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Chapter 3 Research Framework
In summary, case study design is useful under the following circumstances:
1) When complex situations need to be addressed, like resident autonomy – what
facilitates it and what hinders it. (For example, Shiu (2001) used a single
embedded case study to investigate the complex issue of how residents
perceive a sense of control or lack of control within a home for older people).
2) When context is central to the study, in this case, the context of residential care
in Ireland, and the context of the care environment (multiple data collection
methods enable the full picture to be revealed. Johansson et al. (2006) stated
that case study enables the understanding of the context).
3) When multiple perspectives need to be recognised, like residents, relatives, and
healthcare professionals. (Payne et al. (2007) reflected upon the empowerment
potential of case study for its participants).
4) When research needs to be flexible. Working with older people may require
adaptations to data collection tools’ initial design, and the researcher may need
to work with the pace of the participants and understand that the pace may be
different to their own. (Redfern et al., 2002 acknowledged the need to ensure
the case study is manageable).
5) When research needs to be congruent with clinical practice. Multiple data
collection methods enable the researcher to observe practice and talk to
staff/residents/relatives about practice. (McCormack et al., 2008 stated that
case studies try to understand how a particular issue translates into real
situations).
The findings from phase one of the study suggested that more work needed to be
done and hence the researcher added a second phase to the study.
3.6 Exploration and Understanding of Action Research
Methodology
Phase two of this study adopted an action research approach. Action research is a
form of enquiry that enables practitioners everywhere to investigate and evaluate
their work. They ask, “What am I doing? What do I need to improve? How do I
improve it?” Action Research (AR) is often referred to as participatory research,