Appendix A: Types of Case Studies

DOE-STD-1058-93

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.

Case Study Type:

Objective Classifications:

COMPREHENSIVE

DIAGNOSIS, DEVELOPMENT, EVALUATION

Description and suggested uses:

The comprehensive case study is the most widely used case study. The

information used is drawn from real situations and must be well-researched. The

primary objective of the comprehensive case study is to help trainees learn

for themselves by independent thinking. Comprehensive case studies are best

suited for a single lesson plan. They can be written based upon a single

situation, or a combination of situations based on the same theme.

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