Evaluation,Policy Analysis,and Multiple Case Studies: Aspects of Focus and Sampling

Abstract

Two specific criticisms of the relation between multiple case studies and policy analysis, namely the uncertain focus of qualitative research as a means for evaluating policy and the hazards of using nonrandom samples, are challenged in this article. The issue of relevance is answered in general terms by showing why it is that qualitative research is especially appropriate to analytic inquiry into policy. Then a set of definite foci is proposed. The second criticism is answered, again in general terms first, by showing that strictly random sampling does not fit the requirements of the proposed form of policy inquiry. Several guidelines for tailored sampling are then made explicit.