Case Studies
Multidisciplinary case studies from the SAGE Research Methods platform give you the chance to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.
Description: This case study provides an interesting discussion of the assumptions researchers make when they start engaging in a research project and the limitations they face when they actually begin data collection and analysis. The case study highlights the first step in formulating research questions and hypotheses; though not in great detail. The findings of the study highlight the common occurrence of encountering null results and trying to make the best with them.
Description: This case study is a good demonstration of how quantitative research can be used for contemporary problems and assessments. Further, the study highlights how quantitative analysis can be used for counterfactual assessments; moving beyond simple counterfactual theorizing. It also notes the limitations of quantitative analysis due to the availability of data.
Case study 3: ‘The uses and misuses of bivariate correlations: the case of video game violence research’, 2014, Christopher J. Ferguson
Description: This case study provides a good discussion on limitations of correlation analysis for an interesting topic that has gained increasing visibility over the years. The study also highlights the difficulties with measuring complicated concepts, here violence and video game violence, and how our understanding of results it often impacted by measurement of variables.
Case study 4: ‘Crime scene investigators and traumatic event-related stress: a quantitative study’, 2016, Jalika Rivera Waugh
Description: This study represents a good demonstration of exploratory research on an understudy topic or research area. When particular research has not been previously carried out often it is left to the researcher to simply begin with the basics and see if any relationships exist. As this study discusses, our understanding of a topic or question evolves as grows as others begin to add to the exploratory analysis.
Case study 5: ‘Gatekeepers: people who can (and do) stop your research in its tracks’, 2014, Kathy Ahern.
Description: This case study provides an interesting and comprehensive discussion of the challenges with conducting ethical research. Sometimes the roadblocks are warranted and other times they are not. This is a good read for students who are looking to engage in their own data collection, particularly those interested in conducting experiments or surveys.
Case study 6: ‘A quasi-experimental study: using mythbusters to understand research in psychology’, Angela M. Sikorski
Description: This case study provides a unique twist on how to teach students experimental design by involving a contemporary television show as the research mechanism. It also demonstrates the limitations of sample size and selection. It may be better geared for instructors, but it is interesting read for students as well.
Case study 7: ‘Access to dental and health care in a mobile setting: a cross-sectional, quantitative research study’, 2016, Ayana Conway
Description: This case study offers a comprehensive discussion of how field work and surveys are conducted on populations and how analysis is conducted. It also illustrates the use of technology in aiding understanding of surveys, but also the practical lessons one needs to consider when deploying technology.
Case study 8: ‘Secondary data analyses: studying intersections of relationship and gender among caregivers’, 2018, Neena Chappell
Description: This case study provides a good story of the challenges and intricacies that arise in trying to publish articles in peer-reviewed journals. This is a good read for students and others who are starting out trying to publish studies.
Description: This case study presents a solid discussion of the merits of using secondary data and how compiling and utilizing secondary data is achieved. Though advanced methods are discussed in the study, the description of the analysis is relatively easy to follow. The study also highlights the problems with using self-reported survey data and the limitations this presents to researchers.
Case study 10: ‘Using register data in the social sciences’, 2014, Dimitri Mortelmans and Inge Pasteels
Description: This is an excellent discussion of the promises and pitfalls associated with using administrative data. We are told that data is everywhere, but being to access and analyse existing data is more difficult than it has been made out to appear. This is a good read for students interested in using government and agency data for their own research.