Introduction Case studies are used to test the ability to interpret real or factual situations. The particular situation will determine what kind of analysis should be done. The most common requirements in a case analysis are: - problem identification and problem solving - comprehension of complex situations - identification of central issues - deduction or inference You must decide what your approach to a particular case will be, and what skills you will need to use. To do that effectively, you must first read to assess the case. Case Assessment There are probably questions attached to the case - read these carefully first. What are the questions asking you to do - understand, problem solve, identify, draw conclusions, make inferences? Make a brief note of what you think you are being asked to do. Read the Case Your first reading of the case should be as follows: - identify the main features of the case - what knowledge/skill is involved? - what professional practices? - are there people issues? - is there an obvious connection to a body of theory? - Locate the case as precisely as you can in a situation e.g. "this case is about a particular surgical procedure" or this case is concerned with driver responsibilities in a car accident." - Read the case a second time for analysis. You are now reading and marking carefully. Your response to the case at this stage should be directed at answering the questions. In this second reading you will, in general, try to break the case down into its main segments or elements; look for indicators in the text as to precisely what theory/ knowledge areas will help you with the analysis. Case Analysis Map Read the Questions: - note any clues or indicators as to what to look for Read the Case: First Reading - identify main features - describe the precise situation Read the Case: Second Reading - mark for indications of significant events, knowledge, people issues - if req