Case Study
Case study is a broad label across research, education, and business. A useful writing guide therefore starts by identifying the research-method sense and the case boundary, then leaves discipline-specific design, validity, and reporting choices explicit rather than presenting one template.
In research writing, a case study is an in-depth investigation of a bounded case using a defined methodology and evidence. Do not assume that a research case study, a classroom teaching case, and a marketing customer story follow the same design or reporting rules.
Key details
Important caveats
Boundary
Research design and validity expectations vary by discipline and epistemological approach; follow the governing method and reporting guidance.
Further guidance
Decision Path
First decide whether “case study” means a research methodology, a teaching case, or a business/customer story. This guide’s research advice applies only to the methodology sense.
Research Application
Define the case and research question, explain evidence collection/analysis choices, and connect claims to the observed case material.
Worked Example
A researcher studying one organization’s change process should state why that organization is the bounded case and how interviews, documents, or observations support the analysis.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Case Study Methodology of Qualitative Research: Key Attributes and Navigating the Conundrums in Its Application (opens in a new tab)SAGE Journals · The peer-reviewed article describes case study as a common social-research methodology with multiple epistemological approaches, research-design choices, and validity/generalisation questions.
- Writing Center Quick Guides (opens in a new tab)George Mason University Writing Center · George Mason’s genre resources distinguish different academic and professional writing forms, supporting a bounded guide that explicitly separates research-method case studies from other teaching/business uses.