The validity and reliability of case study research: a systematic review and framework

Purpose Case studies are a primary qualitative research method, particularly in the field of management. However, their validity and reliability have been criticized over the years. This study aims to address this issue by systematically mapping and categorizing all validity (including construct, external, internal and content) and reliability instruments used by positivist case study researchers in management. Design/methodology/approach This study used a method-based Systematic Literature that included two primary components: bibliometric analysis of the final sample and content analysis. From an initial search of 1,543 articles in Scopus and Web of Science, 155 articles were included in the final sample. Findings This study revealed several key findings. First, 95 instruments were used to assess validity and reliability. Second, the use of case tests has increased in recent years. Among these, reliability tests are the most commonly used, followed by construct validity, external validity, internal validity and content validity, in descending order of usage. Originality/value This study makes a significant methodological contribution to the literature. First, by inductively categorizing all instruments and case tests and grouping them into a single model, researchers can identify and map the potential uses of these tools in their studies. In addition, this study introduces a novel methodological conceptual model by consolidating the 95 instruments identified throughout the six stages of the proposed case study research. Finally, this study elaborates on and proposes the concept of “integral validity” in methodology.