To defend against criticisms of lack of rigor, Yin offers four tests for quality: construct validity , internal validity , external validity , and reliability . Analytic and Reporting Strategies
Defining what the "case" is (e.g., an individual, program, or organization) and establishing its boundaries.
Yin distinguishes between single-case designs (used for unique or extreme cases) and multiple-case designs , which follow a "replication logic" to strengthen generalizability. Case study research : design and methods
Typically "how" or "why" questions that explore contemporary phenomena within their real-life context.
Yin emphasizes that data analysis is often the most difficult stage and requires a clear strategy, such as pattern matching or explanation building. For the final report, he suggests several structures, including linear-analytic, comparative, chronological, and theory-building formats. 3rd Edition (2003) 5th Edition (2014) 6th Edition (2017) Primary Focus Establishing the method's rigor. Advanced concepts for rigor. Integrating applications and research. New Features Logic models for analysis. 9 new cases, 7 tutorials. 11 in-depth applications. Major Update Expanded multi-method studies. Focus on logic models/ethics. Emphasis on rival explanations. To defend against criticisms of lack of rigor,
Researchers are encouraged to use triangulation by drawing from six sources of evidence: documentation, archival records, interviews, direct observations, participant-observation, and physical artifacts.
The book outlines a linear but iterative process for conducting research: Typically "how" or "why" questions that explore contemporary
Yin identifies five critical components that must be determined at the outset to ensure research quality: