Negative Case Analysis

 
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

 

What is negative case analysis?

Negative case analysis is a methodological approach in qualitative research, which involves finding and discussing data that contradict the explanations emerging from the research. It is the process of refining your analysis each time a new negative case arises and continuing this revision until your study can explain the majority of the data captured in your qualitative research.

What is a negative case?

Negative cases, also known as deviant cases or outliers, are the ones in which the respondents’ viewpoints differ or seem not to support the main body of evidence. Basically, it is a respondent’s answer or experience that does not match the rest of your data.

Example of a negative case

Below is an example of a negative case to help you better understand this concept so you can identify a negative or deviant case when conducting research.

Some researchers interviewed women in a small community on the benefits of a new water project in the community center. Most respondents were happy about the latest development; however, a respondent was quiet and seemed reluctant to express her opinion. On noticing her, the researchers called her aside for a separate interview and got a contradicting viewpoint from her.

The woman expressed that she is unhappy about the project because it was built near her house, and she and her family have to endure the noise of the water pump, which runs all day, and the loud discussions of the other community women. In this scenario, the woman’s case is a negative one, compared to the overall data collected from the respondents.

Why is negative case analysis important in qualitative research?

Qualitative researchers use negative case analysis to enhance, broaden, and validate the patterns emerging from their data analysis. This approach gives the researcher a different and more holistic perspective of the explanations and outcomes emerging from the study. 

Negative case analysis helps you recognize alternative viewpoints, the source of the contradicting data,  and how they can contribute to your research to make it more robust. Furthermore, analyzing negative cases gives you a better understanding of the strengths and limits of your data. By illuminating other alternative viewpoints, negative case analysis helps you enhance the credibility of your findings and the usefulness of your conclusions. 

Wrap up

Negative case analysis makes your explanation more robust, gives you more insight into your working hypothesis, and strengthens your qualitative research. It won’t ruin your study or invalidate your work, so don’t be tempted to turn a blind eye anytime you come across a negative case in your research. 

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