The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study is to explore African
Americans’ perceptions of what contributes to health disparities and their experiences
with the utilization or lack of utilization of preventative health services. This study
consisted of African Americans who had one or more chronic health conditions in The
Southeastern region and health care professionals who treat patients with chronic health
conditions. The objectives of this qualitative exploratory case study are to explore and
describe the experiences of African Americans with one or more chronic diseases in the
Southeastern region when they attempt to or do not attempt to utilize preventative
healthcare services and to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of
African Americans about what contributes to health disparities.
Case study research investigates phenomena in-depth and from within their reallife
context (Buraway, 2009; Hollweck, 2016; Stake, 2005). Stake (2005) highlighted that
a case or cases are chosen based on either theoretical reasons, or there is an interest in the
case. Researchers should understand what their objects are regarding their contributions
to theory to ensure that the research design is appropriate to the research questions, the
method of data collection, and data analysis (Edmondson & McManus, 2007; Ridder,
2019). Ridder (2019) implied that a case study research design creates, extends, tests, orelaborates on theory. Hollweck (2016) suggested that when gaps exist in the existing theory, pattern-matching allows the researcher to extend or modify the theory.
Qualitative research design investigates a phenomenon in-depth and is descriptive
and interpretive (Buraway, 2009; Hollweck, 2016; Stake, 2005).
Question:
Do the authors present a clear understanding of the differences between method and design?
