On Systematizing Theory-Building Case Studies: Commentary on Stiles (2008)

Bill Stiles wants to enhance the reliability and the utility of theory-building case studies. To do so, he proposes a systematic, replicable approach to clinical case materials that to date has been difficult to use systematically. At the core of his proposal is what he calls “logical operations,” which include some familiar elements of logic: deduction, induction, and abduction. While not without problems in concept and execution, Stiles’ proposal offers those who want to use theorybuilding case studies in their own work the prospect of an empirically-based analytic tool in a field that has not to this time had one.