A descriptive case study is one that is focused and detailed, in which propositions and questions about a phenomenon are carefully scrutinized and articulated at the outset. This articulation of what is already known about the phenomenon is called a descriptive theory . It helps to specify the boundaries of the case, and it contributes significantly to the rigor of the finished case study. The power and promise of a descriptive case study lie in its potential for mining for abstract interpretations of data and theory development. The main goal of the descriptive case study is to assess a sample in detail and in depth, based on an articulation of a descriptive theory. This theory must respect the depth and scope of the case under study, which is conveyed through robust propositions and questions.
