Contribution, Theoretical

Conceptual Overview and Discussion

The term theory does not have a fixed, universal meaning. Reflecting the competing research paradigms, the word evokes various meanings: the term theory might suggest a determining law, or system of laws, as in the natural sciences, or a construct or set of constructs for ordering and understanding phenomena. Irrespective of the different principles informing the term, theory usually has a central role in case study research. In all but descriptive case studies, the fundamental purpose concerns theory: Case studies either test a particular theory, develop theory, or both. It has been argued that developing theory inevitably involves an element of testing and therefore the two are interlinked. It is by means of this process that a theoretical contribution might be made.

Research projects usually begin with a review of the relevant literature. It is by means of the literature that the researcher will engage with the existing theoretical explanation of the topic in question. For example, if the topic is the incidence of teenage pregnancy, then the range of theories explaining the occurrence of this phenomenon might be ascertained and evaluated. With the exploration of the current strengths and limitations of explanations, the theoretical approach to be tested or developed can be identified. The theory or construct to be tested or developed will inform the choice of case or cases to be studied, the data to be gathered, the methods by which the data will be gathered, as well as the way in which the data will be analyzed. The project will conclude by discussing the original research question in light of the theory and the empirical evidence gathered.

During the progress of the project, the researcher applies a process of deductive and inductive reasoning. Although often thought of as separate, it has been argued that in case study research, the two processes are blurred and mutually beneficial. Similarly, it has been argued that theory testing and theory development are inevitably associated, and that the interplay of both is implicated. The term retroduction has been coined as a means of describing this interplay. Retroduction is therefore the circular process by which the researcher tests his or her theoretical ideas against the emerging data, reframes the ideas, and retests until the conclusions reached are deemed trustworthy. Multiple cases might improve claims to trustworthiness in that the research can be replicated. The replication may facilitate confirmation of the emergent theory, but if not, the theory itself will be redeveloped to take account of the new data. The process of replication may continue as long as is necessary and/or feasible.

The conclusions of multiple cases or even a single case study are generalizable, or at least transferable to a similar context, providing that the research process is trustworthy (measures of trustworthiness depend upon the paradigm in which the research has been located). Two examples of the way in which case study research has contributed to theory are provided below.

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