PDC24: Comparative Case Studies and Ethnographies—Organized by the World Education Research Association (WERA)

Session Type: Professional Development Course

Abstract

In this course, we explore how individual scholars can build comparative perspectives into their qualitative research. We use mini-lectures and hands-on exercises to review the overlapping meanings of “case studies” and “ethnography”; discuss two philosophical perspectives on comparisons of qualitative research, one seeking broad generalizations (“universalist”) and one seeking context-bound deeper understanding (“meta-ethnography”); consider small-scale, step-by-step approaches to cross-national comparative work that participants might engage in themselves by comparing their own work with published case studies and by carrying out new research parallel to a colleague’ s study; and explore what is learned by comparing “favorite theorists” across countries. Participants should bring a one- to two-page summary of one of their own qualitative studies, including key references.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development and Training Committee

Cosponsor

• World Education Research Association

Instructors

• Kathryn M. Anderson-Levitt, University of California - Los Angeles

• Belmira Oliveira Bueno, Universidad de Sao Paulo