Every sociology, psychology, or anthropology student must be familiar with a case study paper. A case study paper is a document presenting research work to study an individual or some issues. Therefore, writing a case study paper requires you to have enough knowledge and quality skills in research; this will help you gather the required information based on your study.
This article will help you learn simple steps to write a professional case study paper. We will guide starting a case study paper, and you can cite sources.
What is a case study paper?
Before writing your case study paper, you must explore or understand what it is and what the case study entails. A case study paper explores an individual, event, or a particular study topic to delve into the main points and the outcome that will help in the future. A good-written case study paper will help you understand a clear research issue.
A case study paper only investigates more than two research topics to show how the two issues are related. In many cases, a case study paper uses three main methods: mixed-method, qualitative, or quantitative method of investigation or survey.
Types of a case study paper writing
As a student, writing a case study paper in school will help you explore different types of case study papers that you will be assigned as part of your work or assignment. You must understand each case study paper type and what it looks like. Here, we have provided you with the main types of case study papers that you can explore; and they include the following:
A descriptive case study paper
When writing such a case study paper, you must remember that you will craft a draft on the topic you choose and a particular theory you will research. This paper helps improve a specific subject on different cases or issues.
Instrumental case study paper
This type of study requires you to look at the major elements of your case study using the research materials as the instrument. This helps to provide evidence that will support your case study paper and enable you to describe your results effectively.
An intrinsic case study paper
This type of case study involves thorough research of the subject or question. If you are writing this type of case study, you must address only the available information. An intrinsic case study focuses on a particular topic by ensuring the writer only explores a specific issue.
Exploratory approach
This is mostly used as a framework for broad academic writing work. In such a case study, you must examine the subject or topic and determine why you must conduct thorough research.
Collective case study
Here, you can compare and contrast two case studies to determine the difference and start a new case study.
Explanatory case study paper
In this type of case study, explaining the case is the main aim. When writing a nursing case study or a business case study, you must present the effects and causes of a particular illness in nursing. For business, you define the causes of price fluctuation in high-end and low-end seasons.
As you continue learning how to write a case study paper, you must remember that you can easily combine any of the above types of case studies to help you provide more detailed findings based on the subject. You must ensure that you check the marking rubric to come up with a way of and adjusting your case study paper systematically.
How to Write a case study essay
As a student, you must write different assignments depending on your study. Writing a case study is one of the most common tasks you will encounter as a student. Therefore, you must learn how to write a case study paper using the correct format and citation.
Here we have provided you with a full guide on writing a case study using the correct case study format for students. Below are steps that will help you to write a high-quality case study:
Read and understand the importance of writing the case study paper
Familiarize yourself with writing a case study essay. It typically involves examining real-life situations, exploring problems, and suggesting feasible solutions.
Choose a case study topic.
Select a case that aligns with your assignment?s requirements or area of interest. Ensure the topic is significant and provides sufficient information to analyze and discuss.
Collect effective information
Collect relevant data and information about the case. This may include interviews, surveys, articles, reports, or other sources providing insights into the situation.
Introduction
Begin your essay with an introduction that provides background information about the case and states its significance. Clearly define your analysis?s objectives and briefly outline your essay?s structure.
Case Presentation
Concisely present the case, providing an overview of the situation, key stakeholders involved, and any relevant contextual details. Focus on the main issues or problems that need to be addressed.
Case analysis
This section forms the core of your essay. Analyze the case by breaking it down into various components: causes, effects, contributing factors, challenges, and opportunities. Use appropriate frameworks, theories, or concepts to support your analysis.
Recommendations
Based on your analysis, propose practical recommendations to address the identified problems. These should be logical, feasible, and supported by evidence or examples. Discuss potential outcomes and benefits of implementing your proposed solutions.
Evaluation
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your proposed solutions or recommendations. Consider potential limitations or obstacles and discuss how they can be mitigated. Provide a balanced view of the feasibility and potential effectiveness of your suggestions.
Conclusion
Summarize the main points of your analysis and recommendations. Emphasize the significance of your findings and their potential impact. Avoid introducing new information or comment in the conclusion.
References
Include a list of all the sources you cited in your essay. Follow the appropriate citation style, such as APA, MLA or Chicago, according to the instructor?s requirements. This must be written on a new page.
Proofread and revise
You must review your case study essay to check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Consider seeking feedback from your instructors to improve the clarity and quality of your writing.
The case study essay outlines an example.
In this blog, we will look at case study outline to help you know how to write a case study format or case analysis format outline. A good case study essay must have a design with three main parts; these parts include:
Case study introduction
This is the first part of a case study paper that provides t6hat the first impression of your case. In this paragraph, you must state the case and present your issue. You must restate the hypothesis and brief your main points.
Main body paragraph
This is a very important part of the case study essay that provides a complete case analysis overview. You must explain to your reader why you choose that topic of discussion. You must also create subtitles to ensure that all information is presented.
Conclusion
The last part of the case study paper summarizes your case study. You must ensure that you do not introduce any information unrelated to your case study paper.
Features of a case study title page
A case study title page has various features that you need to ensure that they appear when writing your title page. Below are the characteristics of a case study title page;
Title
You must ensure that the title is descriptive and on point to capture the essence of your case study. A case study title page must give the reader a hint of what it is all about.
The title page must include the writer?s names
The author?s name enables your case study to be displayed professionally.
The affiliation
It is essential to mention the organization that indicates the company or institution they are related to or associated with.
Date
You must include the date of publication of the case study.
Logo
A logo on a case study title page helps the reader identify the institution associated with the case study.
Executive summary
Briefly summarizing your case study on the title page would be best. Your abstract must highlight the main points and outcome of the case study. This enables your audience to easily identify the [purpose or aim of your case study paper.
Keywords or main topics
Contact details
Acknowledgment
A disclosure statement
How to write a case study in APA
APA is a common citation guideline used in college, especially for writing. In this blog, we have gathered several elements of a case study essay in APA structure. This will help you have a guide on writing your case study using the APA format. Below are some elements of a case study in the APA format;
Abstract section
The annotated bibliography
Direct quotes
The case study citation examples
Footnotes
In-text citation
The page numbers
Title page
Reference page
Steps to follow when writing a case study paper in APA
Choose a topic for your case study
Study your case
Write your title page and the abstract
Ensure that you follow the correct structure
Ensure that you accurately arrange the reference page
To wrap up
Writing a case study paper requires knowing how to format and gather quality information. In this blog, we have provided a full guide on writing a case study paper using the correct format. You can visit us at and get experts? help with your case study.
