The Case for Case Studies

'This exceptional volume brings together a set of renowned experts from the worlds of social science methods and policy evaluation to assess the state-of-the-art for case studies in international development practice. Case studies methods have for too long been viewed as being second-best by many methodologists and practitioners. This volume rectifies this, with several chapters convincingly arguing that case study methods have relative strengths in figuring out how development interventions work and under what complex, real-world conditions they can succeed. Other chapters provide practical guidance for how to use different case study methods for studying development interventions, providing many useful suggestions for researchers and evaluators.' Derek Beach, Professor, Aarhus University, and Author of Process Tracing Methods: Foundations and Guidelines
'At last evaluators and practitioners are offered methodologies that match international development realities – where contexts differ, policy mixes vary and nothing remains static. The translation of new-generation, 'case-based' approaches into development settings, can only strengthen the evaluation enterprise. We might even look forward to credible generalisations and lessons worth learning!' Elliot Stern, Emeritus Professor of Evaluation Research, Lancaster University, and Editor, Evaluation: International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice
'In the face of rapid, unpredictable change and diverse implementation contexts, we need more and better case studies to understand complex phenomena and to use that understanding for better policies, programs and initiatives in other places and times. Evidence about 'what works' on average in randomised controlled trials cannot be simply generalised to other contexts. But too often case studies are not done systematically or carefully. This important volume provides practical, well-informed guidance from leading writers and researchers on how to plan, implement and communicate case studies which can effectively answer questions about those cases and what these mean for planning initiatives in other places in the future. This book should become an essential guide and reference for everyone serious about quality evidence to inform public policy and practice.' Patricia Rogers, founder of BetterEvaluation