Case Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real ABLE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Case Analysis flashcards as text
A case presents two policy analysts who examined the same dataset but reached opposite conclusions. The MOST likely explanation is:
Answer: They applied different analytical frameworks or made different assumptions
Different analytical frameworks, assumptions, or priorities can lead skilled analysts to legitimately different conclusions from identical data.
In case analysis, an 'implicit assumption' is best described as:
Answer: A premise the argument depends on but does not state directly
An implicit assumption is an unstated belief that the argument requires to be true in order to hold.
A case study states that a company's profits increased after it reduced its workforce. An analyst concludes the layoffs improved profitability. Which implicit assumption does this conclusion rely on?
Answer: No other changes (e.g., new products, price increases) occurred that could explain the profit rise
The conclusion assumes the layoffs were the sole or primary cause, implicitly ruling out other concurrent changes.
A case analysis involves evaluating a proposed solution's feasibility. Which of the following is LEAST relevant to a feasibility assessment?
Answer: The personal preferences of the case analyst
Feasibility is assessed based on objective factors like resources, capacity, and risk—not the analyst's personal preferences.
A case excerpt reads: 'Experts agree that remote work reduces productivity.' A critical analyst should respond by asking:
Answer: Which experts, what evidence do they cite, and are there experts who disagree?
Vague references to 'experts' require identifying who they are, what evidence supports their view, and whether consensus truly exists.
When writing a case analysis response, the BEST structure to present a recommendation is:
Answer: State the recommendation, support it with evidence from the case, and address a potential counterargument
An effective recommendation clearly states the position, grounds it in case evidence, and demonstrates awareness of opposing considerations.
A case analysis asks you to evaluate whether a proposed environmental regulation is 'cost-effective.' Which pairing of criteria is MOST appropriate for this evaluation?
Answer: Implementation costs compared to measurable environmental benefits
Cost-effectiveness requires directly comparing the costs of implementation against the quantifiable benefits achieved.