The SAGE Handbook of Case-Based Methods
- David Byrne - University of Durham, UK
- Charles C Ragin - University of California, Irvine, USA
Case-based methods have a long history in the social sciences. They are extensively used and raise many practical and theoretical questions. This book provides a comprehensive, critical examination of case-oriented research. It offers concrete proposals about the best research methods and provides an unparalleled guide to the emergence and complexity of the field.
Key Features
- Situates the reader in the essential theoretical and practical issues
- Demonstrates the unity and diversity of case-oriented research through an examination of case-based methods
- Distinguishes between case-based and case study research
- Elucidates the philosophical issues around case based methods
- Relates case-based work to the constellation of social theory and theories of research methods
'[This Handbook] offers concrete proposals about the best research methods, and provides a guide to the emergence and complexity of the field. It also situates the reader in the essential theoretical and practical issues, shows the unity and diversity of case-oriented research through an examination of case-based methods, distinguishes between case-based and case study research, elucidates the philosophical issues around case-based methods, and examines case-based work in the context of both social theory and theories of research methods'
Abstracts of Public Administration, Development, and Environment
'This book provides a fresh and stimulating approach to causal analysis in the social sciences. International experts provide not just the philosophical arguments for a case-based approach to research but also detailed chapters on: 'why-to', 'when-to' and 'how-to'. Traditional distinctions between qualitative and quantitative are rejected in favour of a case-based approach which is applicable across the social sciences and beyond.'
Professor Angela Dale, The University of Manchester
'This wide-ranging volume gives an excellent overview of diverse contemporary case study methods. Case study researchers of all kinds will find this book deepens their understanding of the methods they already use and broadens their knowledge of approaches they have not yet explored.'
Professor Andrew Bennett, Georgetown University
'An invaluable resource for social researchers who want to know how and why case studies are conducted. The contributors represent a rich stream of research active practitioners who provide an excellent guide to both qualitative and quantitative approaches to case based enquiry. Illustrations are drawn from a broad range of disciplines and provide a fertile terrain for application'
Professor Dick Wiggins, The Institute of Education, University of London
This is a comprehensive text on case based methods and one that will improve the students knowledge and understanding of the different forms of case based methodologies and approaches.
this is a comprehensive detailed text that is a little difficult to read. The presentation of the text is in columns like a newspaper, which combined with the small font makes it difficult to read. Some very specific chapters, which if applicable make this a worthy addition, for example three chapter on typologies and cluster analysis. However many chapters are not that relevant as they are so specific. Selected reading only.
A very useful book for one of the most used research methods in education.
This is an excellent book for an experienced researcher. Unfortunately for my MA HRM/D their final research project is often the first time they have been exposed to primary research at case level. This book is too detailed for my students.
This is a really useful and practical text for any student embarking upon, or using, case-based research.
The multiprofessional approach to the Sage Handbook of Case-Based Methods is constructed clearly. The nuances and potential complexities around undertaking case-based research are explored in a logical manner.
This is a very useful anthology for either specialists/critics of case-based methods, or for doctoral students who need to contextualize and defend a specific method in relation to alternatives. It is dense but readable: and essential book for every university library that will have a long shelf life. I think the author index needs revision so that it includes all authors cited in the individual chapters.
This is an essential book for the case-based methods and a very useful manual for a more introductory course in social research methods.
In my opinion this was just a difficult book to read and it was did not deliver on content from what I had expected from the title and the table of contents.
