Using Case Studies in Research Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Use of case studies in research is not a new concept. Many persons have previously used this approach to investigate various aspects within organizations. In the research evaluated, multiple case study approach is used to investigate Information-seeking behavior of arts administrators. It is important to note that there is no way to empirically know, to what extent the organizations studied are similar. Furthermore, the study sample must provide the general information including as many points of view as possible. Basically, there exists no way of determining the probability of the studied data being representative of the larger population.

The issue of causality no doubt emerges later in the research. However, at the stage of formulating hypothesis, there is no implied causal relation with a respect to the study variable which is, information seeking. The author rather leaves this to findings. However, in the latter parts of the research, there is an implied notion that two factors, which are mission and consensus building, play a leading role in determining information seeking (Zach, p. 15). Other than affirming uniformity of these two across the interviewees, no other evidence is provided to affirm their causal effect. Additionally, no clear approach is provided to illustrate the existence of the causal effects, other than the opinion of the interviewees.

However, the author moves further to note the existence of individual factors which are not aligned to the majority. The author runs a further analysis to elaborate the findings disparity. Despite pointing this out, the findings are not adequately presented in the analysis and such variables remain unidentified. Generally, while the author affirms that there are individual factors which contributed to information seeking behavior, no clear discussion is provided for the same. On the other hand, it must be noted that other than lacking an appropriate means of identifying how the two variables highlighted drive information seeking, the research presents a strong case for the two and as such a further empirical exploration could provide more in-depth conclusions.

The findings of the research are straight forward. Information seeking behavior of art administrators is either for mission driven or for consensus building. The author, according to the findings from the interview, argues that in most cases a mission driven consensus is a product of need to find some information to further the organization’s mission while consensus building occurs where the administrators already have the information but are seeking to build consensus (Zach, p. 18). While the results are of substantive importance, there is still some level of insufficiency. At the latter stages, another fundamental research not included earlier but emerging is the question as to what motivates the decision to seek information. The findings affirm that the administrators do not assume any prior obligation to seek information and as such this decision must be motivated by something.

Other than the findings, the author also raises two ethical issues which include the personal credibility of the participants and the tendency to be biased. However, the level of confidentiality of the information sought is not discussed in as much detail as would be appropriate, considering that the information is directly collected from the participants.

Lastly, it is important to mention that while the interviews are well conducted and relatively in-depth, the sample is relatively small to be able to provide a generally acceptable scenario. The credibility of the findings is not guaranteed. While the level of details provided is extensive in terms of explanation, the research does not provide conclusive findings. The findings would be sufficient if the research was aimed at findings the causal factors in order to facilitate further investigation rather than drawing conclusive evidence.

Work cited

Zach, Lisl. Using a MultipleCase Studies Design to Investigate the Information-Seeking Behavior of Arts Administrators. Library trends, 55.1, 2006: 4–21

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2022, January 15). Using Case Studies in Research. https://ivypanda.com/essays/using-case-studies-in-research/

Work Cited

"Using Case Studies in Research." IvyPanda, 15 Jan. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/using-case-studies-in-research/.

References

IvyPanda. (2022) 'Using Case Studies in Research'. 15 January.

References

IvyPanda. 2022. "Using Case Studies in Research." January 15, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/using-case-studies-in-research/.

1. IvyPanda. "Using Case Studies in Research." January 15, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/using-case-studies-in-research/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Using Case Studies in Research." January 15, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/using-case-studies-in-research/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1