The Role of the Literature and Theory in Defining and Bounding a Case

Defining and bounding a case are recognized as especially important components in designing a case study. Discussions concerning the case study methodology and the relationship between theory and research in this domain has been featured in the literature for some time now. Yet, the process of identifying or constructing a case and the contribution of theory in this space seem neglected. This paper discusses how a case can be defined and bounded, and the role of the literature and theory in the process. Throughout the article, the author draws upon her experiences in the course of her PhD project vis-à-vis interests and power in Norwegian Svalbard politics. The article is divided into three parts. The first part considers how to define a case. The second part discusses how to bound a case. The third part digs deeper into the dilemmas of using the literature and theory in these processes. Although there may not be any clear solution to these dilemmas, the author finds that treating preliminary definitions and boundaries as sensitizing concepts can allow a researcher to find “the stuff” that pushes the study toward more interesting findings and theoretical innovations. However, neither methodology textbooks nor journal articles carry the solution to such dilemmas. Rather, the researcher’s own reflection specific to actual research can be a panacea.