Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2019, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (1): 129-152.

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The Methodological Foundation of Case Research: Exploring Qu's Novel Ideas over Case Selection, Case Study and Theory Building

KENG Shu   

  1. Department of Sociology, Zhejiang University
  • Online:2019-01-20 Published:2019-01-20

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Abstract:

This paper is a response to Jingdong Qu's paper on the methods of case research. Its goal is two-fold:on the one hand,the paper seeks to make sense of Qu's novel ideas concerning the positivist methodology and thereby to stimulate further dialogues between the positivists and interpretivists;on the other hand,it aims at translating Qu's innovative suggestions into practical strategies as guidance for case research. Given the stated goal,the paper organizes its discussion in three sections of case selection,case study and theory building. The discussion offers a comparison of Qu's approach to the typical positivist as well as interpretative approach to highlight the differences among the three. For instance,regarding case selection,the paper explores the significance of existing knowledge and relevant "typical cases" as a strategy of case selection. In regard to case research,the paper discusses the limitations of the small-N plus context-sensitive nature of case research and then evaluates the merits of "multiple approaching" and "event metaphor",the two research strategies proposed by Qu. In conclusion,the paper strongly concurs with Qu's emphasis on "locating mechanisms" and "discovering structures",but also points out the inherent predisposition toward structuralism (or the sociological bias) in Qu's proposal of case methods. Echoing Qu's call,this study serves to help establish the methodological legitimacy of case research and bring together the positivists and interpretivists for further exchange and collaboration.

Key words: research methodology, case research, positivist approach, theory building, case selection