IntroductionThe three paradigms of research methodology are quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed research. Each of these paradigms uses different methods for research and collects different types of data. A quantitative research is mainly based on the collection of quantitative data while a qualitative research is based on the collection of qualitative data. Mixed research involves combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Because the research for the study, “Mike: An Illustrative Case Study,” used qualitative methodology, the characteristics of the qualitative research and how they relate to the particular study will be the focus of this review. Qualitative research methods are divided into five main types of research which are: phenomenology, ethnography, case study research, grounded theory and historical research. Each of these methods is similar in that it is a qualitative approach, however, there are distinct characteristics associated with each type of research. Appropriate methodology for the study The current study is based on the qualitative methodology of case study research. Case study research focuses on the intensive study of a specific individual or context. A case can be a specific individual or an entity such as a classroom or school. They are used to provide a detailed account of one or more cases by exploring the details and meaning of a single experience or event. They try to help us understand why the experience or event occurred and what might be important to look for in the future. Case studies may not attempt to CASE STUDY ...... half of the paper ......ve form of higher education. The data collected showed a varying amount of information regarding Mike's experience, growth, and decline during his two-year stay at EBCE. However, the case study method offered no basis for establishing the reliability of the generality of the findings. The case study may show bias because it focused on just one individual. Works Cited Davey, L. (1991). The application of case study evaluations. Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation, 2(9), retrieved from http://PAREonline.net/getvn.asp?v=2&n=9Kid's IQ Test Center, . (2011). Comprehensive basic skills test. Retrieved from http://www.kids-iq-tests.com/CTBS.htmlPar, . (2009). Self-directed research by Sds. Retrieved from http://www.self-directed-search.com/Wikipedia, . (2011, June 14). Semantic differential. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantic_differential