Case studies are essential in presenting detailed information regarding a subject of interest. Psychology, business, marketing, law, and medicine case studies have a standard structure. Some examples of commentaries include collective, descriptive, instrumental, intrinsic, and exploratory case studies. People can use various methods, like observation, surveys, focus groups, interviews, and design thinking to gather the necessary research data for presentation. A standard case study should have an introduction and background, parties involved, problem, possible solutions, discussion, alternative solutions, limitations, action plan, outcome, and conclusion. In turn, creating an outline helps to organize the main ideas chronologically. Compelling case studies should have a formal tone and be contained in paragraphs. Each passage in a case study should dwell and expound on a single view and have a topic sentence, supporting evidence, and transitioning statement.
General Guidelines on How to Write an Outstanding Case Study
Case studies that tell the story about a specific individual, group, event, or institution provide the best way to prove evidence and its application, developing a better understanding of the phenomenon under analysis. Basically, a good case study is a descriptive paper that gathers qualitative data. Moreover, people should read this article because it concisely defines what is a case study, examples from different areas of study, their types, and data collection methods. Scholars who present case investigations should follow proper outlines to guide the writing process and ensure clarity of ideas. Although students can use different ways to write a case study, they should include an introduction and background, parties involved, research problem, conceivable solutions, discussion, alternative solutions, limitations, action plan, outcome, and conclusion.
Definition of What Is a Case Study
A case study is an in-depth analysis of an individual, group, event, or institution. People can explore every aspect of a subject’s life to understand the patterns and causes of behavior. For example, case studies are common in psychology, education, anthropology, political science, and social work. Investigating a research issue provides more insights into the subject of interest and uses the acquired knowledge to generalize concepts.
➖ Focus of a Case Study
Case studies have a narrow focus, which makes them relevant to a specific subject. Basically, individuals may describe a single item. They seek to expose important details of concepts under investigation. In case studies where scholars evaluate events, they focus on a single aspect. Moreover, good papers should have a clear heading on the feature that one evaluates. For example, this trend allows readers to understand the focus of the work. Therefore, writers should cover a single aspect of any case under investigation.
➖ Use of a Case Study
People need case studies when they intend to obtain specific, appropriate, and comprehensive knowledge about a subject of interest. For example, they can use different qualitative and quantitative methods to gather research information from credible sources about the chosen topic. The resulting evidence is important for explaining, comparing, evaluating, and recognizing various aspects of the research problem. Case studies are common in learning institutions, commercial companies, healthcare facilities, and government agencies where individuals evaluate important concepts or address existing challenges.
➖ Difference From Research Papers
A case study differs from a research paper or an executive summary due to its narrow scope. For example, academic research has a wide scope that includes the purpose of the study, sample population, duration of study, relevant theories, results, and other aspects covered. However, various types of papers focus on a narrow span of themes that involve human subjects. In turn, case studies allow scholars to conduct an in-depth evaluation of a subject regarding an individual, group, event, or institution.
➖ Difference From Essays
Case studies differ from various types of essays because they focus on specific situations to provide approaches and solutions. For example, writing a case study in history suggests formal research that requires supporting evidence to justify a claim. However, an essay is a form of writing that informs a targeted audience about a topic or subject. Academic papers contain an explanation and elucidation of a specific concept.
➖ Combining Objective and Subjective Information
A case study covers objective and subjective aspects. For instance, researchers should identify valid research data for investigation. The primary aim is to develop a basis for inferences that authors intend to make. One should make an objective description of the features identified. Hence, writers should provide details of the subjective aspects of the theme and cover reliable sources. In turn, they should give sensory details. As a result, this strategy makes it possible for readers to develop an intrinsic understanding of the subject under analysis. Besides, it allows students to offer a means of expressing how people should feel toward the theme under investigation.
