The Case for Case Studies: Methods and Applications in International Development

ISBN-13: 9781108447980 / Angielski / Miękka / 2022

Jennifer Widner; Michael Woolcock; Daniel Ortega Nieto

Opis

This volume demonstrates how to conduct case study research that is both methodologically rigourous and useful to development policy.

Recenzje

'In the face of rapid, unpredictable change and diverse implementation contexts, we need more and better case studies to understand complex phenomena and to use that understanding for better policies, programs and initiatives in other places and times. Evidence about 'what works' on average in randomised controlled trials cannot be simply generalised to other contexts. But too often case studies are not done systematically or carefully. This important volume provides practical, well-informed guidance from leading writers and researchers on how to plan, implement and communicate case studies which can effectively answer questions about those cases and what these mean for planning initiatives in other places in the future. This book should become an essential guide and reference for everyone serious about quality evidence to inform public policy and practice.' Patricia Rogers, founder of BetterEvaluation

Spis treści

1. Using case studies to enhance the quality of explanation and implementation: integrating scholarship and development practice Jennifer Widner, Michael Woolcock, and Daniel Ortega Nieto; Part I. Internal and External Validity Issues in Case Study Research: 2. How to learn about causes in the single case Nancy Cartwright; 3. RCTs versus observational research: assessing the trade-offs Christopher Achen; 4. Drawing contingent generalizations from case studies Andrew Bennett; 5. Will it work here? Using case studies to generate 'key facts' about complex development programs Michael Woolcock; Part II. Ensuring High-Quality Case Studies: 6. Descriptive accuracy in interview-based case studies Jennifer Widner; 7. Selecting cases for comparative sequential analysis: novel uses for old methods Tommaso Pavone; 8. The transparency revolution in qualitative social science: implications for policy analysis Andrew Moravcsik; Part III. Putting Case Studies to Work: Applications to Development Practice: 9. Process Tracing for Program Evaluation Andrew Bennett; 10. Positive Deviance Cases: Their Value for Development Research, Policy, and Practice Melani Cammett; 11. Analytic Narratives and Case Studies; 12. Using Case Studies for Organizational Learning in Development Agencies Sarah Glavey, Oliver Haas, Claudio Santibanez, and Michael Woolcock; 13. Connecting Case Studies to Policy and Practice: Practical Lessons from Operational Experience Maria Gonzalez de Asis and Jennifer Widner.