This document provides background information and guidelines for case studies. It defines case studies as qualitative analyses that use thick description to examine existing events and raise critical questions rather than offer definitive answers. The document notes that case studies have been used in social sciences like sociology and anthropology since the 1920s and discusses different types of case studies, including illustrative, exploratory, cumulative, and critical instance. It provides formatting guidelines for written case studies, specifying they should be 1,000-1,500 words and include a summary, problem statement, analysis, and conclusion.
2. Overview
Thick Description
Qualitative
◦ Compared to Quantitative
Not experimental
◦ Learn from existing events
Primary purpose is not offer definitive
answers but to raise critical questions.
3. History
Older than you might think.
◦ 1920s
Started in “naturalistic” social sciences
◦ Sociology
◦ Anthropology
Robert Park
◦ Journalism Background
Criticisms
◦ Unscientific
◦ Not generalizable
5. Format
Each case study is to be typed, double-spaced, in a legible
font, and at least 1,000 words in length (not to exceed
1,500 words)
Components
◦ Summary. This is a concisely written statement, placed at the front of
the report. It briefly summarizes the major points of the case. It should
describe the relevant facts, key figures, and context in which it
occurred.
◦ Problem statement. Present the central issue(s) or major problem(s) in
the case here. Do not rehash the facts of the case; lay the groundwork
for your analysis.
◦ Analysis. Discuss the major issues. Present relevant alternatives or
solutions. Briefly present the major arguments for and against each.
Be sure to state your assumptions, the potential impact of, and
constraints on each alternative.
◦ Conclusion. Sum up your analysis and the logic that led you to
recommend specific action(s). Briefly address the reasons you rejected
other alternatives.
Editor's Notes
Illustrative Case Studies These are primarily descriptive studies. They typically utilize one or two instances of an event to show what a situation is like. Illustrative case studies serve primarily to make the unfamiliar familiar and to give readers a common language about the topic in question.
Exploratory (or pilot) Case Studies These are condensed case studies performed before implementing a large scale investigation. Their basic function is to help identify questions and select types of measurement prior to the main investigation. The primary pitfall of this type of study is that initial findings may seem convincing enough to be released prematurely as conclusions.
Cumulative Case Studies These serve to aggregate information from several sites collected at different times. The idea behind these studies is the collection of past studies will allow for greater generalization without additional cost or time being expended on new, possibly repetitive studies.
Critical Instance Case Studies These examine one or more sites for either the purpose of examining a situation of unique interest with little to no interest in generalizability, or to call into question or challenge a highly generalized or universal assertion. This method is useful for answering cause and effect questions.
