Chapter 1 | Page 26 in NVivo and derivative methods of content analysis used for various thematic areas are covered in detail in relevant chapters. In addition to this systematic analysis of texts, the study also involved skimming and thorough reading of the documents to identify areas that require clarification before they can be discussed in the ‘real world’ context. This process of thorough reading was important to ensure that the data were examined with a critical eye and, most importantly, that the elements taken from the documents were relevant to the focus of the inquiry. It has been argued that document analysis has the advantage of being a more efficient, less-time consuming process.63 As well, according to Glenn Bowen, one of the main advantages of documents over interviews and observations is their lack of reactivity,64 which makes the results of analysis more representative of reality. In the present study, this strength was optimised through triangulation of the findings with those from several case studies. 1.4.3 Case studies Qualitative case study methodology is valuable in providing additional insights into the working of any phenomenon, particularly in relation to ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions. Case studies are powerful research tools for understanding a phenomenon in context, since they deliver a richer variety of variables of interest than single data points.65 Case studies employ a ‘multiplicity of perspectives which are rooted in a specific context’, thus generating detailed, in-depth understanding of a phenomenon.66 Given the added value of case studies to document analysis methodology, this thesis includes five case studies (in Chapters 5-8) on the Maldives, each addressing a separate line of inquiry, namely: policy challenges and options in 63 Bowen, above n 52, 31. 64 Ibid., 37. 65 For detailed discussions on case study method, see, Robert K Yin, Case Study Research: Design and Methods (SAGE Publications, London, 5th ed, 2013). 66 Ritchie et al, above n 44, 51-52.