Methodology or method? A critical review of qualitative case study reports

Area of Science:

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Social Sciences
• Health and Health Services Research

Background:

• Case study is a popular qualitative research approach despite ongoing debates about its credibility and limitations.
• Previous analyses have not critically examined the methodological descriptions of published qualitative case studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze the methodological descriptions of published qualitative case studies.
• To identify key methodological issues in current case study reporting.
• To provide recommendations for improving the quality of case study methodology.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search was conducted in three high-impact qualitative methods journals for case studies published in the last five years.
• Thirty-four case studies were selected and analyzed using adapted established criteria.
• Articles were categorized into health and health services, social sciences and anthropology, or methods case studies.

Main Results:

• Five key themes of methodological issues were identified: case study methodology/method, case selection, contextually bound nature of case studies, researcher interactions and triangulation, and inconsistent study design.
• Significant variation in the quality of methodological justification was observed across the analyzed studies.
• Specific challenges included inadequate definition of the case and insufficient justification for case selection.

Conclusions:

• Improved reporting of qualitative case studies is crucial for advancing the methodology.
• Addressing identified methodological issues will enhance the rigor and utility of case study research.
• Clearer methodological descriptions will benefit both researchers and practitioners in applying case study approaches effectively.