case study topics for college students

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List of Case Study Topics for Deep Insightful Papers

Case studies are becoming increasingly popular both in Academia and in practical application across industries – and for good reasons. It is an effective way to investigate an authentic problem in the field, as opposed to a laboratory, where you cannot create all the complex conditions of real-life.

That is why topics to write your case study on are diverse as the life itself. It is a suitable format for almost any field – Law, Medicine, Business, Engineering, Social Studies, Phycology, Linguistics, and so on. If you are looking for some case study topic ideas for inspiration, here are some examples that our  essay writers  have collected for you.

The Influence of Topics On Case Study Format

Case study format is practical, it focuses on a specific subject – a person, a company, or an event, either current or historical – and studies it in detail. However, depending on a subject, methods may vary from interviewing people or filling out questionnaires to wielding specialized equipment and taking regular measurements.

For example, the latest case study topics revolve around various online phenomena, so collecting material for research would involve scrolling through social media feeds and taking screenshots. Whereas if you decided to study the influence of the judge’s age on the severity of the sentence for your Law class, you would probably have to collect your data in libraries and court archives.

Therefore, how to pick your topic will depend not only on your academic interests but also on the availability of particular research methods to you.

Business Case Study Research Topics

Business case study is probably the most famous category of all. It is the best way to illustrate challenges that a particular company might encounter, along with its limitations and possible solutions. Many marketing, management, and business administration textbooks for dummies use case studies to illustrate basic concepts of the discipline, success and failure stories, etc.

However, writing such an informed analysis of a real company requires a high level of competence. If you were assigned a case study paper and you don’t know what to do, you can always turn to our case study writing service for help. Our writers have expertise in their respective fields and years of writing practice, so you can be sure of an excellent result.

Here are some case studies research topic examples involving famous companies and brands:

• Dunkin Donuts Case Study: The Opening of New Dunkin Donuts Locations
• TiVo Case Study
• Starbucks Failure in Australia Case Study
• Walmart Case Study: E-commerce and Competitive Advantage
• LEGO Case Study: Identification and Analysis of Strategic Issues
• New Heritage Doll Company Case Study
• Costco Case Study: Analysis Of Costco Wholesale Strategic Management Decisions
• Boeing Case Study: SWOT Analysis
• Nestle Case Study: Nescafe's Current Market Position in Italy
• FedEx Case Study: Strategic Management
• EuroDisney Case Study: Problems And Causes Of Problems At Euro Disney
• Optical Distortion Case Study
• Monsanto Case Study Analysis
• Cleveland Clinic Case Study
• JC Penney Case Study
• The Sweet Dreams Motel Case Study
• Key Strategic Challenges Facing Apple Computer Case Study

Good Case Study Topics For Students

Students in high school, college, and university often receive some easy case study topics for practice: to learn how to write a case study as such and to investigate a particular problem deeper. Here are some of the examples:

• Sexual Harassment Case Studies
• Business Ethics Case Study Example
• Gun Control Case Studies: The Debate On Keeping Guns
• NASA Case Study: NASA Project Management Challenges
• Jeffrey Dahmer Case Study
• Sales Management Case Study
• Sole Proprietorship Case Study Example
• Management Organizational Behavior Case Study
• The Efficiency of Meditation for Treating Bipolar Disorder
• Differences in Agoraphobia Manifestations in Men and Women
• Augmented Reality Simulations as Treatment for Alzheimer Patients
• Australia as an Example of Unstable Ecosystem
• Implications of Voluntary DNA Testing for Unsolved Crime Investigations and Connected Ethical Issues
• Cannibalistic Product Interaction in Virtual Megastores (Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Wish)
• How Long The Impact of an Oil Spill Last
• Effectiveness of Affirmative Action Policies

Best Wacky Case Study Topic Examples

If you are still at a loss for what is a good topic for case study, let us remind you that you are able to use anything, as long as it provides enough information to analyze and make conclusions. To give you some idea of how wide the circle of possibilities is, here are some wacky and unconventional examples of case study topics:

