Introduction: what is a case study?

What is a case study?

A “case study” sets up hypothetical and typically complex situations. These can be useful in analyzing, responding to, and learning how to resolve potential situations or create possible solutions.

 

What is the purpose of a case study?

Learning to analyze a situation, individually or in group, in order to find or suggest responses to a hypothetical situation. The advantage of a case study is that it makes it possible to carry out this analysis in a safe and more objective way than if one were dealing with a real situation of a participant.

 

Who creates these situations?

There is a team working on creating case studies that are connected to real experiences or hypothetical situations that can lead to the analysis of a specific topic. 

 

Are there right or single answers to a case?

There is not necessarily a single right answer, but rather, possible viewpoints and ways of finding a suitable answer, a feasible way out.

 

How is a case analyzed and studied?

First, the case is read (out loud if it’s a group) and the situation is summarized to understand it fully. The group dialogue and listen to the different interpretations. The questions at the end of each case help to guide the case analysis. Possible answers are discussed and conclusions are drawn.

 

What’s more important, the process to reach answers or the process itself?

Possibly both, but the emphasis on the dialogue is very important since it is a group work which includes and respects all viewpoints. Each participant learns from the rest of the group.

The dialogue goes beyond an answer; it leads to active listening and opens up horizons. 

 

Leading and working in groups in Cafh case estudies        © Cafh 2025-All rights reserved