Striving for Rigour in Qualitative Case Study Research: A Contextualised Guide for Early-Career Researchers in the Global South

Abstract

This paper offers a contextually grounded guide for enhancing rigour in qualitative case study research, focusing on early-career researchers in the Global South. Using an integrative approach that combines systematic literature synthesis with reflective scholarly practice, it adapts established strategies to resource-constrained and culturally complex settings. Rigour is conceptualised as a context-sensitive, iterative process spanning research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. The paper connects these strategies with practical tools, such as reflexivity journals, triangulation matrices, and coding checklists, while addressing constraints including linguistic diversity, infrastructure, cultural norms, and security risks. Its contribution is a contextualised synthesis of established methodological practices that provides conceptual clarity and practical guidance for credible qualitative research in the Global South.