Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 19, 2025

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Uncovering Family Treatment Decision-Making Processes: The Value and Application of Case Study Methods to Family
Ginny L Schulz1,2,3, Katherine Patterson Kelly4,5, Jane Armer3
1Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Abstract:
Research on how and why family processes influence phenomena is essential to advancing many areas of science. Case study methods offer an approach that overcomes some of the sampling and analysis obstacles researchers face when studying families. This article aims to illustrate the benefits of case study methods for studying complex family processes using an example from treatment decision-making in sickle cell disease. Using survey, observation, and interview data from various family members within multiple family units, we detail our application of the following analytic strategies: (a) proposition-building, (b) pattern-matching, and (c) cross-case synthesis. Incorporating propositions from a conceptual framework assisted us in study development, data collection, and analysis. Development of graphs and matrices to create thematic family profiles uncovered how and why treatment decision-making occurred as a family process in a pediatric chronic illness. Case study methods are an established, but innovative approach to investigating various phenomena in families.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Case Studies
Family Therapy
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic...
Decision Making: P-value Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is proposed. The claim is based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to the claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses: a null hypothesis would be a neutral statement while the alternative hypothesis can...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Decision Making: Traditional Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is decided based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to this claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses, out of which a null hypothesis would be a...

