
