➖ Descriptive Information
Learning to prepare a case study helps people to collect detailed descriptive data. For example, when mastering their descriptive writing, they gain skills to evaluate various features accurately. It becomes possible for learners to identify unique details for writing. Besides, the strategy lays down the foundation of extensive research. In turn, scholars who complete case studies effectively can carry out a comprehensive investigation of many topics. They also gain proper skills to understand and analyze essential concepts. Therefore, knowing how to write a case study enables people to develop skills to collect data in various research studies.
➖ Study Hypothesis
Preparing a case study enables students to develop a research hypothesis. Scholars who analyze modern cases gain significant knowledge that can be used to identify and solve complex issues. Basically, students develop a deeper understanding of various concepts. For example, they can predict outcomes related to case study circumstances that they examine. In this case, hypotheses are useful in research studies. Hence, experienced students postulate ideas before making inquiries. Moreover, they engage in different study methods to validate their research proposal. Thus, preparing case studies gives learners the experience of writing a null and alternative hypothesis that guides knowledge.
Example of a Good Psychology Case Study
In a psychology case study scenario, a doctor diagnosed a 15-year-old French female living with her parents and younger siblings with anxiety, separation anxiety, and attention disorder. The patient lived with her parents, who experienced significant marital problems. Parents had separated several times and were discussing a possible divorce. The patient’s mother reported a history of psychiatric treatment for depression and anxiety. In addition, the father had a history of bipolar disorder and psychiatric treatment.
The patient recorded poor academic performance in several classes. Moreover, parents were looking for a new school because of poor grades recorded in the previous educational year. The patient presented the following symptoms:
- frequent sadness and crying;
- high appetite and overeating;
- anxiety and irritability;
- insomnia and hopelessness;
- loss of concentration;
- low self-esteem and guilt.
In addition to the above symptoms, the patient presented difficulties in interpersonal relationships, persistent negative thoughts about her physical appearance, and blame regarding her parent’s marital challenges. The doctor explored the patient’s medical history to discover she suffered from overweight and asthma. Besides, the patient had accessed supportive psychotherapy and used anti-depressants to stabilize her mental condition. Rejection by a potential boyfriend triggered the first episode of stress. However, her parents’ marital challenges started the current stress and psychological difficulties attack.
The doctor used Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) for children to diagnose the patient with a depressive disorder. DIS is a semi-structured diagnostic interview that allows doctors to assess the presence of a wide range of psychiatric disorders. The doctor used DIS to determine specific symptoms’ presence, chronology, duration, and associated deficiency in this case study. The patient responded to “no,” “somewhat,” and “yes” questions regarding her symptoms. The doctor determined that the patient experienced sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, short temper, irritation, tiredness, memory loss, sleep disorders, excessive eating, and weight gain. The physician observed that the patient suffered from a depressive disorder that caused anxiety, fear of separation, and attention deficit.
The doctor treated the patient with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps to manage depression among French adults. In this case, the patient attended 12 CBT sessions to acquire stress management skills and social interaction capabilities necessary for coping with high-risk situations. This intervention was essential in reducing interpersonal worries and intrapersonal anxiety, like anger and depression. The first 12 sessions were required to train the patient to use active behavior and cognitive coping methods to deal with problems. Thus, the doctor enhanced the intervention with eight sessions of group psychoeducation to ensure the patient obtained social support to maintain the needed temperance.
The first four sessions were used to teach the patient about the impact of negative thoughts on mood. According to a case study, the patient gained adequate knowledge on overcoming dysfunctional thought patterns and increasing positive beliefs. The patient completed a daily log of positive and negative thoughts. Besides, the doctor required her to identify effective ways to challenge dysfunctional thoughts.
The subsequent three sessions allowed the patient to learn more about pleasant activities, time management, and goal-setting activities that can improve mood. Some essential activities in these sessions included recording enjoyable activities, completing a daily and weekly planner, and establishing specific goals and actions for achieving them. The last three sessions focused on how interpersonal relationships affect mood. The physician focused on training the patient on effective ways to increase and maintain social support and enhance assertive communication skills. These skills were necessary for enabling the patient to identify functional relationships and appropriate communication strategies for maintaining such positive associations.
