Case Analysis Flashcards

A case analysis passage states: 'The new policy was implemented in January. By March, employee morale had improved significantly.' Which of the following is the BEST interpretation of this information?

Answer: The policy may have contributed to improved morale, but other factors cannot be ruled out

A two-month sequence suggests a possible relationship, but without controlling for other variables, causation cannot be confirmed.

In a legal case analysis, an attorney's brief contains the following: 'My client could not have committed the offense because she is an honest person.' This argument is an example of:

Answer: Appeal to character instead of evidence

The argument relies on character rather than factual evidence, which is logically insufficient to refute an accusation.

A case presents two competing solutions to declining student test scores: Solution X adds tutoring hours; Solution Y redesigns the curriculum. A case analyst recommends Solution X because it 'worked in one district.' What is the weakness of this recommendation?

Answer: The recommendation is based on a single, possibly non-representative example

Basing a recommendation on one district's experience without broader evidence makes the conclusion insufficiently supported.

A policy case analysis states that a city reduced traffic accidents by 25% after installing speed cameras. A councilmember argues the reduction occurred because of a simultaneous public awareness campaign. How should a careful analyst respond?

Answer: Acknowledge both factors and recommend a study to isolate each variable's effect

A rigorous analyst acknowledges competing explanations and seeks data to determine each factor's contribution.

When analyzing a business case, which of the following BEST describes a 'stakeholder analysis'?

Answer: Identifying all parties affected by a decision and understanding their interests

Stakeholder analysis identifies who is affected by a decision and what their interests, concerns, and levels of influence are.

A case analysis presents the following data: Store A's sales rose 15% after a renovation; Store B's sales rose 12% with no renovation. What can be most accurately concluded?

Answer: The renovation may have contributed a small additional benefit, but the difference is modest

The small difference (3 percentage points) suggests renovation may offer a marginal benefit, but the baseline growth in Store B limits the conclusion.

An ABLE case analysis excerpt reads: 'The director suggested the policy, so it must be the correct course of action.' This reflects which reasoning error?

Answer: Appeal to authority

Accepting a claim solely because of the proposer's position, rather than evaluating the merits, is an appeal to authority.