Types of Case Studies - hdbk11160025

DOE-HDBK-1116-98

APPENDIX A

Case studies have been recognized as an excellent method to involve the trainee in the learning

process. One problem facing the instructional developer is selecting the right type of case study

to deliver that learning. There have been many books and magazine articles written on what is

the " est type"of case study. In reality, there is no one best type. The following list of case

study types have been selected from the dozens that are available to the instructional developer.

Along with each type of case study given, suggestions for use with objective classifications (i.e.,

higher order objectives) have been given, as well as a description and suggested use for the

case study.

Case Study Type:

Objective Classifications:

BACKGROUND

DEVELOPMENT

Description and suggested uses:

The primary purpose of the background case study is to impart information, to supply factual

data, or to familiarize the trainee with the wider circumstances of a specific situation. It can be

presented as a motivator to a lesson or within the body of a lesson to illustrate a point. The

instructor provides a brief description of the case then asks the trainees questions. After the

lesson presentation, a handout giving the facts of the case, the lessons learned, facility

specific actions, and questions asked by the instructor can be distributed to reinforce the

material.

The advantage of doing this through the medium of a case study, rather than by means of

reading, is that the trainee absorbs the data more easily. It relates to a real situation. It also

has advantages for the older trainee, who needs to acquire the data but might not be prepared

to admit their ignorance if it were presented more formally.

Case Study Type:

Objective Classifications:

COMPLEX

DIAGNOSIS, EVALUATION

Description and suggested uses:

The complex case study is a variation of the situation case study (described later), where the

problem is to diagnose the underlying issues. These issues are not easy to distinguish

because they are submerged in a mass of data, much of which is irrelevant, and because a

number of more superficial issues are present as distractions (although the superficial and

underlying issues are normally interdependent).

The complex case study can be used within a single lesson plan or spread out through a

series of lessons within a course. The complex case study is ideal when the trainee is

required to sort out and interpret data in order to make a decision.

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