Pattern matching

What is pattern matching?

Pattern matching is comparing two
patterns in order to determine
whether they match (i.e., that they
are the same) or do not match (i.e.,
that they differ).
 Characteristics
• A deductive method (Involves the prediction
of a pattern of outcomes based on theoretical
proposition)
• A core procedure of theory-testing with cases
• Testing consists of matching an “observed
pattern” (a pattern of measured values) with
an “expected pattern” (a hypothesis), and
deciding whether these patterns match
(resulting in a confirmation of the
hypothesis) or do not match (resulting in a
disconfirmation).
• Essential to pattern matching (as
opposed to pattern recognition, which
is a procedure by which theory is built)
is that the expected pattern is
precisely specified before the
matching takes place.
 The purpose of using pattern
matching
To develop a conceptual or analytical
framework, utilize existing theory and
subsequently testing the adequacy of the
framework as a means to explaining one’s
findings
• If there is a match, and the patterns
coincide, then the initial proposition is
confirmed, and the internal validity of the
research is strengthened.
• Amendments can be made to the
theoretically based position with regards
to the initial case study. More data is then
collected again and compared to the
findings of the revised theoretical
position. Further amendments are made
until a satisfactory explanation is derived.
 Example
A study to investigate the influence of
cultural diversity, in a multicultural
nursing workforce, on the quality and
safety of patient care and the work
environment.
1. Stating the study’s
proposition
2.Testing phase
3. Providing
theoretical
explanations and
developing
research outcome
 Stating the study’s proposition
• Can be derived from literature or theory

Cultural diversity within a multicultural

nursing workforce can influence the
quality and safety of patient care and the
work environment as perceived and
experienced by nurses and published in
organizational policy documents
 Testing phase
• To examine the correctness of
proposition of the study
• Empirical-based pattern - survey,
interview, document analysis
• The propositional pattern was: Cultural diversity in
the multicultural nursing workforce can influence the
nurses’ perception of clinical safety climate. T
• The empirically-based pattern was: The cultural
background of nurses has an impact on their
perception of clinical safety climate.
 Theoretical analysis and research
outcome
• Overall pattern of findings
The multicultural nature of the nursing
workforce in this setting is attended by
clinical, personal, and professional
difficulties that could result in profound
consequences on the safety of the nurses,
patients, and their families, as well as
general healthcare outcome.
 Summary
Pattern matching starts with
existing theory and test its
adequacy in terms of explaining
the findings.