In this episode, Matt and Iqbal explore what constitutes a case study, emphasizing the need for transparency in reporting experiment results; including statistical data, sample sizes, and the analysis and recommendations derived from those statistics. Case studies should not only demonstrate competence but also avoid misleading claims of exceptionalism. Authentic case studies should provide a balanced view, including unsuccessful or inconclusive results, to build trust and credibility.
We also discuss the narrative goals of case studies, distinguishing between informational, propaganda (persuasion), and inspirational approaches. We stress the importance of context and the potential pitfalls of presenting data without it. Our conversation touches on how to handle public feedback for case studies and the ethical considerations of presenting honest and accurate information.