Embedded Case Study Methods: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Knowledge - Softcover

Scholz, Roland W.; Tietje, Olaf

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0761919465 ISBN 13: 9780761919469

Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc, 2001

Synopsis

Bridging the gap between quantitative and qualitative approaches, this book presents methods for interrelating and integrating the variables, findings, and evaluations from the facets of the case (i.e., different perspectives of inquiry such as participant observation, open-ended interviews, etc.) or subunits of case inquiry. Using case examples from five different disciplines (neuropsychology, education, law, business, and environmental sciences), the authors show the reader how to use the embedded case design to enhance synthesis and knowledge integration. The authors share their broad knowledge of the philosophy of science to explain the rationale behind each step of embedded case designs, and recap each explanation with concept recaps called "lessons to be learned." In addition, they include a variety of boxes that offer statistical models for doing the analysis. This book offers readers a sophisticated approach to integrating mixed methods in case studies.

 

About this title

About the Author

Roland W. Scholz holds the Chair of Natural and Social Science Interface in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich, Switzerland). He is also adjunct professor (Privatdozent) of Psychology at the University of Zurich and from 2011 to 2013 he is extraordinary professor at the School of Management and Planning, Stellenbosch University (S.A.). Scholz graduated in Mathematics (Dipl.-Math.), Social Psychology (Dr. phil.), and Cognitive Psychology (Dr. phil. habil.). After specializing in game theory and decision sciences he switched to systems analysis, and environmental modeling, evaluation and risk assessment. Scholz was elected as the fifth holder of the King Carl XVI Gustaf′s Professorship 2001/2002 hosted at the Center of Environment and Sustainability of Chalmers University of Technology and Gothenborg University (Sweden). Since 2002, he is speaking at the International Transdisciplinarity Network on Case Study Teaching (ITdNet). His work relates transdisciplinarity as a methodology of organizing sustainable transition processes and interdisciplinary research on inextricably coupled human-environment systems. Since 1994 Scholz has run large-scale transdisciplinary studies on sustainable transitions of urban and regional systems, organizational development, and of policy and decision processes.

Review

"If you were part of a study team trying to figure out what to do in a complicated (i.e., multi-party, multi-issue, technically complex) situation, you would want to rush out and get a copy of Embedded Case Study Methods by Roland Scholz and Olaf Tietje. Using their own Zurich North case study to explain the proper use of case study methods, they demonstrate how eleven different techniques -- including integrated risk assessment, multi-attribute utility theory, scenario analysis, future workshops, and a kind of mediation called Area Development Negotiation -- ought to be used to develop collaborative solutions. Along the way, they destroy conventional distinctions between quantitative and qualitative methods and offer (finally!) an integrated approach that applies equally well to problem framing, option generation, and the management of stakeholder encounters. Most of the relevant literature (from more than a dozen disciplines) is reviewed in detail. What more could a study team member want?" Author: LAWRENCE SUSSKIND

"Scholz and Olaf have developed an important methodology to integrate complex cases. Their approach combines the best of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to create new insights that would not be available to researchers using more conventional approaches." Author: MAX H. BAZERMAN

"This is an excellent book that serves an important purpose. It should become a valuable resource in research methods courses covering issues of case research. Doctoral students especially, should find the book particularly helpful. The conceptual material and methods of knowledge integration presented in this book provide scholars with the background and tools necessary to conduct case studies that meet the field′s most rigorous scientific standards." Author: Organizational Research Methods

This book should be required reading for anyone involved with case study analysis. Author: CANADIAN JOURNAL OF URBAN RESEARCH

Edition details

• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0761919465
• ISBN 13: 9780761919469
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 408