Case Study Method

I Examine/observe the intervening variables in an individual case to determine what causal mechanisms may have been at work.
A. What are the historical explanations for particular cases.
B. How does performance (or obtaining the desired results) in this
particular case compare with other cases (alternative approaches to
getting the desired results).
1. Are there some factors which result if getting different results?
2. Can those factors be manipulated in the case you are studying?

II A case study is a well-defined aspect of a historical happening that the investigator selects for analysis. The emphasis for research is an ability to offer causal explanations.
A. Process Tracing-examine the causal mechanisms effecting a historical process.
B. Specify the causes of the consequences and offer theories on how certain results can be avoided or produced.
C. Offer test cases to experiment on your theory.

III A case study is much more than a chronological narrative. You use theory to show that in a particular circumstanse of the case the outcome can be predicted.
A. Test particular economic claims to see if they are predictably reliable.
B. Your intention is to come up with a theory as to what will improve reliability.

IV What is the role international organizations (EU) play (s) in promoting cooperation, peace and stability?
A. What cases have proven this to be true?
B. What are the factors involved in the process?
1. What are the stages in the process?
2. What needs to happen at each stage to get the desired results?
C. Can you predict that the same factors and process applies in the case you are studying?

V One of the most important things for any research is to identify the relevant variables (independent and dependent).

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