We discuss the single embedded case study design in this chapter. We deliberate how this design is different from multiple and single holistic designs in terms of the levels of analysis and the nature of replication. The selection rationale and sampling are discussed next. Afterwards, we move on to the longitudinal and/or cross-sectional single embedded designs. The strengths and the weaknesses of the design in terms of internal validity, external validity, and the number of variables are discussed subsequently. This chapter also discusses the (mis)conception regarding longitudinal designs and temporal embedded units.

In this chapter, we move on from the archetypical to the sequenced case study designs. First of all, we discuss what sequencing case study designs entail. Using an illustrative example, we discuss one type of sequencing in detail (i.e. the inductive-deductive sequencing). In the context of the example, we discuss the research question, theoretical sampling, controls, cases, embedded units, and the levels of analysis involved in the sequenced design. Lastly, we briefly discuss how to report the sequenced case study design.

Here we discuss the multiple embedded case study design and the levels and cases involved in it. The design’s capacity to undertake between- and within-case comparative analyses are deliberated upon afterwards. Multiple embedded designs offer a variety of design possibilities, which we discuss in this chapter. The potential of the design for high internal validity is considered afterwards. Lastly, the design’s weaknesses, including the lack of contextual depth, the smaller number of explanatory variables, and the access difficulties to the cases/embedded units, are detailed.