The doctor may have used other methods, like psychological evaluation, to diagnose the patient’s depressive disorder. This method would not involve assessing the patient’s family medical history and social experiences. Psychological evaluation allows physicians to ask patients about their condition and past experiences. The information helps to reveal the core factors undermining patients’ overall health outcomes. Besides, the physician may have adopted peer support as an appropriate intervention method to assist the patient in curbing depression. From a case study, the intervention provides sustainable solutions to existing problems by encouraging patients to embrace desirable behaviors to enhance their mental resilience.
Example of a Good Medical Case Study
In a medical case study scenario, a pharmacist clinician received a referral of a 58-year-old white woman for pharmacotherapy consideration and diabetes management. The patient had a history of multiple medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and long-standing musculoskeletal pain from a previous car accident. Other medical conditions include anemia, knee replacement, and several hospital admissions for asthma-related complications.
The patient’s medication includes a pre-mixture of insulin lispro protamine suspension and preparation. The patient takes 33 units before breakfast and 23 before supper. The patient reported that she takes a little more insulin during the days when her blood glucose increases. However, she still needs to receive previous instructions on using an insulin adjustment formula. In addition, the patient uses an inhaler to manage her asthmatic condition.
The patient’s current major complaint is an increase in asthma complications. The patient needs prednisone tapers due to previous undesirable outcomes. For example, she reported experiencing growth in her blood glucose readings during her last round of prednisone therapy. The scenario occurred despite her significant reduction in carbohydrate intake. However, the patient reported facing financial challenges that prevent her from purchasing the required fluticasone or salmeterol, which forces her to take prednisone and albuterol to manage the worsening asthma episodes.
Results from a physical examination revealed that the patient appeared obese with minimal distress. According to a case study, she weighed 110 kg and had a height of 5.8 feet. The patient had a blood pressure of 130/78 mmHg and a pulse of 87 bmp. Her lungs were clear to auscultation and were without wheezing or rales. The patient also reported experiencing foot swelling when she remains active or stands for long hours. The patient said she was taking furosemide tablets to control her swelling.
The clinician discovered that the patient experienced persistent and severe asthma with poor control methods. She failed to embrace effective strategies to manage and control her asthmatic condition. The situation worsened her diabetic condition and treatment. In this case, the patient’s financial conditions affected her ability to maintain desirable, appropriate medication behavior. Other factors hindering better health outcomes include insufficient patient education regarding the role of specific medications.
The clinician proposed using a systematic method to evaluate the proper intervention for the patient. The findings emphasized patient-oriented evidence to support the most appropriate intervention. The physician developed an intervention plan that provided the patient with the necessary support throughout her treatment. The main aim was to identify possible side effects, drug interactions, or toxicity issues that require immediate attention.
However, the clinician could use an alternative method, like providing a medication-based intervention to the patient. The clinician would have identified alternative drugs for the patient and recommended a hospital admission for close assessment. This intervention would allow the clinician to identify the most appropriate medication to restore the patient’s overall health by managing asthma and diabetes more effectively. From a case study, the medication-based intervention would enable the patient to gain adequate knowledge of the proper medications and appreciate the need to follow guided prescriptions.
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Example of a Good Marketing Case Study
In a marketing case study scenario, Bivea is a skin and personal care brand start-up that targets the American market. The company has experienced significant growth from a signature product to diverse pharmaceutical inventions. Although Bivea has recorded positive change in the United States (US), there were challenges in promoting success in Asia, Latin American, and Eastern European markets. The clear benefit concept has failed to encourage company growth in the Asian market.
Bivea succeeded with new product rollouts throughout the past decade. The company succeeded in maintaining consistency in its visual and verbal messaging. However, these promotion methods are not suitable for the dynamic market of the twenty-first century. For example, a rise in critical consumers, aggressive compensations, and private labels pose a significant marketing threat to the company. The current challenges include high costs to penetrate the targeted markets and low consumer acceptance.
