A Case Study of Three Working Mothers: Using Interviews and Activity Logs for Work–Family Research

This case study describes methods in action for employing a case study research design. The researcher describes her experiences with collecting and analyzing qualitative data to better understand the work–family experiences of married, employed mothers of preschool-age children. Data for the case study were collected using interviews and activity logs. The researcher had to overcome anxieties and uncertainties to utilize these methods for the first time. Data analysis was achieved using quantitative interpretations of the activity logs and transcribing and coding the qualitative data from the interviews. Readers are expected to gain a better understanding of the methods used in this case study, and an appreciation for the thought process involved in making decisions throughout a research project.