Review of Flyvbjerg (2006)
Flyvbjerg's (2006) five misunderstandings about case studies as a research method were: theoretical knowledge is better than practical knowledge, it is not possible to generalise from a single case, case studies are best used for generating hypotheses, they are biased towards verification and finally they are difficult to summarise.
Flyvbjerg presents very strong arguments when correcting these five misunderstandings. He argues that experts operate with detailed knowledge of numerous cases demonstrating that contextual knowledge and experiences are central to expertise because this experience allows someone to progress from the level of a beginner to that of an expert. The idea of the existence of misconceptions is also supported by Harvard University (Flyvbjerg, 2006, 222). Another argument presented in the correction of the first misunderstanding is that human behaviour, due to its complexity, cannot be processed meaningfully through theory and rule governed learning. Case studies also provide a solution to ritual academic work which is a result of dampened learning processes (Flyvbjerg, 2006, 223). Case studies are still needed and utilised, for instance in the DC Casebook found in Planning Magazine. In support of Flyvbjerg's views he presents a series of historic case studies which demonstrate not only how they can be successful within social sciences but also the physical sciences too; however he does not claim that the case study research method satisfies the needs of all problems being studied. He argues that not being able to generalise easily from a case study is not detrimental to its value as a research method, yet generalising can be used to implement the rigorous test of falsification presented by Karl Popper's (1959) case of finding the 'black swan'(Flyvbjerg, 2006, 226 -28). Addressing the third misunderstanding of case studies Flyvbjerg highlights the importance in the process of selecting a case study as representative or random sample case studies may not produce the strongest outcomes, taking this further he presents a table of types of selection and their purposes. (Flyvbjerg, 2006, 229-30) In response to the fourth misunderstanding Flyvbjerg describes the case study as having its own rigor, different to that of quantities methods but just as strict demonstrated by those who have changed their views, just to name a few: Campbell (1975),Ragin (1992), Geertz (1995), Wieviorka (1992) and of course himself (1998, 2001). Finally Flyvbjerg describes how the difficulty experienced when summarising a case study is not a disadvantage as leaving it open allows for different perspectives to be taken from a range of disciplines. Case studies are most beneficial when left as a narrative as this gives experiences a meaningful form, in addition to this there is often too much information presented by case studies to be summarised effectively (Flyvbjerg, 2006, 240 - 41).
I strongly agree with Flyvbjerg's views on the case study as a research method because he has presented them alongside explicit evidence and explanations. Many academics have reversed their opinions on the subject sharing that of Flyvbjerg's, demonstrating that this is not an isolated perspective and has existed historically through the work of Darwin and as far back as Aristotle and Galileo.
Summary of Ferrari and Rae (2011)
The definition of volatility relevant to this topic is "the condition of being likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly" (Collins English Dictionary, 2013) as this report addresses the impacts of housing market volatility in the UK, which is one of the highest globally. This report is constructed primarily of existing data sets and analysis, with additional analysis presented by Ferrari and Rae on housing prices, economic deprivation and population mobility. The primary focus of this report is on distinguishable areas of volatility within housing markets, regionally and nationally; although it is highlighted that relationships exist at smaller scales, these are beyond the scope of the report and not fully addressed. This broader spatial perspective is because Ferrari and Rae believe that there is excessive focus on longitudinal housing market volatility opposed to that of which is spatially focused. Derived from this Ferrari and Rae claim there is a strong relationship between housing market dynamics and population mobility. The former points satisfy the questioning of the construct, 'Volatility', but in relation to the research design, that by limiting the scope of this report to national and regional scales it may not be possible to observe the true impacts of high housing market volatility locally.
Analysing housing market dynamics over 40 years and developing the understanding between 'temporal volatility' and 'spatial volatility' further, Ferrari and Rae established a causal relationship between the economic growth strategy and recent housing market volatility in the UK, which impacts upon lives of individuals. It is clear that this relationship exists as a outcome of targeting particular geographical areas and sectors. Strong evidence, from a range of reliable sources, is presented to demonstrate this claim and that the most recent boom-bust cycle is different to those that occurred previously, supporting the internal validity of the report.
Ferrari and Rae conclude a chapter on housing market differential with a series of observations; housing markets were undermined by increasing population mobility, local economic change, access to and greater choice of cheaper owner occupation. Alongside this they describe how increasing house prices in the north created affordability concerns, despite the benefits of social housing and even as a result of numerous drives which have impacts upon housing markets, the price differentials between regions, socio-economic groups and HMR areas still exist.
When questioning the external validity of this report, the ability for the conclusions to be valid when generalised is of concern; This report has focused on the economic background of the population playing an important role of local housing market volatility, particularly the extreme cases of those most and least deprived. Ferrari and Rae conclude that in order for the impacts of high housing market volatility to be softened both economic and housing policy must work harmoniously. In order to generalise fairly the conclusions should be made upon a representative example of the general population, of which extreme cases are not. These conclusions were also drawn within a struggling economic period focusing on the most recent boom-bust cycle, which from the definition of volatility and discussion within this report, may not be of use when generalised for anticipation and mitigation of impacts as housing markets can change suddenly, unexpectedly and in a different manner.
