Case Studies

Business schools, law universities, and medical schools have most commonly used case studies to learn based on real data. However, today, teachers can use them in any field of the topic where they want students to apply their knowledge to real problems. Having that in mind, this section will give you an idea of how these field-based studies transform passive into active learning. From its exact meaning to its different types, this guide will aim to simplify complex information that will be your go-to source during every step of your journey. 

What are case studies? 

They are in-depth study materials about real-life circumstances related to a particular group, person, or event. Apart from listing facts, case studies present complete scenarios that encourage participants to apply their knowledge when something has gone wrong. This material helps learners to solve a problem that requires a final decision.

We conduct these situational analyses to get to the roots and understand the subjects, so we can then simply share that information with others. However, most analyses are personal and based on specific opinions, making them difficult to share with a larger population. Nevertheless, in this modern world, anything can help and can be a source of learning. This idea can improve students’ comprehension and ability to find solutions.

Types of case studies 

Before using a case study, you should know the type you want to work with and the ones that will give you the best outcomes. Every single type covers a different aspect, whether it explores an idea, focuses on an event, or proves a theory. These materials can help students to think more critically due to real examples.

Below are the common types of case studies, which will help you approach them with the right resources and knowledge. You will also know their relevant uses in case you need to apply one of them either in your business or education.

Exploratory research analyses

They are often used as a step to conduct further research about an unclear or completely new problem. They are similar to investigation cases, which help researchers explore, gather information, and then decide the next course of action. Sometimes, they are the first step in beginning any research on bigger topics. 

Descriptive scenarios 

They give a detailed description of a real-life situation. This kind of case study goes into depth about the entire situation, focusing on who was involved and what the possible outcomes are. They don't focus on providing solutions, in fact, they act as a guide to help readers understand what exactly happened and the sequence in which the entire incident unfolded.

Explanatory case studies 

They are mainly used to look for reasons that might have caused it to occur in the first place. The main goal of these case analyses is to be able to break down complex topics into small and easy-to-digest content. It aims to make it easier to understand, even common people can find out the main idea and the message that is being conveyed.

Instrumental case studies 

These case studies not only focus on the current problem but also examine how today’s actions might affect the future. It focuses on bringing out a theory to support a more meaningful learning objective for the wider audience. For instance, using a practical example to highlight or address a bigger and more common problem. 

How to write a case study?

Writing an effective and attractive case study is about setting a narrative that will describe the problem in simple language. It is not simply about magnifying a problem and filling it with data. However, you also need to input the approach that you might want to take, and the outcomes of that approach may occur. While there is no specific format for writing case studies, there are a few key areas that should be covered. Here is the step-by-step list of what you should include while writing a case analysis:

1. Define the goal clearly without making it overcomplicated. It should convey what you are trying to demonstrate to your audience and the learning outcomes for the readers.
2. Always go for real or hypothetical scenarios. It should align with the overall objective, suggest potential challenges, and have a successful outcome at the end. 
3. Research is the key to writing impactful case studies. Make sure you gather all the background information, relevant facts, and data that will support the case. If possible, also input primary resources such as testimonies and interviews.
4. Your analysis should have a proper and systematic structure. It should be arranged in such a way that it is easy to understand for a broader audience. 
5. Write professionally and clearly to make it insightful and understandable. You might want to avoid any jargon or unnecessary information that will confuse the readers. You can also use visuals to enhance the overall reading experience. 
6. Lastly, don't forget to proofread your drafts carefully once it is done. You might want to focus on clarity and flow to ensure the accuracy of the case studies. Another important thing is to avoid any grammatical, formatting, or punctuation errors that can lead to misconceptions.