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Qualitative look EssayPREPARING A CASE mull A Guide for t closureencying and Conducting a Case guide for Evaluation Input By Palena Neale, PhD, old Evaluation Associate Shyam Thapa, PhD, Senior supervise and Evaluation Advisor Carolyn Boyce, MA, Evaluation Associate May 2006 P AT H F I N D E R I N T E R N AT I O N A L T O O L S E R I E S Monitoring and Evaluation 1 PREPARING A CASE STUDY A Guide for Designing and Conducting a Case reckon for Evaluation Input By Palena Neale, PhD, Senior Evaluation Associate Shyam Thapa, PhD, Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor Carolyn Boyce, MA, Evaluation Associate. May 2006 Acknowledgements The authors would like to convey the hobby Pathfinder employees and partners for their technical inputs into this enrolment Emmanuel Boadi (Pathfinder/Ghana), Anne Palmer (Futures Group International), Ugo Daniels (Afri nominate Youth Alliance (AYA)), Veronique Dupont (Pathfinder/Extending Service Delivery (ESD)), Cathy Solter, Lauren Dunning ton, and Shannon Pryor (Pathfinder headquarters). Jenny Wilder and Mary Burket atomic number 18 excessively thanked for their inputs and assistance in editing and producing this document. 2 PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY.What is a Case adopt? A show geek study is a fiction slightly something unique, special, or kindlestories can be about individuals, organizations, processes, political platforms, neighborhoods, institutions, and even events. 1 The case study gives the story behind the turn out by capturing what happened to bring it about, and can be a good opportunity to highlight a stomachs success, or to bring attention to a particular ch on the wholeenge or difficulty in a project. Cases2 might be selected beca theatrical role they are highly effective, non effective, representative, classifiable, or of special interest.A a couple of(prenominal) examples of case study topics are provided belowthe case studies would describe what happened when, to whom , and with what consequences in each case. Case theatre Examples Shifting Attitudes of Youth-Serving Service Providers Uniqueness/Point of Interest Your program was able to change service providers attitudes towards traffic with teenager Sexual and Reproductive health (ASRH) needs in an environment where providers attitudes suffer been a barrier to young people accessing SRH services. Your program was effective in introducing YFS to the MOH and in institutionalizing an YFS curriculum in a setting where the MOH did not provide YFS.Your program was able to integrate human immunodeficiency virus streak in several FBO service delivery points in an environment that norm all toldy does not hold or delicious HIV prevention activities. Your program built the leadership capacity of youth to advocate, promote, and participate in stopping point making around ASRH. This transpired in a setting that did not embroil ASRH on the agenda nor push youth participation in general or in deci sion making in particular. consolidation Youth-Friendly realise (YFS) in the Ministry of Health (MOH) Integrating HIV Prevention in Faith-Based Organization (FBO) Health Services Delivery.Developing Youth Leadership in Tanzania 1 2 Yin, Robert K. (2003). Case Study Research Design and Methods. Thousand Oakds intelligent Publications. Case refers to the unit of analysis or topic chosen for study (i. e. , the individual, organization, or program). PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY 3 When is a Case Study Appropriate? Case studies are appropriate when in that respect is a unique or interesting story to be told. Case studies are often used to provide context to other data (such as outcome data), offering a more complete picture of what happened in the program and why.What are the Advantages and Limitations of a Case Study? The primary advantage of a case study is that it provides much more comminuted information than what is functional through other methods, such as v iews. Case studies also allow hotshot to present data collected from four-fold methods (i. e. , persuasions, interrogates, document review, and observation) to provide the complete story. There are a few limitations and pitfalls however, each of which is described below. Can be lengthy Because they provide detailed information about the case in narrative form, it whitethorn be difficult to hold a readers interest if too lengthy.In writing the case study, contend should be taken to provide the affluent information in a digestible manner. Concern that case studies lack rigor Case studies view been viewed in the evaluation and research fields as less rigorous than surveys or other methods. Reasons for this include the fact that qualitative research in general is still considered unscientific by some and in many cases, case study researchers have not been systematic in their data gathering or have allowed bias in their findings.In conducting and writing case studies, all involve d should use care in being systematic in their data collection and take steps to en authentic validity3 and reliability4 in the study. Not generalizable A common complaint about case studies is that it is difficult to generalize from one case to another. But case studies have also been prone to overgeneralization, which comes from selecting a few examples and assuming without evidence that they are typical or representative of the population.Yin, a prominent researcher, advises case study analysts to generalize findings to theories, as a scientist generalizes from experimental results to theories. 