Success Case Method

The success case method (SCM) is a type of qualitative research used by evaluators to achieve an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon—a program, person, place, or other entity. The modifier “success” means that the entity has met objectives or attained an appropriate accomplishment. The in-depth nature of case studies provides detailed textual description that can inspire or motivate readers in ways that more “simple” quantitative indicators cannot do, by exploring the particularity and complexity of a single instance of success. A case might also be described as a vignette, a story, or an example and can vary in length from a paragraph to hundreds of pages. There are many different ways to conduct case study evaluation, but of critical importance is the need to accurately document evidence presented in a way that is honest, credible, and confirmable.

The SCM as used in the field of educational program evaluation highlights the critical role that qualitative methods can play in contributing to in-depth understanding and explanation of complex variables used for assessment and measurement. When requirements for evaluation are limited by time constraints, budget restrictions, data quality, and political challenges, the SCM, used appropriately, can greatly enhance the utility of evaluation results for decision making by key stakeholders.

Success cases can be particularly useful for programs challenged with meeting long-term objectives for which attribution is difficult or questionable. A benefit of the SCM is the focus on examples of programs that are “working” including the how and why of working. The SCM cannot definitively establish causality of outcomes, but as part of a mixed-methods (both qualitative and quantitative data) evaluation, the technique can substantially contribute to better understanding of program processes and resource accountability. In addition, successful cases often suggest approaches useful for continuous program improvement based on the details contained in the descriptions. Some evaluators prefer to include cases that are unsuccessful as well as successful in the belief that the contrast between the two can provide additional insight into program improvement. This entry notes the methods commonly incorporated in SCM, discusses how evaluators use SCM, and reviews the limitations of this approach.