Case Study Research

scatterplot

A visual display of data from all the case study sites based on dimensions or themes of interest that appear to be related to each other.

descriptive case study

A case study in which the end result includes a "thick description" of the phenomenon that was the focus of the case study research.

heuristic case study

A case study that illuminates the reader's understanding of the phenomenon under study beyond their original knowledge.

particularistic case study

A case study that is focused on a particular phenomenon such as a situation or event.

site-ordered descriptive matrix

A data management tool on which the sites are ordered on a variable of interest so that the researcher can see differences.

unordered meta-matrix

A data management tool that enables the case study researcher to assemble master charts with descriptive data from each site on one large sheet of paper.

time-ordered meta matrix

A data management tool that extends the cross-site analysis to include chronology as an organizing variable.

site-ordered effects matrix

A data management tool that is used by researchers to sort through the research sites and to display probable cause and effect relations.

site-ordered predictor-outcome matrix

A data management tool that moves the researcher from working descriptively and deductively to explanatory and interpretive.

case study research

A qualitative research approach in which researchers focus on a unit of study known as a bounded system (individual teachers, a classroom, or a school). A qualitative approach to studying a phenomenon.

collective case study

Case study research undertake about the same phenomenon but at multiple sites.