Sage Research Methods Cases are stories of how real research projects were conducted, written by the researchers themselves. They explain why the researchers chose the methods they did, how they overcame problems in their research and what they might have done differently with hindsight: the realities of research that are missing from journal articles and textbooks
You can do a quick search across all cases or search by Subject area, Academic Level, and/or Methods used. Cases content is also included in search results on Sage Research Methods and on the Methods Map.
Each Case contains:
In How to Use Cases in Research Methods Teaching, Janet E. Salmons, PhD, writes about how case studies can be used to aid classroom teaching of Research Methods. A member of the graduate faculty of the Capella University School of Business and an independent researcher and writer, Salmons has written extensively on research.
“Cases offer something different from an article or book about research methods,” she writes. “The experiences of researchers who confront the challenges of moving from orderly research design to the reality of actual participants and a messy world."
Salmons outlines several classroom activities and assignments to be used alongside case studies, including the following, which is appropriate for an introductory methodology course:
Understand the research approach.
Ask your students to identify the research design elements described by the case author. Once they have identified the qualitative or quantitative methodologies and methods, they will have a basis for understanding and evaluating the research approach. After students review the case, you can ask them the following questions and direct them to outline their initial analysis:
1. What research approach is followed? Is it clear from reading the case? Does the case author utilize qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods?
2. What, if any, epistemological or theoretical frameworks are described in the case? Is it clear from reading the case? Find at least one source to read and familiarize yourself with the selected epistemologies or theories.
3. What methodologies are described in the case? What methodologists are referenced? Find at least one source to read and familiarize yourself with the basic principles and perspectives represented in this methodology.
4. What methods are used to collect and/or analyze data in the case? What methods texts are referenced? Find at least one source to read and familiarize yourself with the basic steps and approaches associated with the selected method(s).
5. Outline information derived from this exploration to create a context for your analysis.
Learning Objectives
Every case study contains a Learning Objectives section below the abstract. Use this section to help guide your discussion and assess your students' understanding of the methods and outcomes.
Exercises & Discussion Questions
At the end of every case study, there is an Exercises and Discussion Questions section. Use this section as a homework assignment or to guide in-class discussion.
Reading Lists
Add cases to Reading Lists by clicking on the "List" button at the top right. You can embed reading lists into your Learning Management System. Click here to learn more about Reading Lists and embedding content.
Further Reading and Related Content
You can find Related Content in the menu on the right of every case. Explore this menu if you're looking for related cases, books, videos, datasets and more!
Published Articles
If an author of a case study has published journal articles, you'll find links in the Published Articles menu on the right. These can be useful supplements to the case study, and show sstudents how they can transition from the case study model to other ways of reporting their results.