Qualitative case study is a research methodology that helps in exploration of a phenomenon within some context through various data sources, and it undertakes the exploration through variety of lenses to reveal multiple facets of the phenomenon (Baxter & Jack, 2008). In case study, a real-time phenomenon is explored within its naturally occurring context, with the consideration that context will create a difference (Kaarbo & Beasley, 1999). In qualitative research, case study is one of the frequently used methodologies (Yazan, 2015). However, it still does not occupy a legitimate position as a social science research strategy, as it does not have well-structured and fully defined protocols (Yin, 2002), so novice researchers who intend to use this methodology usually become confused about what a case study really is and how it is different from other types of qualitative research methodologies (Merriam, 1998). There is an extensive literature available on the theory and practice of qualitative research (see Creswell, 2013; Glesne & Peshkin, 1992; Marshall & Rossman, 2014; Merriam & Tisdell, 2015; Patton, 1980, 1990); most of these studies discuss case study research in a cursory way (Hancock & Algozzine, 2016). Despite being one of the most used qualitative research methods in academic research, the researchers have not yet developed consensus on planning and implementation of case study, which impedes its complete evolution (Yazan, 2015). However, there are few studies on case study methodology (Hancock & Algozzine, 2016; Yin, 2017) that attempted to synthesize the details to provide a complete case study research process with practical guideline. Robert K. Yin, Sharan Merriam, and Robert E. Stake are the three influential authors who provide procedures to conduct case study research (Creswell, Hanson, Clark Plano, & Morales, 2007). They are the three foundational methodologists whose recommendations greatly impact academic researchers’ decisions regarding case study design (Yazan, 2015). Some famous books about case study methodology (Merriam, 2002; Stake, 1995; Yin, 2011) provide useful details on case study research but they emphasize more on theory as compared to practice, and most of them do not provide the basic knowledge of case study conduct for beginners (Hancock & Algozzine, 2016)

QUESTION ONE (20 Marks)

1.1 The given case study purports to explore a relationship that exists between qualitative research, literature reviewed, research methodology and a case study. Using the above case study, define the following terms:

i. Literature Reviewed (5 marks)

ii. Research methodology (5 marks)

iii. Case Study (5 marks)

iv. Qualitative research

1.2 When conducting research, a researcher is privy to using either a qualitative research methodology or a quantitative research methodology. Discuss the different phenomena surrounding these different research methodologies