
Case Study Research
The Art of Studying the Singular
Helen Simons(Author)
Guilford Press
1st Edition
Published on 1. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
242 pages
978-1-4625-4954-2 (ISBN)
Description
Written from an interpretive and constructionist perspective, this insightful book explores how to conduct case study research focusing on the lived experience of those in the case. Helen Simons shines a spotlight on the use of art forms and story in case study research alongside other qualitative methods that advance intuitive understanding and inclusion. Underpinning this focus are epistemic justice and democratic ethics. In a lively, personal style, Simons distills expertise and practical wisdom gained over decades of conducting case study research of programs, policies, and institutions. Chapters consider how to design, conduct, and interpret case study research; write up cases for different audiences; assure validity and quality; and generalize from a single case. Helpful features include examples, summaries, practical tips, "Pauses to Reflect," and annotated suggestions for further reading.
Reviews / Votes
"This book is a great resource for learning how to use storytelling to inform disciplinary knowledge, practice knowledge, and policy creation across numerous disciplines. It provides a thoughtful and thorough presentation of culturally sensitive case study research. I love the discussions of silence, letting participants tell their story, Indigenous perspectives, and respondent validation."--Regina T. Praetorius, PhD, LMSW-AP, School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington"This book brings interpretivist case study into the 21st century by embracing novel creative and arts-based methods, fostering intuition as a legitimate research activity, and honoring all voices within the community, in pursuit of epistemic justice."--Antonio J. Castro, PhD, College of Education and Human Development, University of Missouri-Columbia
"Reflecting a belief in the value of thinking in cases, Simons offers a rich, practical guide on how to design, implement, and report studies of the particular. Simons draws on much of what has been written about case study research in the past several decades, while adding her unique take on the rationale for this approach and describing novel ways to justify case-based analyses and interpretations and present cases to different audiences."--Thomas A. Schwandt, PhD, Department of Educational Psychology (Emeritus), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign-
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Guilford Publications
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 226 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
340 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4625-4954-2 (9781462549542)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
08/2025
1st Edition
Guilford Press
€75.50
Shipment within 15-20 days

E-Book
07/2025
The Guilford Press
€48.99
Available for download
Person
Helen Simons, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Education and Evaluation at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and the Royal Society of Arts, and a founder member and past president of the UK Evaluation Society. Dr. Simons has conducted many external case study evaluations funded by both governmental and nongovernmental agencies, directed case study training in 25 countries, and acted as consultant to several international organizations. She has been a visiting scholar at several universities in Spain and Australia, as well as in Iceland, Portugal, and Cyprus, and held research scholarships in New Zealand, Norway, and Poland. Her case study practice takes a humanities and arts focus underpinned by democratic ethics. Dr. Simons has also taken a major role in promoting professional ethics nationally and internationally, and has written and published widely on case study research, qualitative methodology, and ethics.
Content
1. The Concept and Contexts of Case Study
2. How to Design Your Case
3. How to Gather Data: Methodology and Method
4.How to Analyze and Interpret the Case
5. How to Present the Case
6. How Would You Evaluate the Quality of Your Case Study?
Selected Readings and Resources
References
Index
About the Author
2. How to Design Your Case
3. How to Gather Data: Methodology and Method
4.How to Analyze and Interpret the Case
5. How to Present the Case
6. How Would You Evaluate the Quality of Your Case Study?
Selected Readings and Resources
References
Index
About the Author