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Chapter 3 Research Framework
studies move beyond description and identify the ideas and assumptions behind
phenomena. Thus an exploratory approach evaluates a given situation within a
context and is a precursor for further studies. Explanatory case studies set out to
provide explanations and rigorously test well-defined ideas and assumptions.
There are two types of explanatory case studies: critical/strategic or deviant. The
critical/strategic explanatory case study examines the evidence from situations that
provide positive illustrations of the phenomenon in question and thus produces
recommendations, while the deviant explanatory case study uses findings from case
study research to show an exception to the general rule. Thus an explanatory
approach focuses on cause-effect relationships, considering how or why something
happens. Both Stake (1995) and Yin (2009) stated that case study research focuses
on contemporary issues in real-life settings and uses multiple sources of evidence.
Both also recognised that there may be single or multiple cases, but Stake (1995,
2000) placed much less emphasis on the methods chosen to study the case and did
not insist on the use of theoretical propositions or the development of theory.
The type of case study adopted is dependent upon the depth of analysis required.
Simmons (2009) stated that the type of case study adopted should be guided by the
purpose of the research and how the case study may help with addressing the
research issues or questions. For the purpose of this research study, Yin’s (2009)
approach was chosen as it enabled the exploration of the research phenomenon in its
real-life context, thus meeting the study aims and objectives.
Conway, McMillan and Solman (2006) stated that when a study is drawn from a real
life situation as opposed to a theoretical exploration of a phenomenon, and where a
range of data sources are used, then the study is consistent with Yin’s (2009)
description of case study design.
To enable the exploration of residential autonomy the case must first be identified.
Yin (2009) explained that the case is the unit of analysis. Gilham (2000) stated that
this unit is focused on human activity embedded in the real world and Stake (2003)
added that the unit or case is an integrated system that is complex and functioning.
The case or the unit of analysis for this study was “resident autonomy”.