Abstract
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This paper provides a discussion on how case study research fits into the bigger picture of theory building in the
social sciences. In particular, it discusses how case study research, as opposed to more classical quantitative
(often statistical) approaches contribute to the progression of collective learning in science. As such, for
arguments sake, in this paper these approaches (i.e. qualitative vs. quantitative) are put into a competitive
relationship. It is acknowledged that such competitive relationship does not exist in theory, as they are often
considered to be complementary, but in practice qualitative research is often more difficult to publish; and tends
to be more difficult to defend. Therefore the authors believe there is a need to better recognise the role of case
study research in the scientific process; and in light of recent development in participatory modelling to
collectively re-evaluate how case study research contributes to the progression of scientific learning?