what are the strengths and weaknesses in using a multi-method approach within a case study design?

Question

I am trying to find the strengths and weaknesses of a qualitative study.

Answer 1

Basically, the answer is: there are very few problems out there that do not have multile solutions, or at least multiple parts that, together, will add up to a useable solution.

Using a "multi-method" approach allows you to effectively compare potential solutions, compare possible results of each solution, and select either one complete method, or parts of several different methods, to reach a conclusion or a solution to the case study problem as it is presented.

Answer 2

Robert K Yin has written some good books on the multi-method approach (see amazon link and also click on Robert K Yin for more books).

You might do a google search for books or articles by him.

The wikipedia opening paragraph for their case study article says that not everyone agrees that a case study is a qualitative thing, but it does list lots of methods.

Answer 3

alistair.cockburn.us/index.php/People_and_methodologies_in_software...
alistair.cockburn.us/legacy/crystal/books/pamisd/...
www.gslis.utexas.edu/courses/phd_methods_courses.php.
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/opre/ehs/ehs_resrch/ehs_birth_to_three.html
www.bac-mbp.com/research/abstracts_2000.ht