Bivea management considered introducing private-label skin care products to lower the cost of entering the targeted markets. According to a case study, this intervention allowed the company to create pre-made formulations that retailers could put their labels on and sell under their brand. As a result, the alternative enabled local retailers to lower the high cost and time investment associated with creating their formulas from scratch. Besides, Bivea lowered the operational price related to legal and taxation policies in different countries.
The private-label skin care products enabled the company to create a stable and reliable network of local retailers. For instance, the organization successfully attracted local companies in skin and personal care products. In this case, the visual and verbal messaging promotion technique successfully attracted and maintained a stable network of retailers. However, this marketing approach hindered the company from establishing its brand effectively.
Although Bivea succeeded in creating a reliable network of retailers, alternative approaches would assist the institution in selling its brand to local consumers. For example, the management would launch online-based marketing strategies to reach younger consumers through various social media platforms. This intervention would allow the company to attract a new segment of customers and establish a strong brand in the Asian market. The new marketing strategy would enable the company to understand the unique needs of young consumers. The resulting evidence would help Bivea to diversify its products to meet the needs of the new customer segment. From a case study, other benefits include an added competitive advantage as Bevia promotes its brand in the Asian market.
Example of a Good Business Case Study
In a business case study scenario, a company ABC experienced stiff competition from upcoming organizations due to inefficient operational systems. ABC was a cosmetic company that focused on producing and distributing beauty products. The company relied on a conventional operating model that remained unchanged over the last decade. The management disregarded the need to embrace change or adopt technology-based solutions. However, such practices exposed the company to stiff competition from emerging cosmetic firms that embraced innovative solutions, like intelligent machines, advanced analytics, and digital connectivity. The company recorded a drop in overall revenue in the previous financial year.
The company had 20% Baby Boomers, 70% Generation Z, and 10% Millennial employees. This diverse workforce posed significant operational challenges as the company needed to catch up in embracing new technological solutions. Most of the Baby Boomers held leadership positions and believed the company should use proven strategies. In addition, they thought that all employees should receive appraisals based on their overall performance levels. On the other hand, Generation X employees considered job security the most crucial aspect of their careers. Workers in this generation should have improved their overall skills and expertise. These traits of older employees discouraged Millennials from embracing technology-based and innovative solutions that can enhance their productivity. The result was a demoralized workforce that failed to meet the company’s expectations.
The management established a team of experts to review the current situation in the firm and propose a practical solution that could boost the company’s productivity. The team interviewed employees to determine the primary cause of existing challenges affecting overall productivity. Results obtained from a case study revealed that generational difference was the primary barrier to the company’s progress. There was a significant breakdown in communication between older employees. For example, Millennials overlooked the need to express their concerns and views to senior managers who were Baby Boomers. In turn, Baby Boomer and Generation Z employees regarded Millennials as negligent and non-cooperative. These social challenges hindered the flow of information within the company and discouraged employees’ ability to implement desirable changes.
Experts noted that the company should embrace new technologies to improve performance. The findings revealed that most of the activities in the company were similar and redundant. Furthermore, most of the activities were straightforward and did not require specialized skills for execution. According to a case study, experts realized the company could adopt technology-based solutions to automate most operations. Other proposals included training employees to understand the need to embrace technology-based solutions. The team of experts proposed a collaborative approach where the company would seek professional support from professionals on practical technological solutions to automate the production of cosmetic products.
The management hired Siemens to provide automation solutions to the production process. Siemens provided automated solutions through automotive-embedded software developments aligned with ABC’s needs. All employees received adequate training on operating computerized systems. Other support services included employee mentoring and team-building activities to encourage employees to embrace modern technology. The strategy was crucial in ensuring that Baby Boomer and Generation X employees appreciated the need to integrate technology-based solutions to enhance efficiency. However, most older employees felt intimidated by Millennials, who had well-versed knowledge about new technologies. On their part, Millennials thought that Baby Boomer and Generation Z employees created systemic barriers to embracing latest technologies. Other challenges included increased operational costs due to a large and less effective workforce.
