Barbara P
Barbara P

Understand the Basic Types of Case Study Here

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Published on: Jun 22, 2019

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2022

Types of Case Study

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A case study is an effective research method that specifically studies a single case over a period of time. Writing a case study is a very useful form of study in the educational process.

If students have real-life examples, it can help them learn more and synthesize information in a more effective manner. Such writing projects are one of the best ways of learning in a classroom.

A case study also has different types and forms. As a rule of thumb, all of them require a detailed and convincing answer based on a thorough analysis.

So, in this article, we are going to discuss the different types of case study research methods in detail.

What is a Case Study?

Case studies are a type of research methodology. They examine subjects, projects or organizations to tell stories and try conclusions about them based on evidence gathered during the process.

It allows you not only explore new avenues but also get insight into what drives any subject’s decisions and actions. Case studies are a great way for first-year students to develop their research skills.

A case study focuses on a single project for an extended period of time, which allows students to explore the topic in depth.

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What are the Types of Case Study?

There are 6 types of case studies used for different purposes. The main purpose of case studies is to analyze problems within the boundaries of a specific organization, environment, or situation.

According to design, case studies can be divided into the following categories:

  • Illustrative Case Study
  • Exploratory Case Study
  • Cumulative Case Study
  • Critical Instance Case Study
  • Descriptive Case Study
  • Intrinsic Case Study

Refer to the following section for a detailed description of each type of case study with examples.

Illustrative Case Study

An illustrative case study is used to examine a familiar case in order to help others to understand it. It is one of the main types of case studies in research methodology and is primarily descriptive.

In this type of case study, usually, one or two instances are utilized to explain what a situation is like.

Exploratory Case Study

An exploratory case study is a primary project conducted before a large-scale investigation. These types of case studies are very popular in the social sciences like political science and primarily focus on real-life contexts and situations.

Typically, these are used to identify research questions and methods for a large and complex study. The main purpose of an exploratory case study is to help identify situations for the further research process.

Cumulative Case Study

A cumulative case study is one of the main types of case studies in qualitative research. It is used to collect information from different sources at different times.

The aim of this case study is to summarize the past studies without spending additional cost and time on new investigations. So, it is a form of data analysis.

Critical Instance Case Study

Critical instances case studies are used to determine the cause and consequence of an event.

The main reason for this type of case study is to investigate one or more sources with unique interest and sometimes with no interest in general. A critical case study can also be used to question a universal assertion.

Descriptive Case Study

When you have a hypothesis, you can design a descriptive study. This type of report starts with describing what you are studying. It aims is to find connections between the subject being studied and a theory.

After making these connections, the study can be concluded. The results of the descriptive case study will usually suggest how to develop a theory further.

A descriptive report would use the quantitative data as a starting point for more in-depth research.

Intrinsic Case Study

Intrinsic studies are more common in psychology. This type of case study can also be conducted in healthcare or social work. So, if you were looking for types of case study in sociology, or type of case study in social research, this is it.

The focus of intrinsic studies is on a unique individual. These types can sometimes study groups close to the researcher as well.

The aim of such studies is not only to understand the subject better, but also their history and how they interact with everything around them. Basically, studying the subject with the perspective of their suroundings is what is needed for this type of case study.

Here is a PDF example to help you learn more about different types of case studies.

Now you know the different types of case study methods in research. Make sure you follow the right case study format for great results.

Remember each type is defined in general terms but keep in mind that many aspects of a case study such as data collection and analysis, qualitative research questions, etc. are dependent on the researcher and what the study is looking to address.

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Types of Subjects of Case Study

In general, there are six types of case studies and 5 types of subjects they address. Every case study whether exploratory, critical, or cumulative, fits into the following subject categories.

  • Person

    This type of study focuses on one subject or individual and can use several research methods to determine the outcome.

  • Group

    This type of study takes into account a group of individuals. This could be a group of friends, coworkers, or family.

  • Location

    The main focus of this type of study is the place. It also takes into account how and why people use the place.

  • Organization

    This study focuses on an organization or company. This could also include the company employees or people who work in an event at the organization.

  • Event

    This type of study focuses on a specific event. It could be societal or cultural and examines how it affects the surroundings.

Review some case study examples online before starting working on a specific type of case study. These examples will help you understand how a specific case study is conducted.

Case studies are being used more and more in colleges and universities to help students understand how a hypothetical event can influence a person, group, or organization in real life.

Writing a case study can be tricky and complicated especially when you are facing an urgent deadline. That’s why our legitimate essay writing service is here to provide you a full case study writing service.

Not everyone can handle the case study writing assignment easily. It is even scary to think that your time and work could be wasted if you don't do the case study paper right. So, it is better to get help from our paper writer who can write a professional case study for you.

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Barbara P

WRITTEN BY

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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