case studies
In-depth research examples
Case studies are detailed examinations of particular instances—a patient, company, project, or event—used to illustrate broader principles or inform decision-making.
In business schools, case studies present real situations for analysis: We spent the semester on case studies of failing startups.
In research, they offer depth over breadth, trading statistical power for rich context.
Formal procedural framework
- qualitativeRelating to characteristics, not quantities
- quantitativeConcerning measurable amounts
- ethnographySystematic study of peoples
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
data collection · interviews · phenomenology · triangulation · longitudinal · cross-sectional · empirical · narrative
Conclusions from investigation
- resultsWhat follows from effort
- conclusionsJudgments reached through reasoning
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- analysisMethodical study of parts
report · publication · presentation · write-up · summary · appendix · background · context
Educational program's content plan
- syllabusCourse plan document
- teachingProfession of instructing others
- seminarGroup discussion for learning
- workshopPlace for making or learning
textbook · lecture · simulation · role-play · e-learning · MBA · business school · Harvard
methodology
Formal procedural framework
- qualitativeRelating to characteristics, not quantities
- quantitativeConcerning measurable amounts
- ethnographySystematic study of peoples
fieldwork · data collection · interviews · phenomenology · triangulation · longitudinal · cross-sectional · empirical · narrative · coding
findings
Conclusions from investigation
- resultsWhat follows from effort
- conclusionsJudgments reached through reasoning
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
analysis · report · publication · presentation · write-up · summary · appendix · background · context · outcomes
curriculum
Educational program's content plan
- syllabusCourse plan document
- teachingProfession of instructing others
- seminarGroup discussion for learning
workshop · textbook · lecture · simulation · role-play · e-learning · MBA · business school · Harvard · discussion
- Psychology readingPsychology Today, DSM
- Psych class topicslearning theory, dream analysis, group dynamics, attachment theory, research methods
- business writingemails, memos, business writing, reports, letters
- company infocompany name, location, about us, address, phone number
- portfolio itemsresume, CV, cover letter, projects, references
- articlesarticle, magazine article, features, feature stories, columns
case studiesgeneral principles
Foundational rules governing something
universal laws · pure theory · speculation · quantitative data · deductive logic