Cultivating the Under-Mined: Cross-Case Analysis as Knowledge Mobilization

Authors

  • Samia Khan University of British Columbia
  • Robert VanWynsberghe University of British

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-9.1.334

Keywords:

case study, cross-case analysis, computer-assisted analysis, knowledge mobilization, researcher, database

Abstract

Despite a plethora of case studies in the social sciences, it is the authors' opinion that case studies remain relatively under-mined sources of expertise. Cross-case analysis is a research method that can mobilize knowledge from individual case studies. The authors propose that mobilization of case knowledge occurs when researchers accumulate case knowledge, compare and contrast cases, and in doing so, produce new knowledge. In this article, the authors present theories of how people can learn from sets of cases. Second, existing techniques for cross-case analysis are discussed. Third, considerations that enable researchers to engage in cross-case analysis are suggested. Finally, the authors introduce a novel online database: the Foresee (4C) database. The purpose of the database is to mobilize case knowledge by helping researchers perform cross-case analysis and by creating an online research community that facilitates dialogue and the mobilization of case knowledge. The design of the 4C database is informed by theories of how people learn from case studies and cross-case analysis techniques. We present evidence from case study research that use of the 4C database helps to mobilize previously dormant case study knowledge to foster greater expertise. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0801348

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Author Biographies

Samia Khan, University of British Columbia

Samia KHAN is a professor in the Curriculum Studies Department, Faculty of Education, at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Substantive research interests include case study research, knowledge mobilization, and pedagogical and technological innovations that are designed to enhance science education learning, especially among women.

Robert VanWynsberghe, University of British

Robert VANWYNSBERGHE is a professor in the School of Human Kinetics at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Substantive research interests include case study research and community mobilization for the purposes of achieving sustainability and health promotion goals.

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Published

2008-01-31

How to Cite

Khan, S., & VanWynsberghe, R. (2008). Cultivating the Under-Mined: Cross-Case Analysis as Knowledge Mobilization. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-9.1.334