5 3 4 Validity refers to the degree to which a study accurately reflects or assesses the specific concept that the researcher is attempting to measure. Reliability is the extent to which an experiment, test, or any measuring procedure yields the like result on repeated trials. 5 Yin, Robert K. (2003). Case Study Research Design and Methods. Thousand Oaks Sage Publications. 4 PATHFINDER IN TERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY.What is the Process for Conducting a Case Study? The process for conducting case study research follows the same general process as is followed for other research plan, collect data, analyze data, and disseminate findings. More detailed steps are given below. 1. Plan draw stakeholders who testament be involved. Brainstorm a case study topic, considering types of cases and why they are unique or of interest. Identify what information is needed and from whom (see What are Potential Sources of teaching? and What are the Elements of a Case Study? ). Identify any documents needed for review. List stakeholders to be interrogateed or surveyed (national, facility, and beneficiary levels) and determine sample if necessary. hurt research will follow international and national estimable research standards, including review by ethical research committees. For more information, enjoy see the International Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research I nvolving Human Subjects, available at http//www. cioms. ch/frame_guidelines_nov_2002. htm. 2. Develop Instruments Develop interview/survey protocolsthe rules that guide the administration and implementation of the interview/survey. govern simply, these are the instructions that are followed to ensure consistency across interviews/surveys, and thus increase the reliability of the findings. The following instructions for the should be include in the protocol What to say to interviewees when setting up the interview/survey What to say to interviewees when beginning the interview/survey, including ensuring informed consent of the responder (see Appendix 1 for an example) What to say to respondent in concluding the interview What to do during the interview (Example Take tones? Audiotape? Both?) and What to do following the interview (Example Fill in notes? Check audiotape for clarity?Summarize key information for each? Submit write findings? ). Develop an interview guide/survey that lists the questions or issues to be explored and includes an informed consent form. Please note that you will likely need interview guides/surveys for each group of stakeholders, as questions may differ. Where necessary, translate guides into local anesthetic languages and test translation. PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY 5 3. Train info Collectors Identify and train data collectors (if necessary).(See Training Tips for entropy Collectors6. ) Where necessary, use interviewers that speak the local language. Training Tips for Data Collectors rung, youth program participants, or professional interviewers may be involved in data collection. unheeding of what experience data collectors have, training should include An introduction to the evaluation objectives, A review of data collection techniques, A thorough review of the data collection items and instruments, Practice in the use of the instruments, Skill-building exercises on interviewing and social com munication, and Discussion of ethical issues.4. Collect Data Gather all relevant documents. Set up interviews/surveys with stakeholders (be sure to explain the purpose, why the stakeholder has been chosen, and the expected duration). Seek informed consent of each respondent (written or documented oral). Re-explain purpose of interview, why the stakeholder has been chosen, expected duration of, whether and how the information will be kept confidential, and the use of a note taker/tape recorder. If the respondent has consented, conduct the interview/survey. 5. Analyze Data Review all relevant documents. Review all interview/survey data. 6. Disseminate Findings Write report (see What are the Elements of a Case Study? ). Solicit feedback. Revise Disseminate 6 Adamchak, S. , et. al. (2000). A Guide to Monitoring and Evaluating Adolescent Reproductive Health Programs. unattached at http//www. pathfind. org/site/PageServer? pagename=Publications_FOCUS_Guides_and_Tools. 6 PATHFI NDER INTERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY What are Potential Sources of Information? Case studies typically rely on multiple sources of information and methods to provide as complete a picture as possible.Information sources could include be after documents (including meeting minutes) projection reports, including quarterly reports, midterm reviews Monitoring visits Mystery client reports Facility assessment reports Interviews Questionnaire/survey results Evaluation reports Observation Other What are the Elements of a Case Study? Case studies do not have set elements that need to be included the elements of each will vary depending on the case or story chosen, the data collected, and the purpose (for example, to illustrate a best case versus a typical case).However, case studies typically describe a program or intervention put in ad unsloped to address a particular puzzle. Therefore, we provide the following elements and example on which you might draw 1. The puzzle i. Identify the problem ii. Explain why the problem is important iii. How was the problem identified? iv. Was the process for identifying the problem effective? 