Case study as a research method to study life histories of elderly people: Some ideas and a case study of a case study

Journal/Book: J Aging Stud. 1996; 10: 55 Old Post RD-#2, PO Box 1678, Greenwich, CT 06836-1678. Jai Press Inc. 281-294.

Abstract: The article explores conditions under which life history interviewing, based on case study research, may become a valuable research instrument Validity and reliability of case study as a form of qualitative research are discussed. It is shown that neither triangulation nor internal consistency methods can guarantee a single interpretation. As an example a case study of Zina, an immigrant from Russia, is used, and two explanations of her behavior are proposed. The choice between them is made through construction of a holistic image of Zina, which essentially means introduction of a new dimension-theory, worldview-as a criterion of validity and reliability of case studies. Relations of a case study to a theory are discussed, and the conclusion is made that a case study enables a researcher to utilize the most the diversity of life histories of elderly people.

Note: Article Sokolovsky M, Univ Connecticut, Sch Family Studies, U-58, Storrs,CT 06268 USA

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