How to Study a Case

HOW TO STUDY A CASE

Introduction

Remember that learning by the case-study method depends much more on interchange among students than it does upon solitary study. It is a participatory method of learning, and both students and instructor bear a responsibility to the entire class to share their insights and points of view. Careful presentation is not in order to insure a good grade, but rather to prepare to learn and to help others learn as well. The following notes are merely some elementary hints on how to study cases; you will soon develop your own style of getting at the materials.

I. Immerse yourself in the case; get to know all the details.

II. Analyze the case after reading it.

A. Write out the cast of characters.

B. Develop a chronology of events in the case.

C. Identify the basic issues (especially those things--acts, values, attitudes--about which decisions need to be made).

D. Try to see all the positions reasonable persons might take.

E. Then try to see how to raise issues with these various positions.

III. Mull it over--i.e., just ruminate about it casually, let things flow through your mind, free-associate.

IV. Think of any theoretical material which would be helpful in clarifying or resolving the issues in the case.

V. Remember that there is usually no one right answer.