Learn How to Write a Case Study Assignment

Students pursuing their higher studies in psychology, sociology, anthropology, business, nursing, and medicine have one thing in common. They all have to write case studies. Simply put, case studies are research methods that you can use to investigate a specific group of people, a person, or a situation. However, writing a case study is never easy. Most students often confuse case study writing with that of a research paper.  Plus, they are novices of the range of skills required to find the most unique information on the subject or cite the document properly.  If you are struggling to create a flawless or compelling case study, this blog will be of great help to you. Here you will get overall guidance on how to write a case study assignment.

What is a Case Study?

Before you know how to write case study assignments, it is essential to clarify what a case study is. In simple terms, a case study is an examination of a specific individual, group, entity, or event. Here, you use a qualitative, quantitative, or hybrid method to recognize unique features of the subject of study and conclude the broader phenomena. Nonetheless, you can write case studies as a part of the academic curriculum, and also for other reasons like business promotion and patient’s medical condition study, etc. It helps to gain insights into complex phenomena and comprehend the idea that statistical or experimental studies fail to clarify.

However, case studies and action research papers often look similar. So, you must pay attention and figure out the differences between the two. Otherwise, you will have to redo the papers and waste your precious time in the process.

Research Paper vs. Case Study

Here are the most common differences between a research paper and a case study.

• Concept

An action research paper brings out a specific issue in front of the reader’s eyes and takes the initiative to solve an emerging issue. However, a case study digs deeper into the subject than a research paper. It investigates the subject for a long time, finds its cause, highlights practical methods of solving the issue, and often exemplifies how successful the measures might be.

• Purpose

An action research paper just tries to solve a problem.  But, a case study is written to observe and analyze a situation.

• Field of use

Action research is used primarily in academics. In contrast, you can use case a case study in many academic and professional fields.

The table below brings out the difference between the two more clearly.

Different Types of Case Studies

As mentioned earlier, a case study aims to provide a detailed report on an incident, a foundation, a place, future clientele, or almost anything. But, you cannot put all case studies under one category; they are available in various forms. The following are the typical domains where case studies are needed:

1.  Historical case studies

A case study on the history of the past of a person, couple, family, group, community, or invention describes and examines the events. It helps to understand the present and expect potential effects in the future.

2.  Problem-oriented case studies

This type of document is typically built to solve problems. Here, beneficiaries make high investments to learn about and collect others’ perspectives pertinent to the issue.

3.  Cumulative case studies

Cumulative cases gather data and provide comparisons. Business organizations typically use this case study to showcase to potential customers the value of a product.

4.  Critical case studies

It analyses the grounds and impacts of a specific case.

5.  Illustrative case studies

You can use this case study to explain specified events, examining results and lessons learned.

Case Study Writing Steps

When you mull over how to write a case study assignment, do not ever imagine it to complete it in a day; it is a tedious process. Therefore, to write a case study, you must remember to take the following steps:

1. Understand the rubric of the case study
2. Create a format for your research
3. Conduct in-depth research
4. Build an outline of your paper
5. Make the first draft
6. Create a checklist of all must-have items in your case study

Now, let us learn how to write case study assignments by taking these individual steps beginning with understanding the rubric.

What is the Typical Rubric For Writing A Case Study?

When you get confused about how to write a case study assignment, the first thing that you can do is to see the rubrics. The rubric for developing a case study changes with every assignment. However, your professor would expect you to exhibit the following 8 different outcomes.

1. Identify the ideas, theories, and practices of the discipline correctly.
2. Recognize the pertinent theories and principles linked with the particular study.
3. Assess the legal and ethical values and use them in your decision-making.
4. Analyze the global significance and role of your case.
5. Build a sound summary and clarification of the study.
6. Show investigative and critical-thinking skills.
7. Explain the interrelationships between the background and features.
8. Put together the theory and practice of the subject within the analysis.

Standard Format of a Case Study Assignment

A case study format consists of 8 parts. Continue reading to learn how to craft a well-structured case study assignment as per the standard format.

1.      Executive Summary

It includes an overview of your study. So, here, explain the subject you will examine in the case study. Also, include a thesis statement and summarize the observation results in not more than 2 sentences.

2.      Background

Here, lay out the reason that forms the foreground for analyzing your case study subject.

3.      Case Evaluation

In this section, isolate the issues that form the central point of your case study. Explain why some measures work while others fail.

4.      Proposed Solutions

Here, provide realistic methods to solve what is not working or how to enhance its current condition. Explain why these remedies work by offering supportive evidence.

5.      Conclusion

Finally, wrap up the primary points from the case assessment and projected solutions.

6.      Recommendations

Here, talk about the approach that you should choose. Explain why this alternative is the most appropriate.

7.      Implementation

Give details on how to implement the specific strategies.

8.      References

Provide all the citations in an appropriate referencing style.

