Case Study: A Comprehensive Analysis With Example

Whether you study life sciences or social sciences, you will almost certainly come across a case study during your academic career. These papers place a high strain on pupils. First and foremost, you must be an expert in research and analysis. Analyzing sample populations, particularly individuals, can be difficult. 

It’s simple to misread facts and draw incorrect conclusions. You’ll also need a gift for writing to explain your evidence-based findings and establish trust in your instructor to accept the results of your study. If you need to revise your work, check out these tips on how to write a case study.

Definition: What Is A Case Study?

A case study is a comprehensive examination of a specific subject, such as a person, group, location, event, organization, or phenomenon. It is basically a subcategory of research design that investigates problems and offers solutions. 

Case studies have a broad scope, and they can be academic research studies or corporate promotional tools trying to sell an idea. 

In a business setting, a case study is a specific problem a company has encountered and how they have chosen to tackle it. Usually, case studies can be of varying lengths that focus on various topics relating to the initial difficulty and applied solution. It can be presented in various formats such as a white paper, video, blog post, and so on.

Case studies are frequently utilized in social, educational, clinical, and commercial studies. The research design often employs qualitative methodologies. However, quantitative approaches are also included on occasion. These studies are helpful for describing, contrasting, analyzing, and comprehending various elements of a study subject.

What Are The Types Of Case Studies?

There are several forms of case studies, and the type depends on the topic. The most prevalent domains where case studies are required are as follows:

Historical:

These case studies are exceptional resources for educational or learning purposes. There are several resources of information on historical events that provide various perspectives. Usually, there are always contemporary analogies where these viewpoints can be applied, compared, and thoroughly explored.

Problem-oriented:

Case studies that are problem-oriented are typically utilized to solve problems. These are sometimes theoretical situations that you must immerse yourself in to investigate. 

For instance, assume you work for a startup and have just uncovered a major problem in product design. Now, before presenting the design to the senior manager, you must thoroughly investigate the defect and come up with a solution. In a broad sense, problem-oriented case studies are necessary for socio-economic discourse.

Cumulative:

These case studies gather data and provide comparisons. Many businesses use case studies to demonstrate the value of their products. 

Critical:

This case study checks/investigates the causes and consequences of a certain situation.

Illustrative:

These case studies illustrate specific occurrences by investigating results and lessons learned.

In addition, there are other types of case studies that researchers and psychologists often utilize:

Collective case studies:

It entails researching a group of people. Researchers may investigate a small group of people in a specific setting or an entire community.

Descriptive case studies:

These are those that begin with a descriptive theory. The patients are then monitored, and the data gained is compared to the previously established theory.

Explanatory case studies:

These are frequently utilized in causal investigations. In other words, researchers are looking for elements that may have caused specific events to occur.

Exploratory case studies:

Case studies are sometimes used as a precursor to more in-depth research. This enables researchers to collect more data before creating research questions and hypotheses.

Instrumental case studies:

These come into the picture when an individual or group enables researchers to learn more than what is initially visible to observers.

Intrinsic case studies:

These are those in which the researcher has a personal interest in the subject. Jean Piaget’s observations of his own children demonstrate how an intrinsic cast study might help to establish a psychological theory.

What Is A Case Study Format?

The case study style is often divided into seven sections:

The Executive Summary:

Describes what you will look at in the case study. Make a summary of the field you’re researching. Create a thesis statement and summarize your findings in no more than two sentences.

Background:

Provide background information as well as essential facts. Isolate the problems.

Case Analysis:

Isolate the areas of the subject that you want to concentrate on. Describe why something works or does not work in it.

Solution:

Suggestions Provide actual solutions to what isn’t functioning or ideas to improve its existing state. Provide testable evidence to demonstrate why these strategies work.

Conclusion:

Summarize the major points from the case evaluations, and the solutions proposed. Next, make recommendations/suggestions and discuss the strategy you should employ. Explain why this option is the best one.

Implementation:

Explain how to implement the strategy.

References:

Please include all citations.