The company may have adopted alternative solutions by laying off older employees and hiring more Millennials to champion technology-based solutions. The management should have opted to promote employees interested in the technology-based to take up management roles. This strategy would ensure speedy implementation of effective solutions to encourage efficiency and lower operational costs. From a case study, the management would provide Millennials with a supportive work environment to ensure that they create new and innovative interventions to address emerging issues.
Example of a Good Legal Case Study
In a legal case study scenario, an African American artist composed a rap song and posted it on YouTube. The song gained two million viewers within two days. Another White artist created a parody of the rap song after one week. The parody had five million views within the first day of release on YouTube. The views for the original song constantly increased to 8 million over the next five weeks. However, the parody gained popularity too, gaining over 15 million views within five weeks.
The African American artist filed a legal suit against the White musician for violating the copyright rules. The complainant argued that the White musician used the original song for personal economic gain. The plaintiff argued that the large number of followers for the parody translated to a monetary value. The complainant explained that the White musician targeted the African American artist for personal economic gain. The cultural difference between Whites and Blacks, including discrimination toward minority groups, allowed the parody song to gain popularity.
The defendant filed a response and argued that the primary purpose of the parody was to create humor. The large following on YouTube indicated people’s tendency to appreciate comedy and satire. The defendant encouraged the court to reject the legal application because the economic value gained from the parody was a justifiable reward for creating humor. The respondent explained that comedy is a talent and jesters focus on creating satire. According to a case study, the income earned from comedy is not the primary motivation for creating a comic parody. The respondent explained that the parody did not violate the First Amendment as the primary intention was fair use. With this regard, the defendant explained that the parody allowed the original song to gain popularity, as evidenced by an increase in viewers from two to eight million. In this case, the satire was composed for fair use instead of imposing unhealthy competition against the original song.
The judge of the district court ruled in favor of the defendant. The judge cited the First Amendment as the constitutional law that protects parody work in the United States (US). The Constitution regards parody as a unique form of expression where artists can criticize or provide commentary on the original work. Such rights allow people to find fault or comment about the artist or something connected to the original work. The White artist did not violate the fair use exception enumerated in section 107 of the Copyright Act. It focuses on the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the amount and substantiality of the original work, and the effect on the market value of the targeted piece of art. The judge explained that the White artist intended to create humor, which may have increased the value of the original song.
The judge’s evaluation revealed that the parody was fair use since the White artist intended to make a social commentary. The White artist’s intention was not to attract any commercial gain. However, the realized economic growth was a reward for creating humor. The judge explained that the monetary gain realized was a form of appreciation from the audience who value the social role of parodies. As a result, the judge rejected the argument by the complainant that all White artists took advantage of cultural differences to criticize the rap song for their personal economic gains.
The judge made a correct ruling by applying constitutional law in safeguarding the social role of parody work. Artists are central to communicating essential messages about community and social or cultural values. The First Amendment and Fair Use Act are necessary legislatures allowing people to express their views regarding a piece of art. Positive criticism by other artists is a crucial function that enables people to improve the value of their work.
This legal case study has academic value since it reveals effective ways of applying constitutional law in promoting and protecting different art genres. Law students can use the commentaries to understand how to apply the Constitution in instances that lead to a conflict of interest. Such practices are necessary in considering the public interest when making legal decisions. It also requires critical thinking to safeguard each party’s fundamental and constitutional rights. The example of parody is unique since it promotes people’s right to express contrary opinions without fear of intimidation. From a case study, legal students should appreciate such values to use their profession to support an inclusive society where people have equal rights to express their views.
Types of Case Studies
A practical case study is a process-oriented paper. For example, students explore and describe the nature of a process. In this case, it is prudent for learners to explain what happens over time in the aspect under analysis. Besides, this description allows readers to understand how some characteristics came into existence. Therefore, when writing case studies, authors should provide a clear description of people, events, or institutions that transpired in the aspect under analysis.
