How do you enhance the external validity of your case studies?

Case studies are a popular and powerful research method that can provide in-depth insights into a phenomenon, context, or process. However, they also face some validity threats that can undermine their credibility and generalizability. In this article, we will explain what external validity is and why it matters for case studies, and we will give you some practical tips on how to enhance it in your own research.

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1 What is external validity?

External validity refers to the extent to which the findings of a case study can be generalized to other situations, settings, or populations. It is also known as transferability, applicability, or ecological validity. External validity is important because it shows how relevant and useful your case study is for other researchers, practitioners, or policymakers who want to apply or test your results in different contexts.

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Meiko S. Patton

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As an AI newsletter creator, I often use share examples to show this concept. Most of us are new to the power of AI, so by sharing examples of how others are using the tech, it helps the average person see that they are not alone and can apply the same external methods. Remember, external validity is like a bridge that connects the findings of a case study to other situations.

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2 Why is external validity challenging for case studies?

One of the main challenges for external validity in case studies is the issue of representativeness. Case studies typically focus on a single or a few cases that are selected for their uniqueness, complexity, or richness. This means that they may not be representative of the larger population or phenomenon that they aim to study. Moreover, case studies often involve multiple sources of data, such as interviews, observations, documents, or artifacts, that are analyzed in a holistic and interpretive way. This means that they may not be replicable or comparable with other studies that use different data, methods, or perspectives.

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Meiko S. Patton

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This reminds me of the biblical example of Samuel at 1 Samuel 16:7. He was not to look at the external appearance of a man. The passage highlights the importance of looking beyond the superficial and external features of a person or situation, and instead focusing on the deeper and more meaningful aspects that truly matter. Similarly, in case studies, it is important to go beyond the surface-level details of a single or a few cases, and instead look for the underlying patterns, themes, and contexts that can help to generalize the findings to a larger population or phenomenon. By doing so, researchers can overcome the challenge of representativeness and achieve greater external validity in their studies.

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3 How do you enhance external validity in case studies?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to improving the external validity of case studies. Nevertheless, several strategies can be employed to achieve this. For instance, using a consistent theoretical framework can help establish the logic and rationale of the case study and how it relates to existing theories. Additionally, multiple cases or units of analysis within a single case can broaden the scope and diversity of the data, while purposive sampling can ensure that the cases or units are relevant and informative enough. Triangulation can also be used to combine different sources of data, methods of data collection, and perspectives for data analysis. Thick description should be employed to provide detailed accounts of cases or units, their contexts, and the data and findings. Finally, reflexivity should be used to acknowledge and address any assumptions, values, and biases that may influence data collection and analysis.

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Meiko S. Patton

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Biblical wisdom tells us that to answer before listening is sheer folly. This highlights the importance of taking the time to carefully listen and understand a situation before drawing conclusions or making judgments. Similarly, in case studies, it's important to take the time to thoroughly examine the data and understand the context before making generalizations or conclusions that may not be applicable outside of the specific cases or units of analysis. Remember, improving the external validity of case studies is like assembling a puzzle, where multiple pieces need to fit together to form a coherent and meaningful unbiased picture.

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4 How do you communicate external validity in case studies?

To effectively enhance the external validity of a case study, it is important to communicate it to the intended audience. A clear and concise title should be used to summarize the main focus and contribution of the case study. An abstract or executive summary should also be included to provide an overview of research questions, methods, data, findings, and implications. Additionally, a literature review should be used to show how the case study fits into existing knowledge and theories in the field. Finally, a discussion or conclusion should be included to discuss limitations, implications, and recommendations of the case study. This will help acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of the case study and how it can be applied in other contexts.

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Meiko S. Patton

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Biblical wisdom dictates that words that are well-chosen and well-spoken can be valuable and precious. Similarly, in case studies, effective communication and presentation of the study's findings can make it more valuable and useful to the intended audience. Remember, communicating the external validity of a case study is like packaging a gift. Just as a gift needs to be wrapped in an attractive and informative way to make it appealing and useful to the recipient, a case study needs to be presented in a clear and concise manner to make it relevant and valuable to the intended audience.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Meiko S. Patton

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Case studies can be likened to a double-edged sword, offering both great potential and significant risks. Just as a sword can be a powerful weapon in the right hands, providing deep insights and understanding into a phenomenon, context, or process, it can also be a dangerous tool if not used carefully. Similarly, case studies offer a powerful research method that can provide in-depth insights, but they also face validity threats that can undermine their credibility and generalizability. To make sure that the case study is a reliable and useful tool for researchers, it is important to pay attention to external validity and to employ strategies that can enhance it.

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How do you enhance the external validity of your case studies?

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1 What is external validity?

2 Why is external validity challenging for case studies?

3 How do you enhance external validity in case studies?

4 How do you communicate external validity in case studies?

5 Here’s what else to consider

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