Applying Legal Research Methods in practice: case studies

This week’s topics

Applying Legal Research Methods in practice: case studies

1. Case analysis
2. Linking theory to practice
3. Evaluating evidence
4. Types of Case Study. Part 1 of 3 on Case Studies
5. Yin (2003) Case Study Research pt 8 Collecting Evidence
6. Yin (2003) Case Study Research pt 4 Theory and quality

What you will be able to do

• 1.3 Assess the diversity of research methods used in socio-legal studies.
• 1.4 Evaluate ethical dimensions of socio-legal approaches.
• 1.5 Analyse features of the blackletter approach to doctrinal legal research.
• 3.1 Critically analyse different theoretical approaches to a legal research problem.
• 4.1 Critically evaluate relevant research methodologies that can be applied to your chosen research topic.
• 4.2 Justify the methodology selected in terms of the research.
• 5.2 Critically evaluate own skills and knowledge, with reference to the intended outcome of the research project.

Activity

Start with this week’s 3 videos, then: Case-study workshop: apply the unit’s concepts to a real or realistic case and evaluate the outcome.

Study materials

Videos

• Types of Case Study. Part 1 of 3 on Case Studies · YouTube · Graham R Gibbs · 19 min · for registered students
• Yin (2003) Case Study Research pt 8 Collecting Evidence · YouTube · Glenn Parry · 15 min · for registered students
• Yin (2003) Case Study Research pt 4 Theory and quality · YouTube · Glenn Parry · 6 min · for registered students

Further resources

• Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research · Reading · Arxiv, article · for registered students
• Workplace Dispute Resolution and the Management of Individual Conflict: Five Case Studies · PDF · Reading, article · for registered students
• Magenta Book Annex A: analytical methods for use within an evaluation (HM Treasury) · PDF · GOV.UK, guidance; 60 pages · for registered students