Appendix A: Types of Case Studies - Continued

DOE-STD-1058-93

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 "set 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,

an internal transition, or for evaluation.

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