🔸 Collective Case Study
Writing a collective case study allows people to analyze a group to understand the manifestation of a specific behavior or health condition. Scholars may study people in a particular setting or explore the entire community to gain insights into an existing challenge, research question, or topic of interest. A good example of writing a collective case study is when a psychologist explores how access to resources in a community affects the overall psychological well-being of its members. Psychologists strive to establish an existing or implied relationship between two variables.
Collective investigations may use qualitative research methods to evaluate several research works and determine a pattern of findings that explains the relationship between resources and psychological well-being in the targeted community. Alternatively, writing a collective case study may involve a quantitative research approach where individuals gather primary evidence from the targeted group to determine how access to scarce resources influences their overall mental well-being. Maslow hierarchy of needs theory is an excellent example of a model that resulted from a collective report. Maslow studied a large group of people to make justifiable conclusions about how the hierarchy of needs affects their satisfaction levels.
🔸 Descriptive Case Study
Writing a descriptive case study relates to a real-world situation that affects people or groups and how they find justifiable solutions. Basically, scholars create a concise and thorough account of the facts regarding the case. They make expert commentary to assist the targeted audience in understanding the causes of the underlying research problem, some factors that influence possible solutions, and the expected outcomes. Other significant findings from writing a descriptive case study include lessons learned and their connection to existing theories, concepts, policies, and applicable tools. Descriptive case studies are helpful teaching tools that lead to better insights into existing issues. Results from a descriptive research work offer essential lessons relevant to the described or related problems.
Researchers use descriptive case studies to analyze and evaluate the identified solution critically. This approach helps to determine whether the solution and its implementation achieved the intended goals. Results can explain why specific solutions may fail to achieve intended outcomes. One can describe the possibility of adopting alternative solutions when the initial ones fail. Kolb’s experiential learning theory is an excellent example of a concept that resulted from writing a descriptive case study. This theory has a four-stage learning cycle where learners encounter varying degrees of experience. For example, students undergo the experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting stages to demonstrate effective learning. These conclusions resulted from an extensive case study of how people acquire and apply knowledge in their real lives.
🔸 Instrumental Case Study
An instrumental case study uses a situation to gain new insights into the incident. A good example is when some individuals show interest in gaining insights into adult obesity rates. They may conduct a case study with female African American adults and a diet or exercise program. The scope of writing an instrumental case study would be understanding the relationship between obesity and specific eating or physical exercise habits. The findings from writing an instrumental case study may reveal why some female African American adults become obese despite maintaining healthy eating habits or engaging in regular physical activity. In turn, Pavlov’s classical conditioning theory is an excellent example of an approach that can be used for writing an instrumental case study. Pavlov discovered that pairing a neutral stimulus with absolute inducement that triggers an unconditional response leads to a conditioned incentive. The interaction triggers a conditioned response that is like the initial unconditioned action. This theory reveals why people acquire unique behaviors or health conditions depending on their interactions with the immediate environment.
🔸 Intrinsic Case Study
An intrinsic case study has the central focus as the subject itself. For instance, psychologists may establish a survey to understand how a person’s experience shapes some behaviors. Intrinsic case studies start from vague objectives and lead to specific outcomes. One may develop questions regarding observed behaviors and past experiences. Results reveal the connection between lived experiences, unique characters, and conduct.
Self-actualization theory by Carl Rogers is an excellent example of a good approach to writing an intrinsic case study. For example, self-actualization refers to the lifelong process where people maintain and enhance their self-concept. Some individuals reflect and reinterpret their past experiences to improve their overall outcomes. Unique experiences motivate them to improve their general capacities and make the necessary improvements and behavioral adjustments. Rogers established that the congruence between a person’s ideal self and actual behaviors leads to self-actualization. Such outcomes enable people to become inherently excellent and creative in addressing situations when they write intrinsic case studies.
🔸 Exploratory Case Study
Researchers use an exploratory case study to provide an in-depth analysis of a specific subject of interest. They conduct extensive and complex investigations on identified issues. Exploratory case studies aim to understand the meaning and implication of collected research data and create new perceptions toward the core subject. The main advantage of this investigation is the ability to narrow down the topic and formulate a clear hypothesis and problem statement.
