Case studies typically examine the interplay of all variables in order to provide as complete an understanding of an event or situation as possible.  This type of comprehensive understanding is arrived at through an in-depth description of the situation being evaluated, the circumstances under which it occurred, the characteristics of the people involved in it, and the nature of the community in which it is located.  Case studies allow the participants the exposure to settings and contexts that they might not otherwise experience.  However, it is important to remember that if the case study is based on a real life situation, the names of those involved should be changed.  For an example of how a case study is used in a training session click here.

How to Conduct a Case Study Exercise

1) Distribute written hand-outs; or write the case on a flipchart or blackboard so all participants can read and analyze it together;

2) Have the participants discuss the case;

3) Have all participants give some type of response, either written or oral (it would be helpful to have a format for the participants to follow, e. g. a set of questions and tasks to help structure the discussion.