Appendix A: Types of Case Studies

DOE-STD-1058-93

APPENDIX A

TYPES OF CASE STUDIES

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 "best 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.

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