Operant conditioning within behaviorism by Edward Thorndike is an excellent example of a theory for writing an exploratory case study. Thorndike examined the relationship between events and classical conditioning. He also examined the connection between operant conditioning and learning from possible consequences of specific behaviors. Writing an exploratory study requires an in-depth analysis of the various stimuli that influence people to adopt behaviors as a primary way of response. Some consequences that people realize from specific actions affect them to acquire some conduct.
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Top 5 Data-Collecting Methods for Writing a Case Study Example
1️⃣ Observation Research Method
Researchers use an observation method when examining things and collecting relevant research data. For example, one may observe animals or humans in their natural settings. This method enables investigators to avoid direct interactions with targeted subjects when writing a case study. Such practices lead to writing accurate findings due to lower risks of interruptions.
2️⃣ Survey Study
Scholars use surveys to obtain data from written or multiple-choice answers about different subjects from targeted respondents. For example, an individual may conduct an online survey to minimize interactions with participants. This method helps to gather internal and external feedback regarding products, policies, or issues directly affecting people. In this case, researchers can collect qualitative data from surveys to make justifiable conclusions concerning the topic of interest.
3️⃣ Researching Focus Groups
Focus group methods are essential in gathering research information from participants. Scholars may engage people from a specific group to gather qualitative evidence of their feelings, opinions, or emotions. This method does not focus on collecting statistical evidence about issues of concern. Instead, researchers use focus groups to understand how people feel about or perceive a situation directly affecting them. For example, for writing a case study, companies can use focus groups to understand better how their consumers recognize or think about a new product.
4️⃣ Conducting Interviews for Writing a Case Study
Interviews involve a personal or face-to-face interaction between researchers and identified respondents. Scholars share their interview questions with participants before the interview. This approach is essential in ensuring that respondents are comfortable participating in the proposed study. In this case, participants fill out consent forms after understanding the research and its purpose. The method supports collecting qualitative or quantitative data from respondents, depending on the study’s nature. For example, quantitative interviews result in objective research data, like the frequency of a particular activity or the probability of an event. In turn, the process requires assigning a numerical value to each response to obtain quantitative data. Qualitative interviews have similar closed-ended questions for all respondents.
5️⃣ Design Thinking Research
Design thinking is a data collection method focusing on brainstorming with participants to obtain unique ideas or resolutions to existing research problems. For example, when writing a case study, managers may use this method to receive possible solutions from their employees regarding an existing conflict situation. Design thinking sessions may be face-to-face or virtual, depending on specific locations of respondents and investigators. As a result, design thinking leads to qualitative data regarding the subject of interest.
Presenting a Perfect Case Study in 10 Sections
I. Introduction and Background in a Case Study
A case study’s introduction and background section should have a hook and an attention-getter to capture the reader’s attention. For example, a college essay introduction determines whether readers can sacrifice their time to read the information presented. This paragraph should summarize the main ideas regarding the research topic. Other important details include writing a thesis statement, which includes the main concepts presented in a case study.
II. Parties Involved
When writing case studies, authors should describe the main participants involved in a scenario with its methodology and research method. Starting from a topic sentence, this section should reveal the relationship between participants and other key aspects. In addition, information regarding the methods used to identify participants is necessary since it improves the quality of the evidence presented. This section helps to determine how the key parties’ relationship influences the outcomes.
III. Problem
Authors of case studies should provide a clear explanation of the problem under investigation. For example, each case study should have a unique situation with several possible solutions. A clear problem description sets the stage for understanding the researcher’s key objectives for writing a case study. In turn, the research problem should be feasible with possible solutions related to identified subjects.
IV. Possible Solutions
A good case study should present at least one possible solution to the identified problem. The relationship between subjects and other key aspects should lead to a practical solution. Moreover, researchers should justify why identified solutions are applicable. Hence, the answer should be viable within the identified scope.
