Qualitative Case Study Research, OEIS Technologies, Learning, and Performance Panel Members: Susan Feather-Gannon Sheila Handy Lynn Bacon Keane Bridget N. O’Connor

Agenda Why Qualitative research? The Case Studies The research problem Selecting the case Data collection approaches Trustworthiness Data analysis and interpretation Computer tools for data analysis Suggestions for writing up results

The Qualitative Difference “Qualitative approaches attempt to uncover meaning via analysis of non- numerical data that come from multiple sources of information including interviews, observations, audio-visual materials, and existing and researcher- developed documents.” Movie vs. snapshot O’Connor, B. N. (2002). Qualitative case study research in business education. The Delta Pi Epsilon Journal, 44(2), 80.

Case Study “An exploration of a ‘bounded system’ or a case (or multiple cases) over time through detailed, in-depth data collection involving multiple sources of information rich in context.” Creswell, J. (1998). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 61.

Why Qualitative Case Study? Complex problems OEIS technologies Learning Group Individual Performance Environment Corporate Academic

The Case Studies Caouette, M. J. (1995). The impact of group support systems on corporate teams’ stages of development. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, NYU. Feather, S. R. (1998). The impact of group support systems on the stages of development of groups engaged in collaborative learning. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, NYU. O’Connor, B. N. (1999). A groupware-based peer review process: An exploratory case study. Informing Science, (2)1, Handy, S. A. (2002). An exploratory study of learner use of a computerized accounting tutorial. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, NYU. Keane, L. B. (In process). A technology-supported academic community of practice: A case study. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, NYU.

Establishing the research problem What to study and why? Based in the literature New research is needed Conflicting evidence A knowledge void Incomplete knowledge

Selecting the case Unit of analysis The individual A group An organization Opportunistic

Data collection techniques Interviews One-on-one Focus groups Observations Analytic memos Guided observations Think aloud protocol Media Asynchronous data Discussion forums Audio tapes Video tapes

Trustworthiness strategies Member checks Peer review Multiple observers Multiple data sources External audit

Data analysis and interpretation Describe the case and its setting in detail Stake (1995) suggests four forms Categorical aggregation Direct interpretation Establish patterns Develop naturalistic generalizations Researcher-developed generalizations Relate back to literature review and research questions Stake, R. E. (1995). The art of case study research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Computer tools for qualitative data analysis Text retrievers: Metamorph Text-based manager: askSam Code and retrieve: The Ethnograph Code-based theory builders: NUD*IST Conceptual network builders: Inspiration Weitzman, E. A., & Miles, M. B. (1995). Computer programs for qualitative data analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Suggestions for writing up results Begin with a story or first-person narratives Describe all data and procedures, processes, and tools used Discuss results related to literature Recommend future research topics and investigative methods

Questions? Susan Feather-Gannon: Sheila Handy: Lynn Bacon Keane: Bridget N. O’Connor: