Analyzing Case Study

Evidence
Five Analytic Techniques
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Pattern Matching
Predict a pattern
Or more than one (rival hypothesis) mutually
exclusive!
OO increases productivity and quality
Match outcome to pattern(s)
Several variables (productivity, quality, )
Define measures and data collection method for each
If not entire pattern is supported, you need to
question initial hypothesis
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Pattern Matching
Replication
Theoretical replication (different treatment -
different outcome?)
E.g.: OO not introduced, quality increased
Literal replication (same treatment - same
outcome?)
OO introduced, quality increased
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Pattern Matching
Low level of precision -> interpretation
Fewer variables -> more dramatic
differences required
Quality increased with 300%
Other events than the hypothesis
At the same time, there was a new boss, all
computers were exchanged,
and the office windows were
eventually washed
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Explanation Building
Special type of pattern matching
Stipulate a presumed set of causal links
Often iterative
Test hypothesis
Refine hypothesis
Could also be a hypothesis-
generating process, to develop
ideas for further study
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Time Series Analysis
Sample variables over time
Trends, variations, statistical analysis
Simple time series rising or declining trend
Complex time series more complex behavior
Natural disaster -> disruption on short term, no disruption on
long term (population, economic growth, etc.)
Pattern matching on predicted behavior rival
hypotheses
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Time Series Analysis
Start and end points?
Cross-case comparison (same as pattern
matching)
Theoretical replication (different
treatment - different outcome?)
Literal replication (same treatment
same outcome?)
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Time Series Analysis
Chronologies
Not descriptive only, but also explanatory
Compare chronology with theory
Sequence of events (cause before effect)
Quality increases after OO is introduced
Time intervals between events
Quality increase visible after one year
Time periods, classes of events
(Pattern matching again)
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Logic Models
Not what we in this room would call logic!
More advanced predictive model than in
time series
At least one figure looked like a state machine
Pattern matching
Strength: if shown to be correct, the model
describes opportunities to intervene and
break undesired transitions
Starts Drugs to Joins Gang
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Logic Models
Individual-level
One case = one person
Trace one persons path through the model
Organizational-level
One case = one organization
Program level
One case = one government program/reform

Final goal of a reform? Continuous
improvement

Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

Cross-Case Synthesis
Said before
Theoretical replication (different treatment - different
outcome?)
Literal replication (same treatment - same outcome?)
Large number of cases quantitative analysis
Modest number of cases qualitative analysis
Word tables (?)
Argumentative interpretation

Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis