An evaluation of pre-registration midwifery education in England. Research design: a case study approach

In this paper some aspects of research design are described and discussed. A national study to evaluate pre-registration midwifery education in England is currently in progress. As part of that study six case study sites have been selected. How those sites were selected and the theory and method of the case study approach are discussed in this paper. The value of the case study approach is discussed as are methodological issues of the case study method. What is a case? Are case studies representative? How can you generalise from case studies? What is theoretical sampling? What is the difference between statistical and logical inference? These are some of the questions raised and examined. It is suggested that an understanding of these theoretical issues and the research process is important to understand the research findings. By making the research design explicit and describing the research process the study also adopts a reflexive approach.