Theory and theorizing in case study research

Peter Rule

Chapter 5 in Handbook of Case Study Research in the Social Sciences, 2024, pp 67-87 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The relation between theory and case study has been conceptualized in contrasting ways. This chapter argues that case study is not theory-neutral and involves implicit or explicit relations with theory of different kinds. It discusses ‘casing’ (selecting and constructing the case) as involving a ‘theory of the case’. Next it examines case study and research paradigms: post-positivism; interpretivism; critical social science; pragmatism; and a relational paradigm. Three types of theory relevant to case studies are elaborated: substantive theory concerning what the study is about; methodological theory concerning how the research is constructed; and axiological theory concerning values informing the research. Finally, the chapter presents four ways of theorizing in case study research: a deductive theory for the case approach; an inductive theory from the case approach; an abductive best explanation of the case approach; and a dialogic theory-case relational approach. A reflection on ‘thinking in cases’ concludes the chapter.

Keywords: Asian Studies; Business and Management; Development Studies; Economics and Finance; Education; Environment; Geography; Innovations and Technology; Law - Academic; Politics and Public Policy Research Methods; Sociology and Social Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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