A case study should look like a mystery or a puzzle that has to be resolved. It needs enough information and evidence to allow readers to come to a conclusion or solution about the case. A good case study will put the reader in the shoes of an investigator, presenting the facts as a detective would find them, rather than feeding them to the reader as a simple description would.
An exercise in case writing should follow three basic steps: research, analysis and writing.
Research
- Library and internet research. Learn any details of the case that have been presented before, and carefully read any related articles. This may uncover a new problem or put an old one to rest.
- Interview anyone who knows information relevant to the case. Ask questions that delve into their opinions, so their insights will help build the case, getting at whatever the truth may be. (more…)
