LibGuides: Research Writing and Analysis: Case Study

Writing a Case Study

What is a case study?

A Case study is:

An in-depth research design that primarily uses a qualitative methodology but sometimes includes quantitative methodology.
Used to examine an identifiable problem confirmed through research.
Used to investigate an individual, group of people, organization, or event.
Used to mostly answer "how" and "why" questions.

What are the different types of case studies?

Case Study Type	Explanation	Question Example
Descriptive	This type of case study allows the researcher to: Investigate a phenomenon from the participants’ lived experiences in narrative form. Usually begin with a descriptive explanation of a theory that supports the phenomenon being researched.	How has the implementation and use of the instructional coaching intervention for elementary teachers impacted students’ attitudes toward reading?
Explanatory	This type of case study allows the researcher to: Develop a project or investigate an intervention to identify themes and discover new outcomes.	Why do differences exist when implementing the same online reading curriculum in three elementary classrooms?
Exploratory	This type of case study allows the researcher to: Help define questions or hypotheses. Identify the boundaries for subsequent research studies.	What are potential barriers to student’s reading success when middle school teachers implement the Ready Reader curriculum online?
Multiple Case Studies or Collective Case Study	This type of case study allows the researcher to: Learn about the complexity of an issue. Use purposeful sampling of cases that tailor to the specific study. Provide a variety of context from different studies to determine a theme or finding from the evidence provided.	How are individual school districts addressing student engagement in an online classroom?
Intrinsic	This type of case study allows the researcher to: Understand a specific case through a primarily descriptive exploration. Not have set expectations, but rather focus on gaining a better understanding of the case.	How does a student’s familial background influence a teacher’s ability to provide meaningful instruction?
Instrumental	This type of case study allows the researcher to: Provide information for further understanding of a phenomenon, issue, or problem. Aim to focus on the outcome or results instead of the research topic.	How a rural school district’s integration of a reward system maximized student engagement?

Note: These are the primary case studies. As you continue to research and learn

about case studies you will begin to find a robust list of different types.

Who are your case study participants?

Participants	Explanation
Individual	This type of study is implemented to understand an individual by developing a detailed explanation of the individual’s lived experiences or perceptions.
Group of People	This type of study is implemented to explore a particular group of people’s perceptions.
Organization	This type of study is implemented to explore the perspectives of people who work for or had interaction with a specific organization or company.
Event	This type of study is implemented to explore participant’s perceptions of an event.

What is triangulation?

Validity and credibility are an essential part of the case study. Therefore, the researcher should include triangulation to ensure trustworthiness while accurately reflecting what the researcher seeks to investigate.