V. Discussion
One should provide a comprehensive discussion on the choices’ validity. Constructive discussions are necessary to provide additional research information to make essential interpretations. Readers should rely on the discourse to appreciate that proposed solutions are valid in addressing the identified research problem sufficiently. Researchers should avoid vague and misleading arguments when writing a case study.
VI. Alternative Solutions
For writing this section, authors should describe alternative solutions relating to a particular case study. For example, a viable statement should have multiple solutions, each with unique benefits or problems. On the other hand, the target audience should be able to evaluate alternative solutions to research issues identified. This approach allows readers to determine the effectiveness of the identified solution. Besides, each person may have independent and valid opinions on why some solutions are more reasonable than others.
VII. Limitations
Practical solutions have possible setbacks during their implementation. Researchers should identify potential problems associated with their findings or case studies. Including limitations to identified solutions reveals the ability to apply critical thinking in determining the most applicable solutions. However, potential problems should be realistic and functional within each case study’s research scope.
VIII. Action Plan
The action plan entails the steps that companies, parties, or other stakeholders should take to address the problem. For example, practical solutions are achievable when executing using the necessary steps. The action plan should entail chronological execution steps that lead to desired outcomes. Readers should follow through with the proposed action plan to understand how they lead to the intended results.
IX. Outcome
Good case studies should include the anticipated or realized outcomes. People present their focus on enlightening the audience on effective ways to address existing research problems. In this case, appropriate investigations should consist of plausible results that align with study objectives. For instance, one should explain the outcomes realized from an adopted solution.
X. Conclusion
When all sections of a case study are written, scholars need to end their papers with good conclusion examples. This last paragraph is needed since any problem, solution, outcome, limitation, or action must lead to a specific conclusion. Hence, people need to provide a summary of all sections in their final paragraph of a case study.
Note: Some sections can be skipped, depending on assignment requirements and case study length.
Creating a Correct Case Study Outline
The outline of a case study should contain the main points presented in chronological order. Writers need to cover only significant issues in essay outline. Besides, they include supporting evidence to support the main points. In turn, one should create a clear thesis statement from the identified main issues, which should appear at the beginning of essay structure. The effective thesis statement must capture the reader’s attention and provide a general topic overview.
Other Design Features for Writing a Case Study
Case studies should have a formal tone and key ideas presented chronologically. The introduction should have an attention-getter and a thesis statement. Each paragraph should begin with a justifiable claim, followed by supporting evidence and transitioning statement. In practice, each section should dwell on one idea. However, authors should avoid complex, unclear terms that may obstruct the intended meaning. Hence, they should avoid unnecessary repetitions when presenting research information and writing a case study.
Difference From Writing and Overall Structure of a Client’s Case Study
Writing a case study for a client would differ because it should involve the client’s description. For example, the writer must accurately describe the client’s company under analysis when writing a business case study. Although employees may participate in providing the correct information and evidence, one should provide detailed and accurate company’s descriptions. Other important sections include an introduction to the existing problems, desired resolution plan, progress, and results.
Summing Up on How to Write a Good Case Study
Writing a case study is essential in developing a deeper understanding of different concepts. Basically, these papers must have a clear description of individuals, groups, events, or institutions, while scholars must focus on some aspects of the actions under analysis. In this case, they mix different types of evidence, providing readers with essential details. These research works are process-oriented and describe how vital concepts came into existence. In turn, people must learn about how to write a good case study because they gain skills to process descriptive information. As a result, they gain valid experience to design a good hypothesis based on increased knowledge of different concepts.
- A case study is a detailed exploration of a unique subject, individual, community, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon.
- The basic writing format of a case study should include an introduction with a thesis statement, an analysis of an existing problem, recommendations, a discussion, an identification of alternative solutions, limitations, an action plan, outcomes, and a conclusion.
- All case studies should follow a similar structure regardless of their area of study.
- Students can use different data collection methods in their research, including but not limited to observation, survey, focus group, interview, and design thinking.