Know How to Perform Case Study Research

One of the most important parts of the case study writing process is its research. Therefore, when you are baffled by how to write a case study assignment, remember that research is the step that takes you closer to the writing process. However, before conducting a research analysis for your case study, read different types of similar case studies to get an idea of how to come up with a more creative solution. Nonetheless, while you conduct your research, take these steps:

1.  Explain your objective

Give details on why you are presenting your subject. Work out where you will present your case study. Based on that decide whether it will be a written or infographic case study.

2.  Search for suitable candidates

Find the right candidate to best represent the issues and solutions you want to offer in your case study. Seek their permission; probe them with questions to note down the situation and its

causes. Then, collect their quotes to make the most effective case study.

3.  Examine a list of credible sources

Create a list of credible sources and examine them. Look for essential facts from these sources, and collect and note the problems that relate to these facts. Make sure to brainstorm.

4.  Focus on several key issues

Look for the reasons why problems exist and how they influence your research subject. Imagine several unique solutions. Draw ideas from class discussions, readings, and personal experience.

Understand How to Write a Case Study Assignment Outline

Suppose you are writing a case study on the alcoholic addiction of 30 people. Then, if you want to develop a case study structure on this subject, you must outline a case study with similar details:

Introduction

You can frame your case study introduction with the following details:

1. Statement of the issue: Alcoholism is an illness instead of a weakness of character.
2. Problem Presentation: Currently Alcoholism impacts over 14 million people in the USA, which makes it the third most common mental illness in the country.
3. Explanation of the terms: Back in the day, physicians and psychologists used to refer to alcoholism as alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction. But, they have divided the concept into broad spectrums; Alcoholism holds the highest.
4. Hypotheses: Excess drinking can bring about the use of other drugs.
5. Importance of the story: How does your presented information help people with their addictions?

Body

1. Story’s Background: Incorporate a clarification of why you have selected this topic.
2. Data analysis: Explain the conditions for selecting 30 candidates, the makeup of the interview, and the outcomes.
3. Strong argument 1: Example. X% of the candidate is suffering from anxiety and depression
4. Strong argument 2: Y amount of individuals began drinking between 13-14 years.
5. Strong argument 3: Z% of respondents’ parents were addicted to alcohol.

Conclusion

• Concluding statement: I have studied if alcoholism is an illness and established that
• Recommendations: Methods and actions for stopping the use of alcohol use.

Learn How to Write a Case Study Assignment

Once you are done with researching and developing the outline, concentrate on drafting the case study. However, never worry about making errors; just let the information flow. Develop your draft using data collected from research and interviews and facts gathered from analysis processes and credible sources.

While you write the case study, ensure to observe the following rules:

Your draft must consist of at least 4 sections:

1. An introduction
2. A body consisting of the background information, the reason for writing the case study on the specific subject, and your primary findings
3. A conclusion
4. List of references

Prepare the introductory paragraph

You may begin the introduction by raising a question or quoting an interviewee’s words. Ensure to provide sufficient background information. You may talk about the previous studies done on the topic in your case study background.

Write a thesis statement

Include a case study statement. Though it is not mandatory to put a statement here, it helps to highlight the purpose of your work and make the content more compelling for your reader.

Describe your research process

State how you have conducted your research. Mention if you have done interviews, or gathered information through observation and academic journals

Talk about your case study research findings

Let your readers know what you found out and how significant it is for your paper and to the globe. State the practical implications of the findings. Also, brush on what you have learned from your findings.

Include data and quotes

If you are not writing a scientific case study, include quotes, statistical data, and percentages. It will add a personal touch and increase the credibility of your paper.

Mention the possible solutions

End your case study writing by mentioning the possible solutions to the problem.

What to Include in the Final Checklist?

Finally, after you finish writing the first draft, create a checklist with items that your case study must have. It must include the following points:

1. Correct case study paper and text format.
2. Consistent use of referencing and citation style.
3. Grammar and spelling are accurate.
4. The purpose of writing the case study is evident to the reader
5. Sufficient raw data, like real-life examples or personal experiences, is used.
6. The data collection method is transparent
7. Provide a clear conclusion, allowing scope for further research and practice

What Not to Include in a Case Study?

Now that you know all the things that you must do in a case study. Here, find out a few things that you must always avoid while you are confused about how to write a case study assignment.

1. Overgeneralization – When your case study research deviates from the main point, you tend to over-generalize it. But, never get along this way.
2. Failure to Note Limitations – Every case study research has some limitations that are distinct for each topic. Mention the specific limitations and not the general drawbacks or roadblocks of case study writing.
3. Inability To Deduce All Possible Implications – Never take a broad view of the implications of the case study findings. Hence, consider all probable outcomes or suggestions derived from your findings.

Conclusion

We hope you are now aware of how to write a case study assignment effectively. In case, you experience difficulties with identifying a topic for your case study or if you lack the writing skills necessary for the preparation of a case study assignment, approach us immediately.