‘This book provides a fresh and stimulating approach to causal analysis in the social sciences. International experts provide not just the philosophical arguments for a case-based approach to research but also detailed chapters on: 'why-to’, ‘when-to’ and ‘how-to’. Traditional distinctions between qualitative and quantitative are rejected in favour of a case-based approach which is applicable across the social sciences and beyond’ - Professor Angela Dale, The University of Manchester. ‘This wide-ranging volume gives an excellent overview of diverse contemporary case study methods. Case study researchers of all kinds will find this book deepens their understanding of the methods they already use and broadens their knowledge of approaches they have not yet explored’ - Professor Andrew Bennett, Georgetown University. ‘An invaluable resource for social researchers who want to know how and why case studies are conducted. The contributors represent a rich stream of research active practitioners who provide an excellent guide to both qualitative and quantitative approaches to case based enquiry. Illustrations are drawn from a broad range of disciplines and provide a fertile terrain for application’ - Professor Dick Wiggins, The Institute of Education, University of London. Case-based methods have a long history in the Social Sciences. They are extensively used and raise many practical and theoretical questions. This book provides a comprehensive, critical examination of case-oriented research. It offers concrete proposals about the best research methods and provides an unparalleled guide to the emergence and complexity of the field. The handbook: situates the reader in the essential theoretical and practical issues; demonstrates the unity and diversity of case-oriented research through an examination of case-based methods; distinguishes between case-based and case study research; elucidates the philosophical issues around case based methods; and, relates case-based work to the constellation of social theory and theories of research methods.