Table I

Quality criteria for case study research within the realism, positivism and constructionism paradigms

Paradigm/ElementPositivismRealismConstructivism
OntologyReality is real and apprehendableReality is real but only imperfectly and probabilistically apprehendableMultiple, local and specific “constructed” realities
EpistemologyObjectivist: findings are trueModified objectivist: findings are probably trueSubjectivist: created findings
Quality criteriaReliability, external and internal validityAnalytical generalizationTrustworthiness

Source:

(Adapted from Healy and Perry, 2000, p. 119-124)

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