Case Analysis

  Directions;  Please read the case analysis and follow the Case Assessment Checklist. Page Amount is 1and a half pages.  I will upload the case analysis after I have chosen the individual to complete the assignment.

 Case Analysis Assessment Checklist

    

Criteria

Poor/

Not met

Fair/

Partially met

Good/

Partially met

Better/

Partially met

Best/

Fully met

 

I.   Introduction. A well-written introduction   succinctly identifies the setting, key people, and current situation. The   introduction:

 

Is succinct

 

Identifies the setting

 

Identifies key people

 

Summarizes the current situation

 

II.   Problem Formulation. To set the   stage for action, a strong problem formulation explains what causes the problem in a concise, thoughtful,   critical, and useful way. The problem   formulation:

 

Includes essential elements of the case:

 

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Incorporates attention to the presenting problem, why this   was a problem, and the need to act.

 

Asserts explanatory relationships between elements in the   simplest, appropriate way.

 

Clarifies why deciding and/or acting was difficult for the   protagonist (i.e., decision maker) in the situation.

 

Impartial to strategies (i.e., it does not presume a   strategy) 

 

Frames the problem in a way amenable to intervention by   the protagonist (i.e., decision-maker) at the time.

 

III.   Contextual Analysis. A strong,   comprehensive contextual analysis provides an argument explaining how essential elements relate, and justifying the problem formulation.   The contextual analysis:

 

Is factually correct. 

 

Explains how and why the facts of the case matter.

 

Attends to multiple system levels (e.g., micro, meso,   macro) and integrates thinking across those levels.

 

Uses topic sentences that make a clear and sequential   argument. 

 

Provides support for each part of the argument using   analysis of case data, relevant theory, practice/empirical knowledge, and/or   ethics.

 

Attends fairly to strengths and weaknesses of the   argument.

 

Offers a compelling argument.

 

IV.   Alternative Strategies. After   identifying a successful outcome, a   strong set of alternative strategies will represent plausible options for   responding to the presenting problem and underlying issues. 

 

Identifies what a successful outcome requires.

 

As a group, the strategies:

 

Address the presenting problem as well as underlying   causes.

 

Are unique and distinct from each other.

 

Are something the protagonist (i.e., decision-maker) can   do or facilitate at the time.

 

Discussion of each strategy (distinguished by strategy   number 1, 2, and 3 below):

 

Responds to all essential elements of the problem   formulation.

 

Considers relevant ethical principles and legal and policy   contexts, as appropriate.

 

Considers unintended consequences, as appropriate.

 

Considers why the problem is difficult for the protagonist   at this time. 

 

Considers strengths of the strategy.

 

Considers limitations of the strategy.

 

Provides adequate detail for understanding what the   strategy entails.

 

V.   Recommendation and Rationale. A   strong, complete recommendation provides a rationale for choosing one   strategy over the others presented. The recommendation and rationale:

 

Gives explicit reason(s) for choosing this strategy over   the alternatives.

 

Is logically coherent.

 

Makes claims grounded in evidence (e.g., NASW Code of   Ethics, empirical literature, theoretical frameworks, professional   experience). 

 

Identifies   the primary source of the student’s thinking about this case (e.g., experience,   intuition, values, beliefs, theories, authority, empirical research, previous   discussions, or something else).

No

Yes

 

VI.   Writing. Well written papers will   communicate clearly, persuasively, and without distractions, and will appear   professional quality. Strong writing is:

 

Concise, efficient, and appropriate length.

 

Respectful (e.g., person-first, non-sexist).

 

In mostly active voice.

 

Well organized (e.g., sentence, paragraph, section).

 

Uses proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.

  REQUIRED COMPONENTS OF CASE ANALYSIS

Includes proper APA-style in-text citations and   references, as needed.

Introduction Briefly identify the major elements (i.e., who, where, what) of the case. 

 

Problem Statement Give a specific and concisely written formulation of the problem to guide analysis and problem-solving. Not a question but a statement of the problem. Usually no more than two sentences. 

 

Contextual Analysis Summarize internal and external issues that created or sustain the problem (i.e., why). Depending on the system level, these may include: cultural, economic/resource, political/legal, organizational, social, and ethical issues, interpersonal relationships, and intrapsychic and biological conditions. Use and cite professional sources (and include APA-style references). 

 

Alternative Strategies Identify three or more possible solutions to the problem. These solutions should be plausible, distinct and non-contingent (i.e., not interdependent). Briefly note advantages and disadvantages of each possible solution for addressing the problem. 

 

Recommendation Justify your preferred strategy, explaining why you selected that particular one, how it best resolves the problem, and how you will determine its effectiveness. Be sure your recommended strategy can be plausibly supported by resources available in the case context. 

 

Ways of Knowing1 Self-reflectively identify the source for your thinking about this case. For example, did you base it on previous experience, intuition, specific theories, personal values, authority, empirical research, previous discussion of similar problems, or something else? 

 

                                                          

 1 Instructors may provide further or alternative instructions for the Ways of Knowing section that