Abstract

This online resource introduces an approach to social science data analysis for both qualitative and quantitative data, where the focus of the analysis is the 'case' and the key analytical tool is comparison. The case may be a person, an organisation or a community. The site tackles methodological questions and provides a practical introduction to the use of computer software to assist in comparative analysis. We hope that the site will be useful for research students and researchers who are familiar with basic qualitative and quantitative social science methods and are looking for novel ways of exploring data. The Focusing on the Case project, funded by the ESRC (2004-2005) as part of the Research Methods Programme, was led by David Byrne, Professor of Sociology at the University of Durham and Wendy Olsen, Lecturer in Socio-Economic Research, at the Cathie Marsh Centre for Census & Survey Research, University of Manchester.