What Is a Case Study? Know Types, Structure, and Tips by Expert

Case study papers are given to every student by their professor, so that scholars can sharp their skills. The purpose of the document is to thoroughly examine a research subject and identify a few problems and situations. In clinical areas, this document helps in discovering rare conditions and diseases. On the other hand, in business and marketing, the case study will help in compiling the progress and reasons why a company is leading. So, if you are wondering how to write it, this post has the ultimate guide to a case study for you. Thus, read below and learn its types, format, and tips.

What Are the Various Types of Case Studies?

If you need a clear overview of case study writing, then it is essential to know about the types. So, without much delay, keep reading and make notes!

1. Collective Case Studies

The first type in this guide of case study is where the researchers focus on studying a group of people. It can be a community or a society. The motive is to examine a situation and get a larger perspective. For instance, medical students can examine how COVID impacts people and their health.

2. Descriptive Case Studies

The descriptive case study focuses on all aspects of the research. It analyses and collects in-depth information on the subject. As the name suggests, the motive of the document is to offer complete data to its readers. A prime example of this type is to study a patient, his early life, employment status, relationships, mind, behaviour, and other aspects.

3. Explanatory Case Studies

Another form of case study writing is explanatory. It is usually considered a casual analysis by the researchers. The motive of the document is to perform extensive data collection on the causes of a situation. Thus, it focuses on determining why certain things occur. So, the prime example of this document can be why XYZ company is leading in the market.

4. Exploratory Case Studies

In the fourth type of the guidebook of case study, students have to perform extensive research in a in-depth. It focuses on reviewing the subject thoroughly before developing a thesis statement. Thus, the exploratory approach helps the writers develop strong hypotheses for further research.

5. Instrumental Case Studies

Instrumental case studies help a researcher focus on some unique aspcets on the subject. The group or individual allows for understanding of undiscovered questions and elements. Through this, you can understand the psychological aspects of the topic and bring forward new ideas. 

6. Intrinsic Case Studies

These case studies demonstrate the personal interest of the researcher. It can be because of personal goals or an interest in the subject matter. A prime example of this is the case study of Jean Piaget’s analysis of his children.

So, now you know the various forms of this academic submission. Thus, it is best to move ahead and learn the case study format for students.

What Is the Structure for Writing a Case Study?

If you are wondering what the format of a case study is and how you outline it. So, your answer lies in the sections given below. So, keep reading and take notes for future reference.

1. Executive Summary: 

First, the document defines the prime problem and the approach; the researcher or reader will use this to tackle the issue. Write it first so that you stay focused on the central idea. 

2. Background Data: 

This second part of an excellent case study paper includes background information about the research subject. It comprises general information such as their name, age, gender, status, family, and employment. 

3. Case Evaluation: 

The next segment of your case study will be the evaluation. You need to provide deeper insights into the prime problem. So, answer questions like what objectives you wish to accomplish through this project.

4. Problems / Symptoms: 

The fourth part of the document will explain the problems you have seen in the research subject. If you are writing a clinical case study, jot down all the crucial symptoms. Do not miss out on any details.

5. Proposed Solutions: 

After listing the problems, the researchers also offer a few sets of solutions in the case study. It is because they have examined the subject closely and know how to tackle the situation.

6. Ultimate Conclusion: 

The 6th step of our case study guidebook says Just like every other academic paper, you will offer a conclusion. To do this, begin by summarising the whole content. Later, draw attention to the key highlights and justify the argument.

7. Reference Citation: 

Reference sections are just as important as the other elements of the content. It saves you from the consequences of plagiarism. So, in the end, write down the list of every source in the document.

Now that you know how to format a case study document, let’s learn how to write a case report. In the section below, you will find some tips and techniques that will aid in writing a remarkable project.

Steps to Write a Case Study

So, following the 9 steps mentioned in the case study guide, any student can write excellent papers. Also, the best tip is to go through some examples of case study research paper and review the documents. Thus, read these pointers below and implement them to score the highest marks in class.

1. Performing the Research: 

The first thing you need to do is collect ample data for the project. This step involves the prior research unravels who will be the subject and why? Also, list down the data collection methods you will utilize. Create a problem statement and search for answers on the web, in books or by interviewing the subject. 

2. Define your objective:

Every document requires a hypothesis. It is the list of issues and problems you wish to resolve through the case study. It will help your readers understand the thesis statement in a better way. So, create a list of all the objectives, it can be minor or major. Then note it down in the paper in ascending order.

3. Examine the Subject: 

It is very vital to interview and observe the subject in a case study. So, it is the prime source of data collection for your project. So, first, collect all necessary information and then analyze it. Look for hints and try to determine some problems and symptoms. To examine your research topic you can also interview their close family and friends with consent.

4. Find Extra Sources:

Sometimes, it’s tough to collect all the information just by talking to the subject. Therefore, always keep some extra sources. These can be anything lab tests, reports or online websites related to your topic. Make sure to always search for credible information. The additional sources will reveal new aspects and ample data for the project.

5. List the Problems: 

So collecting and analyzing data for the research subject through qualitative and quantitative methods was the prior step. Now, what you need to do is list the symptoms or problems one by one. Start with the background information then define the issues. If you are writing a medical case study then attach the test and other reports.

6. Offer Treatment Approach: 

The next thing you need to do is offer solutions for the central problem of the case study. If the research subject is a person or patient then make sure to include a treatment approach. Moving further, you need to describe the whole solution process to the readers. Answer questions like what needs to be done and how?

7. Provide the Discussion: 

The case study also includes a discussion section like other research-related papers. Here, the writers can represent their personal opinions and issues on the subject. You also need to include elements like the challenges and limitations of your project. Apart from this highlight the achievements that you have accomplished.

8. Write Down Conclusion: 

In the conclusion section of the case study, you will first talk about the research subject. Their prime problems and their treatment approach. After this, explain to your readers what objectives you have accomplished in the project. Lastly, justify your argument and approach and do not leave any doubts for the readers.

9. Cite Your References: 

Every document requires references and so does the case study. Make sure to follow the citation guidelines. These sets of rules depend upon the academic discipline or the university you study in. This section of the paper should follow every instruction and should be 100% accurate. So, list the references in ascending order and do not leave a single source.

Conclusion

A case study is a document which focuses on analyzing one or multiple research subjects. The motive of the paper is to offer ample information to its readers and address general issues. So, a case study involves the process of identifying problems and solutions to a topic. In the sections above students will find the ultimate guide on case study and will learn how to write and format their documents accurately.