A Call to Better Qual: A Philosophical and Methodological Examination to Advance Case Study Research

Rebecca Mott; Becky Haddad

doi:10.5032/jae.v66i1.2762

Authors

Rebecca Mott University of Missouri https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9135-6955
Becky Haddad University of Nebraska-Lincoln https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9153-2253

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v66i1.2762

Keywords:

case study, agricultural education, qualitative research

Abstract

Over the past 15 years, qualitative case study research has become more prominent in agricultural education. The first case study research appeared in the Journal of Agricultural Education (JAE) in 1997. To date, 33 qualitative case study research articles have been published in JAE. Additionally, case study research has become highly visible at regional and national conferences. However, planning, conducting, and reporting case study research is challenging due to the various approaches that exist. Furthermore, various philosophical assumptions underlie each unique approach. We use this article to provide building blocks of case study research designed to help novice researchers and reviewers make methodological decisions. Additionally, we provide recommendations for writers, reviewers, and teachers of qualitative research who desire to strengthen their understanding of case study research.

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