Case Analysis Flashcards

A case study describes a nonprofit that expanded services but saw donation revenue drop. The board concludes the expansion caused the drop. A case analyst should FIRST:

Answer: Investigate whether other factors, such as economic conditions or donor communication, also changed

Before accepting the causal claim, an analyst must examine other variables that changed concurrently with the expansion.

In case analysis, a 'counterargument' serves primarily to:

Answer: Test the strength of a position by presenting opposing evidence or logic

A counterargument challenges the main position, helping to test its robustness and identify weaknesses.

A case presents a city's plan to build a new park with the stated goal of reducing crime. Which type of evidence would MOST directly test this goal?

Answer: Crime rate statistics in areas with comparable parks versus those without

Comparing crime rates in areas with similar parks directly tests whether parks reduce crime as claimed.

A case analysis summary states: 'Option A is cheaper; Option B is more effective.' The goal outlined in the case is to maximize long-term outcomes. Which option should the analyst recommend?

Answer: Option B, because the stated goal prioritizes effectiveness over cost

When the stated goal is long-term effectiveness, Option B aligns directly with that objective despite higher cost.

A written case analysis uses the phrase 'it stands to reason.' What should a critical reader do when encountering this phrase?

Answer: Treat it as a potential signal that the claim lacks direct supporting evidence

Phrases like 'it stands to reason' often substitute rhetorical assertion for actual evidence and warrant scrutiny.

A healthcare case study reports that patients who chose Surgery A had better five-year survival rates than those who chose Surgery B. A case analyst notes this was an observational study. Why is this distinction important?

Answer: Patients may have self-selected into Surgery A based on health factors that also predict better survival

Without random assignment, healthier or lower-risk patients may have disproportionately chosen Surgery A, confounding the survival comparison.

A case analysis question asks: 'What is the author's primary purpose in paragraph three?' This question is testing the reader's ability to:

Answer: Distinguish between the author's intent and the literal content

Identifying the author's purpose requires understanding the rhetorical intent behind the words, not just the surface content.