2. Steps taken to address the problem 3. Results 4. Challenges and how they were met 5. beyond Results 6. Lessons Learned.PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY 7 1. The Problem It is essential to identify what the problem was. Specifically i. Identify the problem. For example, authoritative FBO leadership was opposed to including HIV prevention activities within their computer programming. Specifically, they felt that prevention activities would promote sex among youth and thereby increase the incidence of HIV. In addition, the FBO felt that the promotion of prophylactics as a form of prevention was honourablely wrong. ii. Explain why the problem is important.Following the same example, to provide a comprehensive solution to HIV/AIDS, prevention activities are an important part of HIV programming, in addition to ca re and endorse. Addressing moral and religious concerns and objections of FBO leaders in order to incorporate this component greatly expands the prevention effort and offers a greater breadth and depth in HIV programming. iii. How was the problem identified? It is likely that program module will have an idea of what general problems exist. For example, YFS is not integrated in the MOH, FBOs do not include prevention activities, youth involvement does not occur, etc.What was likely missing and required exploration were the exposit around this general problem. In the case of working with FBOs, an initial project planning meeting was held to dissertate the specifics behind the problem. It was revealed during this process that certain FBOs who conducted care and support activities did not offer prevention activities, specifically condom promotion. The primary reason given was religious objections another reason identified but not explicitly stated was stigma. iv. Was the process for identifying the problem effective?After additional one-on-one discussions with FBO leaders, it was determined that the leaders had concerns ground on moral and religious grounds regarding prevention efforts, particularly promoting condoms. Furthermore, discussions revealed that a number of leaders had contain and/or erroneous information regarding transmission and prevention options. 8 PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY 2. Steps Undertaken to Address the Problem What was do (activities/ interventions/ inputs), where, by whom, for whom?In the case of incorporate prevention in FBOs, an illustrative compend of steps chthoniantaken to address the problem is given below What was done? Phase 1 sensitizing Sensitization of leadership activities included reviewing FBO policies and bylaws by program supply in order to demonstrate to leadership that there were no constitutional objections to prevention activities. hurtle staff enmeshed liberal FBO leaders to supply quote s from the Bible to build their evidence-based argument to convince other leaders that there was in fact no biblical basis for the preclusion of prevention activities.Sensitization of facility managers meet with managers to discuss leadership approval and present evidence-based arguments on why integration activities can be included. Sensitization of community work with groups to explain that these activities have been approved by the FBO leadership and where they can go to welcome services. Phase 2 Integration Facility assessments Selected facilities Project Staff, FBO representatives Local Implementing Partners (IPs) Project Staff, Facility Managers Contractor FBOs, Project Staff Facility Staff District/ National Project Staff FBO leaders Where? By Whom? For Whom?Facilities Project Staff Facility Managers Community catchment areas Project Staff Community members Training of service providers Selected facilities Conduct staff orientations Facilities Facility Staff Physical infrast ructure amend Phase 3 Outreach Identify peers that you want to work with Training Provide Tools Supervision Phase 4 ME Reassessments Facilities Facility Selected facilities Facilities Facility Staff IPs Project chum supervisors Beneficiaries Peers Peers Peers Sample of selected facilities Project Staff, Facility Management, Youth Trained mystery clients Project Staff, Peer Supervisors.Facility, Project Staff Mystery client interviews Monitoring visits Facilities Facilities, Peers Facility staff, Project Staff PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY 9 3. Results What were the results of your intervention, particularly the significant or unique results? For example your activities resulted in the FBO including HIV prevention activities in their programming, which contributed to an increase in condom distribution. Or, your activities resulted in youth-serving service providers adopting a youth-friendly attitude which contributed to improved services and an increase in youth vis its.Church leadership may have made a commitment and modified policies to include ASRH activities, leadership talking about the issues publicly. Facility managers may make pecuniary commitments to refurbishments, training, etc. 4. Challenges and how they were met This focuses on what scraps or difficulties you encountered and what you did to overcome them. One of the challenges in working with FBOs may have been relations with Catholic FBOs and your response could have been to negotiate with them to include certain prevention activities like abstinence, and/or providing a referral point to youth who may want to get information about condoms.Another possible challenge is that not all FBOs who you had hoped to work with were willing to come on board and this required additional attention. 