Let’s Analyze How To Write A Case Study

The goal of a case study is to apply the principles and theories you learned in class to a specific instance. Case study assignments typically ask students to identify difficulties and issues in a scenario and display their expanding understanding of theories and professional policies. 

It prompts them to make decisions and recommendations based on them to either prevent or address some of the issues in that scenario. Here’s how you can write a case study:

Establishing The Research: 

Always remember that research should always come first while writing a case study. Reading from a variety of sources and studying opposing viewpoints will assist you in developing more creative answers. Writing a case study, including all essential research, may take some time. The following steps are involved in the research process:

• Determine your goal. Explain why you are presenting your subject. Decide how you will present your case study: written, on video, as a podcast, as an infographic, etc.,

• Decide who the best prospect for your case study will be. Please obtain permission, quotes, and other aspects that will improve your case study’s effectiveness. Reach out to your application to check if they agree to be a part of your project. Examine that candidate’s situation and make a note of what caused it.

• Determine the possible outcomes that could result from the event. Follow these recommendations for starting a case study: Use the internet for relevant and beneficial general information.

• Please make a list of reliable sources and investigate them. Check for crucial facts and draw attention to problems. Always jot down your thoughts and brainstorm.

• Concentrate on a few main issues: why they exist and how they affect your research topic. Consider numerous distinct solutions. Use class discussions, literature, and personal experience as inspiration. 

When you are developing a case study, always focus on the best option you have and analyze it in detail. For a suitable case study framework, you should verify your assignment’s rubric and criteria.

Rubric:

Although your instructor may have somewhat different criteria in mind, every case study rubric generally has similar principles. Your professor will expect you to exhibit eight distinct outcomes:

• Determine the right ideas and principles related to the specific subject.
• Correctly identify the discipline’s concepts, theories, and practices.
• Consider legal and ethical standards in your decision-making.
• Recognize the impact and significance of your case’ worldwide.
• Create a logical overview and explanation of the study.
• Analytical and critical-thinking abilities must be demonstrated.
• Explain the interdependence between the environment and nature.
• Integrate disciplinary theory and practice into the analysis.

Outline of Case Study

Let’s have a look at the layout of a case study outline based on an example – The alcohol addiction problem among 30 people.

Introduction

• Alcoholism is a condition and not a flaw in character, according to the statement.
• The problem is presented as follows: Alcoholism affects around 14 million people in the United States, making it the third most common mental illness there.
• Definitions: Previously, alcoholism was usually referred to as alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction. 
• Hypotheses: Excessive drinking or alcoholism can lead to the usage of other drugs.
• The significance of your story: How the facts you offer can assist folks in overcoming their addictions.

Body

• The story’s context: Include an explanation for why you chose a particular topic.
• Analysis and data presentation: Describe the criteria for selecting 30 candidates, the interview structure, and the results.
• A compelling argument 1: For example, X% of candidates suffer from anxiety and despair…
• A compelling argument 2: For example, X number of people began drinking in their mid-teens.
• A compelling argument 3: For example, X% of respondents’ parents experienced drinking problems.

Conclusion

• Conclusion: I investigated if drinking alcohol is an illness and discovered that…
• Recommendations: Strategies and measures for reducing alcohol use.

Writing And Finalizing the Draft

After you’ve completed your case study research and plan, it’s time to work on the manuscript. In a draft, you must create and compose your case study utilizing the material gathered from the research, interviews, and analysis methods that were carried out. For the draught, follow these guidelines:

• Your draft should include at least four sections: an introduction, a body that includes relevant background details, a brief explanation of why this case study is essential to you, a presentation of your key results, a conclusion with data, and appropriate references.

• You should clearly set the pace in the introduction. Furthermore, you can even ask a question or quote someone from the research phase. It must provide enough background information on the subject. You may also include an analysis of prior studies on the topic. 

• Include the purpose of your case as well. Consider it a thesis statement. The goal must highlight the issues/problems you wish to address and clarify the purpose of your work and effort. Include background information, such as images or videos from your research.

