Types of Case Studies cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1116-98

APPENDIX A

Case Study Type:

Objective Classifications:

PARTICIPANT

DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTION, DEFENSE

Description and suggested uses:

The participant case study is a variation of the conventional case study. The idea is to have

the trainees develop and present a case study to the group. The trainees can readily identify

with this type of case since it is being conveyed (normally) by one of their peers. The

advantages of this approach include greater trainee involvement and interest, cases which are

complex and challenging, and increased responsibility by trainees to contribute materials for

the learning experience, with a corresponding reduction in the dependency on the trainer who

ordinarily " oes it all." A participant case study can promote interaction and teamwork since

the cases brought in by the trainees often relate to problems in their work environment or area.

This type of case study can be used as a final exercise within a course, where the information

has been presented to the trainees over the entire course.

Case Study Type:

Objective Classifications:

ROLE PLAY

DIAGNOSIS, DEVELOPMENT, EVALUATION, PROMOTION,

DEFENSE

Description and suggested uses:

With a role play case study, the trainees participating receive outlines of the roles that they

have agreed to assume and are then free to develop the characterization of the roles as they

see fit. The roles are written on the basis of actual incidents with the characters being the

participants in the incident. A brief summary of the incident is presented by the instructor to

" et the scene"before the trainees begin the role play. Role plays usually are not scripted;

consequently, the outcome cannot be predetermined. When role playing is used, it generates

a near-live case study for subsequent analysis and an opportunity for the players to

experience the feelings of being themselves in the case situation, in which they can test the

validity of their views. Role playing is an excellent way to teach and evaluate affective learning

objectives.

Simulator scenarios are a form of role play, because the simulator is set to provide a certain

facility condition and the trainees are trained and evaluated on the required responses.

Role plays can be combined with other types of case studies to enhance the learning. Role

plays can be used anywhere within a lesson plan: as a motivator, as an internal transition, or

for evaluation.

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