The Case Study: An Open or Shut Case? Contrasting Approaches to Case Study Design | NSTA

The Case Study: An Open or Shut Case? Contrasting Approaches to Case Study Design

Journal of College Science Teaching -- January/February 2005

The hallmark of an open-ended case study is the possibility of multiple outcomes to the problem at hand. This adds to its realism, provokes higher-order thought, and attracts many instructors to case analysis. Yet, there are circumstances in which a closed-ended approach, having a single correct answer, may be preferred. This article weighs the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.

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