We used a case study methodology which is well suited to ‘‘retain
the holistic and meaningful characteristics of real-life events”
(Yin, 2009: 4) while using a wide range of evidence. Given that this
study focusses on the policy-making processes around NYC’s dietary
obesity prevention efforts and the factors that shaped their
content, we have concentrated on accounts from policy-makers,
notably civil servants and appointed and elected leaders who possess
knowledge of all stages of the policy-making process. External
stakeholders’ influence is reflected in the documentary review and
policy-makers’ accounts. The choice of NYC as our case study and
the subsequent selection of interviewees followed a nonprobability,
purposive sampling approach (Given, 2008).