Case Studies
The case study method “explores a real-life, contemporary bounded system (a case) or multiple bounded systems (cases) over time, through detailed, indepth data collection involving multiple sources of information… and reports a case description and case themes” (Creswell, 2013, p. 97).
Types of Case Studies
Illustrative
These case studies will elaborate on one or two instances of an situation or procedure to describe to the reader a particular situation
Exploratory
An exploratory case study is usually the progenitor to a implementing a large scale research. Its main purpose is to prove that further investigation is necessary.
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.
Multiple-Case Studies or Collective Studies
Multiple case or collective studies use information from different studies to formulate the case for a new study. The use of past studies allows additional information without needing to spend more time and money on additional studies.
Blended Case Studies
Blog Post Case Study
Ebook or whitepaper case study
Video Case Study