5. beyond Results Are the results mentioned above sustainable? Why or why not? For example, an integrated approach to programming (which included a strong policy and advocacy component) created an enabling policy environment with strong stakeholder support that can be nurtured and leveraged beyond the project duration. 6. Lessons Learned What lessons were learned programmatic, technical, financial, process, etc.?For example, the experience showed that it was imperative for project staff to have a very solid understanding of government policies to speak to these issues with key stakeholders. In addition, it was important to have a good understanding of the various religious beliefs in addition to their several(prenominal) policies and by-laws for developing and delivering advocacy arguments. How are Case Studies Presented? Case studies are flexible in that they can be presented in a number of waysthere is no specific format to follow.However, like all evaluation results, justification and methodology of the study should be provided, as well as any support information (i. e. , copies of instruments and guides used in the study). Case studies may stand alone or be included in a larger evaluation report. If presented as a stand-alone report, the following report outline is suggested 1. Introduction and Justification 2. methodological analysis a. How was the process carried out? (Describe the process of selecting the case and data collection sources, as well as how data was collected. ) b. What assumptions are there (if any)?10 PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. c. Are there any limitations with this method? d. What instruments were used to collect data? (You may want to include some or all in the appendix. ) e. What sample(s) is/are being used? f. everyplace which period of time was this data collected? The Problem The Steps Taken to Address the Problem The Results The Challenges and How They were Met Beyond Results Lessons Learned Conclusion Appendices Where Can More Information on Case Studies be Found? Information on Case Study Research Adamchak, S. , et. al. (2000).A Guide to Monitoring and Evaluating Adolescent Re productive Health Programs. Available at http//www. pathfind. org/pf/pubs/focus/guidesandtools/PDF/Part%20II. pdf. Patton, Michael Q. (2002). Qualitative Research Evaluation Methods. Thousand Oaks Sage Publications. Stake, Robert E. (1995). The artistic creation of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks Sage Publications. United States General Accounting Office, Program Evaluation and Methodology Division. (1987). Case Study Evaluations. Available at http//161. 203. 16. 4/t2pbat22/132683. pdf. Yin, Robert K. (2003). Case Study Research Design and Methods.capital of the United Kingdom Sage Publications. Examples of Case Studies Cornwall, A. and Welbourn, A. (2002). Realizing Rights Transforming Approaches to Sexual and Reproductive Well-Being. London Zed Books. Population Council. Quality/Calidad/Qualite series. Available at http//www. popcouncil. org/publications/qcq/default. htm. SRI International. (2001). The Organization of Learning in Community Technology Centers Learning with Tec hnology in Six Communities. Available at http//www. americaconnects. net/research/SRI_case_study_report. pdf. PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL WRITING A CASE STUDY 11Appendix 1 Sample Informed Consent Form Key Components Thank you Your name direct Confidentiality Duration How interview will be conducted Opportunity for questions Signature of consent I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. My name is ________________________ and I would like to talk to you about your experiences participating in the African Youth Alliance (AYA) project. Specifically, as one of the components of our overall program evaluation we are assessing program effectiveness in order to capture lessons that can be used in future interventions.The interview should take less than an hour. I will be taping the session because I dont want to miss any of your comments. Although I will be taking some notes during the session, I cant possibly write fast enough to get it all down. Because were on tape, please be sure to speak up so that we dont miss your comments. All responses will be kept confidential. This means that your interview responses will only be shared with research squad members and we will ensure that any information we include in our report does not identify you as the respondent.Remember, you dont have to talk about anything you dont want to and you may end the interview at any time. Are there any questions about what I have just explained? Are you willing to participate in this interview? __________________ Interviewee __________________ Witness __________ Date ______________________________________Legal guardian (if interviewee is under 18) 12 PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL SAMPLE INFORMED CONSENT FORM Pathfinder International 9 Galen Street, Suite 217 Watertown, MA 02472 USA Tel 617-924-7200 Email emailprotected org 05/06/500.