What is the purpose of a "case study" in program evaluation?

The purpose of a "case study" in program evaluation is to provide an in-depth understanding of a specific program in a real-life context. A case study allows evaluators to explore the complexities and nuances of a program's operation, its impact, and the experiences of stakeholders involved. It emphasizes qualitative data collection methods and provides rich, detailed insights into how a program functions, the challenges it faces, and the factors that contribute to its success or failure.

Unlike statistical comparisons across multiple programs or experimental designs conducted in controlled settings, a case study is more focused on the specificities of a single instance, which helps when seeking to understand the context, processes, and outcomes related to that particular program. It also encompasses both short and long-term effects rather than just immediate outputs, which allows evaluators to paint a fuller picture of the program's effectiveness and relevance in its environment.