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Case Study Research and Applications
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Case Study Research and Applications
Design and Methods

Sixth Edition
October 2017 | 352 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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Winner of the 2019 McGuffey Longevity Award from the Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA)


Recognized as one of the most cited methodology books in the social sciences, the Sixth Edition of Robert K. Yin's bestselling text provides a complete portal to the world of case study research. With the integration of 11 applications in this edition, the book gives readers access to exemplary case studies drawn from a wide variety of academic and applied fields. Ultimately, Case Study Research and Applications will guide students in the successful use and application of the case study research method.




 
Foreword
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Chapter 1. Getting Started: How to Know Whether and When to Use the Case Study as a Research Method
Being Ready for the Challenge, and Setting High Expectations

 
Comparing Case Studies With Other Social Science Research Methods

 
Variations in Case Studies, but a Common Definition

 
Addressing Traditional Concerns About Case Study Research

 
Summary

 
Notes to Chapter 1

 
 
Chapter 2. Designing Case Studies: Identifying Your Case(s) and Establishing the Logic of Your Case Study
General Approach to Designing Case Studies

 
The Role of Theory in Research Designs

 
Criteria for Judging the Quality of Research Designs

 
Case Study Research Designs

 
Modest Advice in Selecting Case Study Designs

 
Notes to Chapter 2

 
Application #1: An Exploratory Case Study: How New Organizational Practices Become Routinized

 
Application #2: Defining the “Case” in a Case Study: Linking Job Training and Economic Development Initiatives at the Local Level

 
Application #3: How “Discovery” Can Occur in the Field: Social Stratification in a Midsized Community

 
 
Chapter 3. Preparing to Collect Case Study Evidence: What You Need to Do Before Starting to Collect Case Study Data
The Case Study Researcher: Desired Skills and Values

 
Preparation and Training for a Specific Case Study

 
The Case Study Protocol

 
Screening the Candidate Cases for Your Case Study

 
The Pilot Case Study

 
Summary

 
Notes to Chapter 3

 
 
Chapter 4. Collecting Case Study Evidence: The Principles You Should Follow in Working With Six Sources of Evidence
Six Sources of Evidence

 
Four Principles of Data Collection

 
Summary

 
Notes to Chapter 4

 
Application #4: Doing Interviews in the Field: Citizens on Patrol

 
Application #5: Making Field Observations: First Day in an Urban Neighborhood

 
Application #6: Assembling a Question-and-Answer Database: A Case Study of a Community Organization

 
 
Chapter 5. Analyzing Case Study Evidence: How to Start Your Analysis, Your Analytic Choices, and How They Work
An Analytic Strategy: More Than Relying on Analytic Tools

 
Five Analytic Techniques

 
Pressing for a High-Quality Analysis

 
Summary

 
Notes to Chapter 5

 
Application #7: Using a Case Study to Compare Directly Competing Rival Hypotheses: Whether Military Base Closures Produce Catastrophic Economic Impacts or Not

 
Application #8: A Nutshell Example of an Explanatory Case Study: How a Federal Award Affected a University Computer Department

 
Application #9: An Explanatory Case Study: Transforming a Business Firm Through Strategic Planning

 
 
Chapter 6. Reporting Case Studies: How and What to Compose
Audiences for Case Study Research

 
Varieties of Case Study Compositions

 
Procedures in Composing a Case Study

 
What Makes an Exemplary Case Study?

 
Notes to Chapter 6

 
Application #10: A Multiple-Case Study Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Proposal Processing at 17 Universities

 
 
Appendix A. A Note on the Uses of Case Study Research in Psychology
 
Appendix B. A Note on the Uses of Case Study Research in Evaluations
Application #11: An Evaluation Case Study: Evaluation of a Community Coalition’s Campaign

 
 
Brief Glossary of Terms Directly Related to Case Study Research
 
References
 
Author Index
 
Subject Index

The book is an accessible read to evaluate the use of Case Study as a research method.
It is well laid out and written in an accessible format.
I would recommend to my students in their Year 2 of teacher training to use this if using Case Study as an approach.

Mrs Nicola Sowe
NBS Consultancy and Training, NBS Consultancy and Training (Teaching and Learning)
drupal

Very reader friendly-easy to read using simple language.
Chapters 2 and 3 very useful.

Mrs Olajumoke Fawole
Health, Med Sci & Soc Care (Lancaster), University of Cumbria
drupal

This book cleverly unpicks the complexities around a case study research design using an easy to read approach, without loss of credibility. It argues each point clearly and supports with good references to other sources with a wide range of illustrative examples. An ideal read post graduate students deciding on the most appropriate research approach to take for their research questions. An ideal read for every tutor teaching undergraduates or postgraduates about different research methods and methodologies. It's a complex area to grasp, yet this book provides a clear journey along that road of understanding.

Mrs Sally Howard
Department of Education, Oxford Brookes University
drupal

On demand used as recommendation for basic literature for case study research

Mrs Stefanie Neumeister
Economics and Social Science Faculty, University of Rostock
drupal

Selected this text for our newly verified Dissertation Module and it has proved very useful with positive feedback from students

Mrs Terrie Blaszczyk
Froebel College, Roehampton University
drupal

very thoruogh introduction

Professor Gernot Gehrke
Communications, Hannover University of Applied Sci And Arts
drupal

An interesting text which provides an alternative approach to Robert Stakes case study texts.

Mr John Whitcher
Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales
August 15, 2025
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On demand used as recommendation for basic literature for case study research

Mrs Stefanie Neumeister
Economics and Social Science Faculty, University of Rostock
May 4, 2023
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An essential reading for people doing case studies.

Miss May Chen
School of Nursing (Canterbury), Canterbury Christ Church University
September 27, 2023
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very thoruogh introduction

Professor Gernot Gehrke
Communications, Hannover University of Applied Sci And Arts
October 10, 2021
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Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

  • Includes 11 in-depth applications that show how researchers have implemented case study methods successfully.
  • Increases reference to relativist and constructivist approaches to case study research, as well as how case studies can be part of mixed methods projects.
  • Places greater emphasis on using plausible rival explanations to bolster case study quality.
  • Discusses synthesizing findings across case studies in a multiple-case study in more detail.
  • Adds an expanded list of 15 fields that have text or texts devoted to case study research.
  • Sharpens discussion of distinguishing research from non-research case studies.
  • The author brings to light at least three remaining gaps to be filled in the future:
  • how rival explanations can become more routinely integrated into all case study research;
  • the difference between case-based and variable-based approaches to designing and analyzing case studies; and
  • the relationship between case study research and qualitative research.


KEY FEATURES:

  • Numerous conceptual exercises, illustrative exhibits, vignettes, and a glossary make the book eminently accessible.
  • Boxes throughout offer more in-depth real-world examples of research.
  • Short, sidebar tips help succinctly explain concepts and allow students to check their understanding.
  • Exercises throughout offer students the chance to immediately apply their knowledge.

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