On the basis of the procedure of inquiry, which of the following are types of case study?
A. Intrinsic case study
B. Descriptive case study
C. Evaluative case study
D. Instrumental case study
E. Interpretative case study
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is A

Based on the procedure of inquiry and the researcher's intent, the correct types of case studies are Descriptive, Evaluative, and Interpretative case studies.

Information Booster

The classification of case studies based on the procedure of inquiry (often attributed to scholars like Merriam) focuses on the function the study serves during the investigation:

• Descriptive Case Study: These studies provide a detailed, narrative account of the phenomenon under study. The goal is to present a complete description of a specific context or individual without necessarily starting with a preconceived theory. It is purely atheoretical and focuses on the "what" and "how" of the situation.
• Evaluative Case Study: These involve making judgments or assessments. In this type, the researcher goes beyond description to weigh the merits, worth, or effectiveness of a program, policy, or intervention. It is heavily used in educational research to determine if a specific teaching method or curriculum is successful.
• Interpretative Case Study: Also known as analytical case studies, these are used to conceptualize or challenge theoretical assumptions. The researcher gathers data to support or refute a theory. Unlike descriptive studies, interpretative studies involve a level of analysis and induction to create deeper meanings or patterns from the data.

Additional Knowledge

The other options mentioned represent a different classification system, primarily developed by Robert Stake, which focuses on the researcher's interest in the case itself rather than the procedure:

• Intrinsic Case Study: This is conducted when the researcher has a primary interest in the case itself (e.g., a specific student with unique needs). The goal is not to understand a broad social issue, but to understand the uniqueness of that particular case.
• Instrumental Case Study: Here, the case serves as a tool (instrument) to provide insight into a wider issue or to refine a theory. The case itself is secondary to the goal of understanding something else. For example, studying one specific school to understand the broader issue of "teacher burnout" nationwide.
• Collective Case Study: (Often grouped with instrumental) This involves studying multiple cases simultaneously or sequentially to generate an even broader appreciation of a particular phenomenon.