Types of Case Samples in Research

Front

The researcher selects a student who never attends class but still earns top grades.

Back

Negative Case Sample

Front

The researcher surveys students sitting in the campus café because they’re nearby.

Back

Convenience Sample

Front

The researcher notices that while most students report procrastinating under stress, one student becomes more focused and efficient.

Back

Deviant Case Sample

Front

The researcher selects students of different majors, GPAs, ethnicities, years in school, and study methods.

Back

Maximum Variation Case Sample

Front

The researcher interviews the student body president or top academic scholarship winner who often speaks in campus forums about academic success.

Back

Politically Powerful Case Sample

Front

The researcher interviews a student who then refers friends from a niche study group (e.g., students using a private Discord server for last-minute study coordination).

Back

Snowball Case Sample

Front

The researcher selects a second-year psychology major with average GPA and study habits that align with campus-wide survey data.

Back

Typical Case Sample