• Describe your unique research method, whether you conducted research through observations, interviews, academic publications, or other means. Next, present the findings of your investigation. Tell the audience what you discovered. What is its significance, and what can be learned from it? Discuss the actual ramifications of the crisis and its global relevance.

• Include quotations and facts (such as findings, stats, etc.). This will give a much-needed personal touch to your case and improves its credibility. Explain the findings from your interviews regarding the problem and how it evolved. Also, discuss ideas that have already been provided by others who have written about this case.

• It would be best if you proposed prospective answers/solutions at the end of the case study.

Use Data To Emphasize Essential Points In Your Case Study

Even though your case study is fiction, it should be supported by evidence. Use as much information/data as possible to explain your thesis. Without the proper facts, your case study will appear weak, and readers will be unable to relate to your topic as well as they should. Let us look at a few instances from essay writers online:

According to data, alcoholism affects more than 14 million people in the United States, making it the third most common mental disorder there.

Without data: Alcoholism affects a large number of people in the United States.

Include as many reputable sources as you can. In case you have some technical terms or sources that are difficult for people from other cultures to comprehend, include them in the appendix or Notes.

Final Draft: Checklist

Polish your case study by asking the following questions yourself once you have finished writing your case study:

• Did you use the proper case study format, including text formatting?
• Does your work follow a correct citation style and reference?
• Are there any grammatical and spelling errors? (This is known as Micro-editing).
• Macro-editing – does the reader get “the overall picture”? 
• Do you have sufficient raw data, such as personal experiences or real-world examples? 
• Have you clarified your data collection procedure? 
• Is your analysis clear enough to allow for future research?

Issues to avoid:

• Over-generalization – Do not perform additional studies that deviate from the fundamental problem.
• Failure to Document Constraints — In the same way that you must explicitly express the restrictions of a broad research study, you must also clarify the unique limitations inherent in the subject of analysis.
• Failure to Review All Possible Implications — You must thoroughly consider all possible suggestions or outcomes from your findings. 

How To Build A Title Page For Your Case Study With Examples?

When creating a title page for your case study, remember to follow the citation guidelines. That’s because the title page format depends on the prescribed citation format. In case you have not been given any recommendations for the title page, you can follow a general format.

The title page should include:

• An intriguing title that reflects the content of the case study, which includes the words “Case Study” and is between 5 and 9 words long.
• Your whole name
• Your course title
• Name of your educational instructors
• The phrase “Case study” must appear in the title
• The title should be between 5 to 9 words long
• The final case study paper must be between 500 and 1,500 words. Avoid fluff in this type of assignment
• The name of the educational establishment where you are enrolled
• The deadline for submissions

Case Study Project Title Page in APA

In an APA paper, the title of a case study is required. The goal is to state the title of the work, the author’s name, and the institution that funded the research. It is made up of the following components:

• At the top, the words “running head” are followed by the real running head.
• The whole title of your paper, in APA format, should be no more than 12 words long.
• Your name, without any titles (Dr./Ph.D./Rev./etc.), and the school you attend

How Do You Cite A Case Study With Examples?

There are times when you will need to credit someone else’s study on your own; thus, you must learn how to cite a case study. When it comes to citations, a case study is similar to a research paper. You can cite it similarly to a book depending on the style you require.

MLA Citation Example

Bill, Linda, Rohit Khanna, and Steve A. Stecker. BCL Technologies. Boston: Hillview Business Publishing, 2009. Print.

APA Citation Example

Bill, L., Khanna, R., & Stecker, S. A. (2009). BCL Technologies. Boston: Hillview Business Publishing.

Chicago Citation Example

Bill, Linda, Rohit Khanna, and Steve A. Stecker. BCL Technologies.

Conclusion 

To summarize, a case study is one of the most acceptable ways to understand what happened to a person, a group, or a scenario in practice. It gives you a deeper look at real-world issues that corporations, healthcare, and criminal justice may confront. This insight allows us to see such circumstances in a new way. This is because we witness scenarios that we would not otherwise see if we were not present. Best of luck writing a case study for your college. Also if you have a bottleneck to write one, then you can always give orders via our case study writing service page for your academic case studies to be written by our expert writers.