1. Analyzing Case Study Evidence
Five Analytic Techniques
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

2. Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

3. Pattern Matching Predict a pattern Match outcome to pattern(s)
Or more than one (rival hypothesis) – mutually exclusive!
”OO increases productivity and quality”
Match outcome to pattern(s)
Several variables (productivity, quality, …)
Define measures and data collection method for each
If not entire pattern is supported, you need to question initial hypothesis
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

4. Pattern Matching Replication
Theoretical replication (different treatment - different outcome?)
E.g.: ”OO not introduced, quality increased”
Literal replication (same treatment - same outcome?)
”OO introduced, quality increased”
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

5. Pattern Matching Low level of precision -> interpretation
Fewer variables -> more dramatic differences required
”Quality increased with 300%”
Other events than the hypothesis
”At the same time, there was a new boss, all computers were exchanged, and the office windows were eventually washed”
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

6. Explanation Building Special type of pattern matching
Stipulate a presumed set of causal links
Often iterative
Test hypothesis
Refine hypothesis
Could also be a hypothesis- generating process, to develop ideas for further study
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

7. Time Series Analysis Sample variables over time
Trends, variations, statistical analysis
Simple time series – rising or declining trend
Complex time series – more complex behavior
”Natural disaster -> disruption on short term, no disruption on long term (population, economic growth, etc.)”
Pattern matching on predicted behavior – rival hypotheses
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

8. Time Series Analysis Start and end points?
Cross-case comparison (same as pattern matching)
Theoretical replication (different treatment - different outcome?)
Literal replication (same treatment – same outcome?)
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

9. Time Series Analysis Chronologies Compare chronology with theory
Not descriptive only, but also explanatory
Compare chronology with theory
Sequence of events (cause before effect)
”Quality increases after OO is introduced”
Time intervals between events
”Quality increase visible after one year”
Time periods, classes of events
(Pattern matching again…)
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

10. Logic Models Not what we in this room would call ”logic”!
More advanced predictive model than in time series
At least one figure looked like a state machine
Pattern matching
Strength: if shown to be correct, the model describes opportunities to intervene and break undesired transitions
”Starts Drugs” to ”Joins Gang”
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

11. Logic Models Individual-level Organizational-level Program level
One case = one person
Trace one person’s path through the model
Organizational-level
One case = one organization
Program level
One case = one government program/reform
Final goal of a reform? Continuous improvement…
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis

12. Cross-Case Synthesis Said before…
Theoretical replication (different treatment - different outcome?)
Literal replication (same treatment - same outcome?)
Large number of cases – quantitative analysis
Modest number of cases – qualitative analysis
Word tables (?)
Argumentative interpretation
Pattern Matching
Explanation Building
Time-Series Analysis
Logic Models
Cross-Case Synthesis