Interview schedule: Perceptions of Sheffield (Local Authority Area)
The purpose of this interview is to support a research paper where a study is being carried out based on the Sheffield local authority area and perceptions associated with it. Thank you for your participation, the information provided here will be of great value to my research.
- How would you describe Sheffield?
-Ask relevant questions as to why
- What area(s) do you believe to fall within the Sheffield City Council Boundary?
- What part of Sheffield do you visit the most and for what purpose?
- Tell me a story about one of your recent visits to Sheffield and how did it made you feel?
- What was the intention of you visit?
- Did you feel safe?
- Did you have convenient access to facilities required on your visit?
- How did you feel about the built environment around you?
-In an ideal world, where would you chose to live in Sheffield and why?
- In response to answer ask questions to clarify or expand on details
- If you were to move house within the Sheffield local authority area, considering your current circumstances, where would you chose and why?
Once again thank you for your participation and I would like to reassure you that your responses will be dealt with confidentially.
Critical Reflection on Pilot Interview
Importance of Ethics in Social Research
Ethics within social research must be taken seriously as its importance is on par with that of intellectual coherence; for instance, if ethics was not taken into consideration, impacts beyond the scope of the research could not be taken into account, potentially having negative effects. A researcher has a number of competing obligations to society, research subjects, employers and colleagues. There are no firm guidelines advising how a correct ethical or political decision can be made and often the decisions are difficult to make as there is rarely a single, clear ethical solution. In order for a researcher to balance competing interests, through making compromises based upon context, it is vital that they have a clear understanding of ethics.
David King's three R's which represent his ethical code are: Rigour, Respect and Responsibility. In relation to my research I will need to be rigorous to ensure that data is collected reliably and honestly, upholding the integrity of both mine and the university's reputation. This can be achieved through ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of data collected from subjects is maintained alongside implementing strict systematic thought. I intend to collect the majority of my data through qualitative methods, primarily interviews, therefore respect is of even greater importance as there will be high levels of face to face contact with research subjects. Subjects need to be treated politely ensuring they are kept informed and able to withdraw at any point. If promised are made, for example providing incentives in return for participation in the interview, then these need to be upheld. As a researcher I will have a number of responsibilities which include ensuring formal consent is obtained, communication in all circumstances is made responsibly and appropriate risk assessments are carried out. These assessments can be using in identifying the true impacts of my research; these impacts could include political implications, legal issues, endorsing psychological stress and the capability to provide professional indemnity through confidentiality and anonymity. The university presents policies in relation to ethical conduct described, which I must abide by, as:
"...systems of moral principles or values, principles of right or good behaviour in relating to others, and the rules and standards of conduct binding together members of a profession..." (University of Sheffield, 2008)
When undertaking research it is essential to consider whether it would be classified as high or low risk. High risk would involve research being conducted which would involve vulnerable participants and/or focuses on topics of a sensitive nature; for example working alongside children or research identifying the need for playgrounds in particular locations. I believe my research topic, focusing around the level to which sustainability has been integrated into the planning system, not to be of high risk.
Critical self-assessment of Progress in Research Skills
Since the beginning of this module I have been able to develop a number of my research skills and competencies. Note-taking skills have improved together with my reading skills as throughout the semester I have been reading more than ever before and taking a good set of notes from lectures and reading material in order to complete a number of assessments. Through the two data tasks within this research diary I have marginally improved my statistical analysis and data sources competencies where the use of Excel and data handling were a welcomed reminder for the two skills I have not utilised for some time. Resulting from a very detailed set of lectures on case studies and surveys I have broadened my knowledge in relation to these key research skills. The lectures have enabled me to think in depth about survey design and how response rates can be influenced by this. A particularly helpful paper was that of Flyvbjerg's Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research, with this I now understand the true value of the case study as research method and lectures have enabled me to grasp the purpose of different types of case studies. One competency that has been improved significantly over the semester is that of theories, where in a number of my modules this skill has been strengthened , for instance a key part to seminar discussion within the Values in Planning module has been based around collaborative and communicative planning. My knowledge in research philosophies was quite poor at the beginning of the semester but through the work presented by Grix (2002) has allowed me to understand the process of research, including the terms ontology and epistemology. Listening skills have always been a strength but they can often be put to the test when presented with, for example, challenging lectures first thing in the morning involving ethics and planning theory but despite this I managed to stay in touch with the subject and develop my ethical and theoretical knowledge. Ethics is an import aspect of professional conduct and also in any research carried out. After many lectures, assessments and work experience placements my ethical knowledge and conduct is at an outstanding level, which I also take pride in. Despite all of these improvements there are still areas which I need to continually develop, particularly those which will be of use in my dissertation. These include reading, theory, research philosophies, participant observation and interviewing competencies, although many of them are to a good standard I will progress these further through reading, practice and discussion
