PACIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
All case analyses must include the six sections in the table below, although some instructors may require additional elements. Use headings to identify these sections in the case analyses.
Required Components of Case Analyses
Introduction
Briefly identify the major elements (i.e., who, where, what) of the case.
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).
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.
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 Knowing
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?
Case Evaluation Matrix
Problem Statement
Contextual Analysis
Alternative Strategies
Recommend-ation
“Thinking like a SWer”
Writing
Quality
Accurate, clear, specific, concise, and useful
Adequately addresses all important issues
Several distinct and appropriate strategies, with well-developed pros/cons for each
Explicitly resolves the entire problem
Reflects thorough problem-solving
Compelling, clear and interesting, with no errors
