Like Chapter 7, this chapter also discusses the sequencing of case study designs. Here we particularly focus on the deductive–inductive sequencing. Using an exemplar case study, we discuss how prediction outliers (deviant cases) identified during the initial study can guide the sequencing of designs in further stages. In the context of the example, we discuss the research question, theoretical sampling, cases, levels of analysis, and the potential requirement for additional data collection. Furthermore, we discuss the issue of omitted variable bias and internal validity in the context of sequenced case study designs. We end the chapter with a discussion on how to report sequenced case studies following deductive–inductive reasoning.

In this chapter, we move on from the archetypical to the sequenced case study designs. First of all, we discuss what sequencing case study designs entail. Using an illustrative example, we discuss one type of sequencing in detail (i.e. the inductive-deductive sequencing). In the context of the example, we discuss the research question, theoretical sampling, controls, cases, embedded units, and the levels of analysis involved in the sequenced design. Lastly, we briefly discuss how to report the sequenced case study design.

We discuss multiple case studies in this chapter. We start off with a discussion of theoretical sampling and replication logic. We specifically discuss literal and theoretical replication (LR and TR) in connection with multiple case studies. The strengths and limitations of LR and TR are discussed thereafter. In particular, we deliberate upon the potential of TR to enhance the internal and external validity of a case study. Henceforth, we address some common (mis)conceptions regarding replication logic, internal validity, external validity (generalizability), and reliability. We also discuss how multiple case studies might need to sacrifice the depth of observation for breadth. Other potential weaknesses, such as the smaller number of independent variables and the difficulty in controlling context, are also discussed thereafter.