> > Nice case study, Louis, but as I tell my students, > case studies are > > interesting because they are rare and unique. > Certainly, a larger > > sampling needs to be done before we can conclude that > this is "the norm". > > That's why I said that it gives up cause to pause. > Case studies are not > valid because they are rare and unique. To the > contrary, they are valid > because they are "stories" or "illustrations" or even > parables with a > specific message that humanizes a particular principle > or value.
"Validity" has many meanings. In science one core property of valid evidence is that it be representative of the phenomenon that it exemplifies. This cannot be established from a single case. The exception may 'prove' (in the original sense of 'test') the rule -- it cannot be used to _make_ a rule, --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
