The Rationale of the Case Study Research Method Coursework - 2

The Rationale of the Case Study Research Method - Coursework Example It is widely applied as a valuable method in the study of psychology and health sciences in order to develop a theory, design and evaluate interventions. (Baxter & Jack, 2008) A case study approach is used when it is needed to explore a phenomenon within its context and through the variety of lenses. The following enables researchers to reveal and comprehend different facets of an event or a situation and develop a full understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. Moreover, due to the fact that researchers have little or no influences on the course of case studies, they allow for the flexibility and do not demand rigorous planning. As a result, case studies can produce unexpected findings and encourage researchers to reorient their studies and direct them to the right conclusions while saving from making incorrect assumptions. (Baxter & Jack, 2008) In addition, it is reasonable to resort to the case study method when a research is aimed at answering such questions as â€Å"how† and â€Å"why† something is happening and when the issue to be investigated is current. Among the main advantages of the case study approach can be named the possibility to collect significant amounts of details and in-depth data that could be left without attention when applying other methods. Also, case studies are extremely useful when large samples of participants are not available or there is a lack of previous research on the given topic. (Case study research, 2009) In this context, case studies appear to be useful when making an insight into unique and unusual situations that cannot be otherwise studied due to ethical or some practical considerations. Subsequently, a case study can help to generate new hypotheses and innovations as well as challenge theoretical assumptions and study the rare phenomenon.

Academic and Professional Discourse Communities Essay

Academic and Professional Discourse Communities - Essay Example iscuss what constitutes literacy in the discourse of graphic design and how one can achieve and demonstrate literacy within the graphic design discourse community. In the discourse of graphic design community, there are various methods that are involved in creating and combining symbols, words, and images in order to create a communication design or visual representation of messages and ideas. Literacy in graphic design would mean a mastery of the discourse, hence ability of a graphic designer to use a combination of the techniques of visual arts, typography, and page layout in order to produce final results of the practice of design. This process is hence referred to as a designing process in which some form of communication is created and design products are created. James Gee in his writing gives a sociological and a psychological approach to literacy. He asserts that literacy focus is a social practice and that it is not only the way you say it, but exactly what you are saying an d that which you are doing when saying it. Gee defines literacy in the parameters of discourse as a mastery of a particular secondary discourse. The graphic design discourse community has specific social and personal goals that they work towards meeting in the community. For instance, graphic designers are charged with the responsibility of creating visual communication to the people. They are expected to use techniques of visual arts, typography, and page layout in order to produce final results of the practice of design. Some of the specific goals they meet include creating identities such as branding and, publications like news papers, magazines and books, product packaging as well as advertisement. For instance, a graphic design discourse community aims at creating a product package that includes logo as well as other network, pure elements of design and an organized text like color and shapes that unify the piece of work. Therefore it is the goal, both at personal level and