QMR

The activities in the "Getting Started" step of the Eisenhardt process involve defining the research question to focus efforts on collecting specific data. It may also include defining tentative, a priori constructs that are important to the study, such as conflict or power in strategic decision-making. This provides grounding for constructs, shapes the initial design of theory-building, enables better construct measurement, and permits triangulation.

In the "Selecting Cases" step, neither theory nor hypotheses are defined. The population for the study is specified, which helps define the limits of generalizability. The sampling is theoretical (not random), with an emphasis on extreme situations to fill in certain categories. This approach focuses efforts on selecting theoretically useful cases that are useful for the study.

In the "Crafting Instruments and Protocols" step, multiple data collection methods are used, strengthening the grounding of theory. Both qualitative and quantitative data are combined, if available, to build a stronger theory. Working with multiple investigators is also important, as it strengthens confidence in findings and ensures a more robust analysis.

In the "Entering the Field" step, data collection and analysis overlap, including the use of field notes and running commentary. This enables a constant stream of consciousness and deeper engagement with the data. The data collection process is flexible and opportunistic, allowing adjustments based on emergent themes, including adding new cases or data sources as necessary.

In the "Analyzing the Data" step, within-case analysis is conducted through detailed case study write-ups for each site, which provides a pure description of what is happening and helps the researcher become familiar with the data. A cross-case pattern search is then conducted using divergent techniques, selecting categories along which to examine the cases. The data is divided by source type, and similarities and differences are identified to avoid premature conclusions and see evidence from multiple perspectives.

In the "Shaping Hypotheses" step, the researcher iteratively tabulates evidence for each construct, identifying themes, concepts, and relationships between variables. This process involves iterating between theory and data to sharpen construct definitions. Replication (not sampling) logic across cases is used to find similar evidence for variables, further refining the theory. The researcher also searches for the "why" behind relationships to validate the patterns and build internal validity.

In the "Enfolding Literature" step, the researcher compares the emergent concepts and theory with conflicting literature to build internal validity. The researcher also compares the emergent concepts and theory with similar literature to sharpen the generalizability of the findings.

In the "Research Closure" step, the researcher determines theoretical saturation, deciding when to stop adding cases based on when theoretical saturation is reached. The iteration process between theory and data stops when the incremental improvement to theory becomes minimal, signaling the closure of the research process.

The typical structure of an interview guide includes the following sections: 1. Introduction: Welcome, start recording, introduce interviewer and interviewee.2. Privacy Statement: Ensure confidentiality.3. Demographics: Optional, gather basic information.4. Main Part: Ask open-ended and probing questions.5. Closure: Allow the interviewee to ask questions, then say goodbye.

An interview guide is a structured document used by researchers to facilitate and conduct semi-structured or in-depth interviews. It ensures that the interview covers necessary topics and helps maintain consistency across interviews while allowing for flexibility in responses.

An interview guide covers different topics and themes. It is flexible and dynamic, serving as a framework rather than a script. The guide enables the sharing of experiences, insights, and perspectives. It also includes space for notes and observations during the interview.

A semi-structured interview is a method of collecting qualitative data that combines both structured and unstructured questions. It allows flexibility during the interview process, enabling the interviewer to ask follow-up questions based on the participant's responses.

The purpose of a semi-structured interview is to collect detailed and in-depth information from participants. It allows participants to express their views freely, making it useful for exploring new or complex topics.

A semi-structured interview has a pre-determined set of open-ended questions. The interviewer can probe deeper or diverge based on the conversation. It is more flexible than structured interviews but still maintains some consistency, allowing for the capture of detailed and nuanced responses.

The semi-structured interview guide typically includes the following sections: 1. Introduction: Welcome, introduction, privacy statement, recording information, and demographics.2. Open-questions: Simple questions used to build rapport with the participant.3. Theory-driven questions: Targeted at understanding theoretical mechanisms.4. Confrontational questions: Challenge responses to gain deeper insights.5. Spontaneous questions: Allow for follow-up and unplanned questions based on the flow of conversation.

Action research, case study, descriptive study, ecological study, ethnography, and field research.

Action research is participatory research by practitioners that investigates their own practices, identifies problems, implements interventions, reflects on outcomes, and aims to improve decision-making.

A case study is an in-depth study of a specific subject in real life that focuses on individuals, groups, events, or phenomena, providing detailed insights into complexities.

A descriptive study explores a phenomenon or context in detail by observing and recording behaviors and experiences, without manipulating variables.

An ecological study examines interactions between people and their environment, focusing on context and social factors, and looks at behaviors and outcomes in communities.

An ethnography is an immersive, long-term study of social or cultural groups that observes behaviors, beliefs, and practices, taking place in a natural context.

Field research collects data through direct observation and interaction, conducted in participants' natural environments to study social phenomena in real-life settings.

Qualitative research focuses on subjective experiences and meanings, while quantitative research focuses on objective (numerical) data.

Qualitative research collects data through non-standardized methods such as interviews and observations, while quantitative research collects data through standardized methods like financial reports and surveys.

Qualitative research uses non-numerical, coding-based techniques (e.g., case studies) and follows inductive or abductive reasoning, while quantitative research uses statistical techniques (e.g., regression analysis) and follows deductive reasoning.

Qualitative research aims to explore complex social phenomena and build theory, while quantitative research focuses on studying large populations, testing hypotheses, and making generalizations.

Induction is a method of reasoning that starts with specific observations and generalizes them to arrive at broader conclusions, moving from the particular to the general.

Deduction is a method of reasoning that starts with general principles and uses them to arrive at a specific conclusion, moving from the general to the particular.

Ontology studies existence, being, and reality. It groups entities into categories and examines their fundamental existence, often referred to as the "science of being."