• Robin Hood Case Study
• Girl Scout Cookies Case Study
• Mental Disorders of “Hamlet” Characters
• Do Mosquitos Prefer a Particular Blood Type?
• Which Type of Flea Jumps Higher: a Dog’s or a Cat’s?
• Photobombing in Victorian and Edwardian Era Portraits
• Correlation between Substances Abuse and Cryptids Sightings
• Do Woodpeckers Get Headaches?
• The Effects of Marijuana on Bees
• Do Cats Have Sense of Humor?
• Do Parrots Have a Preference in Art Styles?
• Which is the Best Way for Curing Hiccups?
• Correlation between Megapixels Parameter of the Camera and Instagram Likes Received
• Do Dogs Prefer Beautiful People for Owners?
• Who Are Fussier Eaters – Toddlers or Cats?
• Blind Tasting of Soft Drinks: Can Devotees Recognize Their Favorite Brand?
• How Long Do International Students Maintain The Personal Space Distance of Their Home Culture

Did You Find Those Case Study Ideas Interesting?

Great! We aim to please. Then we also urge you to check out our case study example page where you can find loads more interesting case study topics and real case study papers written by students like you.

If, however, you’ve found that none of those fit the problem you wish to investigate, we can custom-write the example for you, or even come up with an idea for your project from scratch. Let us know!

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652 Case Study Topics & Good Ideas

• Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
• Icon Page 5518 words
• Icon Clock 25 min read

Case study topics delve into intricate issues within various fields, shedding light on the intricacies of real-world situations. They span multiple domains, including business, where they may explore strategic decision-making strategies, or healthcare, examining patient outcomes in unique cases. In technology, they may dissect software development practices or the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. For education, case studies may scrutinize pedagogical approaches and their effects on student performance. In the social sciences, they can unpack complex societal phenomena or individual behavior. Each topic is an author’s microscope, providing an in-depth, multi-faceted perspective of its subject matter. By studying these topics, researchers and students alike can gain valuable insights into the practical implications and consequences of theories and principles, bridging the gap between abstract ideas and their tangible manifestations in the world.

Hot Case Study Topics

• Facebook’s Data Privacy Controversy: A Deep Dive
• Amazon’s Dominance: Exploring Market Strategies
• Global Response to COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis
• Tesla’s Disruption of the Auto Industry: A Case Study
• Implementing Agile Practices: A Spotify Case Study
• Alibaba’s Expansion Into International Markets
• Apple’s Innovation Strategy: Maintaining a Competitive Edge
• Starbucks: Mastering the Art of Customer Experience
• Netflix: Redefining Television and Film Distribution
• IKEA’s Global Branding and Localization Strategies
• Mental Health Services: Evaluating Teletherapy Platforms
• WeWork’s Rapid Rise and Fall: Lessons Learned
• Economic Impact of Brexit: A Sectoral Analysis
• Exploring Uber’s Gig Economy Business Model
• Zoom’s Growth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Sustainable Practices: A Patagonia Case Study
• Disaster Management: Lessons From the Fukushima Nuclear Accident
• Airbnb’s Impact on the Traditional Hospitality Industry
• Google’s Algorithm Updates: Understanding SEO Impacts
• CSR Initiatives: A Coca-Cola Case Study

Simple Case Study Topics

• Small Business Success: A Local Bakery Case Study
• Community Engagement: Park Revitalization Project
• Efficiency in Nonprofit Organizations: A Food Bank Case Study
• Art Therapy and Mental Health: A Clinical Case Study
• Managing School Bullying: Strategies and Outcomes
• Green Initiatives: Local Recycling Program Case Study
• Exploring E-Learning: A Virtual Classroom Case Study
• Music and Memory: A Case Study in Dementia Care
• Animal Assisted Therapy: A Case Study in Child Psychology
• Internet Safety Education: School Implementation Case Study
• Outdoor Education: A Forest School Case Study
• Meal Planning Apps: A User Experience Case Study
• Teenagers and Social Media: A Behavior Study
• Urban Farming: A Case Study in Sustainable Living
• Book Clubs and Literacy: A Community Library Case Study
• Elderly Care: Home vs. Assisted Living Facilities
• Supporting Autistic Students: A Special Education Case Study
• Reducing Plastic Waste: A Supermarket Initiative Case Study
• Stress Management at Work: A Corporate Wellness Program Case Study
• Yoga and Wellness: A Community Center Case Study

