Most Significant Change (MSC) is a method recommended for case studies. It is a technique of participatory monitoring more based on stories than on indicators (Dart & R. Davies, 2003; Rick Davies, 2007). MSC are stories about important or significant changes – they give a rich picture of the impact of development work and provide a basis for dialogue on key goals and values of development programs. 

Instead of introducing new professional skills, the MSC method uses the benefits of everyday communication practice.

MSC does not replace other monitoring and evaluation methods – it actually works well with other methods such as content analysis and quantitative analysis – but it comes best where the outcome is unexpected and the meaning questionable. Indicators simply do not help us to see what has changed in these situations.