Writing a Case Study
What is a case study?
A Case study is:
What are the different types of case studies?
Case Study Type | Explanation | Question Example |
Descriptive |
This type of case study allows the researcher to:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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How are individual school districts addressing student engagement in an online classroom? |
Intrinsic |
This type of case study allows the researcher to:
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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:
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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.
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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.
How to write a Case Study?
When developing a case study, there are different ways you could present the information, but remember to include the five parts for your case study.
1. Overview:
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2. Introduction:
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3. Data:
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4. Findings:
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5. Conclusion:
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