Chapter 4 Data Gathering
Absolutely essential parts of a data-gathering plan are the following: definition of case, list of research questions, identification of helpers, data sources, allocation of time, expenses, intended reporting.
Access and Permissions-a brief written description of the intended casework should be offered. Usually, a couple of paragraphs will suffice, but extensive plans should be available if requested Plans for distribution of the report should be indicated, with any intention or opportunity for review of the drafts by actors. Expectations of any plan to anonymize should be expressed. Some changes in these matters should be anticipated along the way, and the ways change will be negotiated, with all relevant partings agreeing to the changes, should be mentioned in the request for access.
The researchers should indicate how and why the organization was selected but should not work hard at correcting misrepresentations of the selection procedure.
In discussing prospects of the study, burden on the host should be acknowledged. It is a good idea for the researcher to provide reports of previous studies that reveal how indirectly, the mutual involvement and the kinds of issues likely.
Observation-Most readers want the straight story but they also expect researchers to put themselves into the interpretation, finding meanings that others cannot grasp.
Description of Contexts-vicarious experiences for the reader-to give them a sense of “being there” the physical situation should be well described. There should be a balance between the uniqueness and the ordinariness of the place. The physical space is fundamental to meanings for most researchers and most readers.
The more the case study is an intrinsic case study, the more attention needs to be paid to the contexts.
Interview-Two principal uses of case study are to obtain the descriptions and interpretations of others.
Qualitative researchers take pride in discovering and portraying the multiple views of the case. The interview is the main road to multiple realities.
Suggested book: The Art of Asking questions by Stanley Payne (1951)
The purpose for the most part is not to get simple yes and no answers but description of an episode, a linkage, an explanation.
Getting the exact words of the respondent is usually not very important, it is what they mean that is important.
Perhaps the most important thing is to insist on ample time and space immediately following the interview to prepare the facsimile and interpretive commentary.
Understanding a case is greatly facilitated by finding an informant.
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