case study anaylsis and reflection

Learning Outcomes

After working through this case, you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the values and assumptions underpinning various theoretical approaches relevant to social work.
2. Apply key theories to a specific case.
3. Justify the selection and application of key social work theories to a specific case.
   

   Case Scenario

   Watch the case video between Ahmed and the social worker to identify how relevant direct practice theories are for working with Ahmed. Consider questions and points provided below as a guide to getting started.1. Develop an overview of critical ecological systems theory.

   • What are the theoretical key concepts in this theory?
   • How do these concepts relate to Ahmed’s situation? Select some examples of how these theoretical concepts might relate.

   2. Familiarise yourself with the range of mid-level theories in the text by Coady and Lehmann (2016)

   • Attachment Theory
   • Client-Centred Theory
   • Feminist Theories
   • Narrative Therapies
   • Solution-Focused Therapy

   3. Which one do you think would assist you to understand Ahmed’s situation further?4. What are some of the limitations of each of these mid-level theories?Note – there is not a single right answer in this case! Each social worker, client and case is unique, so it is important that you focus on the theories that help you to best understand Ahmed’s case.

   Professional Issues

   Your task for this assignment is to become familiar with one meta-theory for direct social work practice and to learn how to apply it to a client’s situation.The most often used meta-theory in social work is Critical Ecological Systems Theory. You will find a chapter on it in your textbook by Coady and Lehmann (2016). You are required to apply this theory to the case of Ahmed. As Coady and Lehmann (2016) indicate in social work practice we often use a range of theories to understand a person and their situation. Coady and Lehmann (2016) outline a range of mid-level theories in their textbook. You are required to select one of these and apply it to the case of Ahmed.Mid-level theories to choose from:

   • Attachment Theory
   • Client-Centred Theory
   • Feminist Theories
   • Narrative Therapies
   • Solution-Focused Therapy

   (Coady and Lehmann, 2016)

   Student Response

   There are four components to your student response, which you are all required to address.

   1. Identify the issues Ahmed (the client) is presenting with to the social worker (10%)
   2. Outline the key theoretical concepts in two theories: one critical ecological systems theory and one mid-level theory selected from Coady and Lehmann (2016) to apply to the case of Ahmed (40%).
   3. Discuss why these theories are applicable to the case study of Ahmed (30%).
   4. Indicate what aspects of the case these theories highlight for your attention and state any limitations that are not addressed by these two theories (Critical Ecological Systems Theory and your selected mid-level theory) (10%).
   5. Ten percent of the mark for this assignment will be allocated to structure (10%).

   Resources

   Starting references are provided below to assist you with beginning your student response. Please note, however, that you are expected to find and include additional references in your report.Coady, N 2016, ‘The Science and Art of direct Practice: an Overview of Theory and of a Reflective, Intuitive-Inductive Approach to Practice’ in Coady, N & Lehmann, P (eds.), Theoretical Perspectives for direct Social Work Practice : A Generalist-Eclectic Approach, 3rd edn, Springer Publishing, New York, NY, pp. 37-59. Rothery, M 2016, ‘ Critical Ecological Systems Theory’, in Coady, N & Lehmann, P (eds.), Theoretical Perspectives for direct Social Work Practice : A Generalist-Eclectic Approach, 3rd edn, Springer Publishing, New York, NY, pp. 81-107.Tips for case study analysis 2020 (opens in new tab/window)Note these resources are using the required Harvard referencing style you are required to use in your assignment.