Case Study What is it? Who are the though leaders? What are the uses? What are some examples? How can I use it?

What is a Case Study? A person: Principal, Director, A place: School, District, Region A thing: Product, Program, Event

Case Study Thought Leaders Robert Yin - “as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident; and in which multiple sources of evidence are used.” Glauser and Strauss – Grounded Theory

Uses of Case Study 3 ways theory is used in case study design: Theory testing case studies Theory building case studies - Grounded Theory Method Clinical case studies—case centered

Pros/Cons Advantages Quantitative/Qualitative Provides deeper context Variable relation Disadvantages May lack rigor Small sample size Generalizing conclusions

Case Study Ideas What makes a good principal great: a case study of 10 WI principals? What makes a good university great: a case study of 6 universities? What are the common characteristics of young social activists: a case study of 15 activists? How do you sustain generation Y teachers?; A case study of 12 successful generation Y teachers.

How can I use it? Turn and talk to someone at your table and brainstorm potential case study application to your research question, including People/places/things.