Interesting Case Study Topics

• Vanishing Bees: An Ecological Case Study
• Cryptocurrency’s Influence on Traditional Banking
• Medical Miracles: A Case Study of Extraordinary Recoveries
• The Resurrection of Vinyl: A Case Study in Niche Markets
• Rebirth of Drive-In Theaters Amidst Pandemic
• Mars Rover Missions: A Case Study in Robotic Exploration
• Feral Children and Human Behavior: An Ethnographic Case Study
• Forensic Science in Action: High-Profile Criminal Cases
• Haunted Tourism: A Business Case Study
• Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Industry Examples
• Recovery of the Ozone Layer: A Global Effort Case Study
• Graffiti as Urban Art: A Cultural Case Study
• Preservation of Endangered Languages: Case Studies
• Crowdfunding Success Stories: An Economic Case Study
• Pseudoscience in Marketing: A Consumer Case Study
• Augmented Reality in Education: Exploratory Case Study
• Internet Memes and Virality: A Social Media Case Study
• Revival of Dying Crafts: A Case Study in Cultural Preservation
• Language Development in Parrots: An Ethological Case Study
• Autonomous Cars and Ethics: A Case Study in Technology Development

Case Study Topics for High School

• Climate Change: Polar Ice Melt Study
• Effects of Fast Food on Adolescence Health
• Internet and Teenage Sleep Patterns
• Bystander Effect in High School Settings
• Bullying Prevention Programs: Case Study
• Teenagers and Social Media: A Behavioral Analysis
• Community Service: High School Volunteer Programs
• Diversity in Schools: A Case Study
• Environmental Cleanup: Local River Revitalization Case Study
• Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse: A School Case Study
• Digital Classroom: Online Learning Platforms Review
• Music Programs and Academic Performance: An Investigative Study
• Coping With Stress: School-Based Mental Health Initiatives
• Parental Involvement in Academic Achievement: A Case Study
• Local History: Case Study of a Historical Event or Figure
• Teenage Entrepreneurship: A Case Study
• Extracurricular Activities and College Admissions: A Case Study
• Graffiti Art or Vandalism: A Local Case Study
• Recycling Habits: High School Environmental Programs Case Study

Case Study Topics for College Students

• Title IX Compliance: An Investigation Into College Sports
• Education Technology Adoption in Universities
• Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Online Learning Methods
• Entrepreneurship Education: Startup Culture in Colleges
• Institutional Discrimination: Unveiling Bias in Higher Education
• Blockchain in Higher Education: An Analytical Review
• Food Deserts: Investigating Access to Healthy Food on College Campuses
• Fraternity and Sorority Life: Effects on Student Performance
• Academic Stress: Exploring Its Causes and Effects
• Open-Source Learning: Transformation in Educational Practices
• Non-Traditional Students: Balancing Education and Life Responsibilities
• Esports in Universities: Analysis of New Trends in College Athletics
• College Tuition: Inflation and Student Debt
• Undergraduate Research: Investigating Its Benefits and Challenges
• Climate Change Education: Reviewing University Policies and Curriculum
• Integration of Augmented Reality in Classroom Settings
• International Students: Navigating Cultural Challenges in Universities
• Active Learning Strategies: Classroom Engagement Case Study
• First-Year Experience Programs: Evaluating Success Rates
• LGBTQ+ Rights on Campus: An Examination of Policies and Attitudes
• Campus Sustainability: Green Initiatives in Universities
• Student Loans: A Deep Dive Into Debt Crisis
• Art Therapy: Its Influence on College Students’ Mental Health
• Internship Experience: An Investigation of Practical Learning
• Study Abroad Programs: Experiential Learning Case Study
• Cybersecurity in Higher Education: A University Case Study
• Dormitory Life: Social Dynamics and Personal Growth
• Gender Studies: Intersectionality in Campus Life
• Gentrification: University Expansion and Local Communities
• MOOCs: A New Era in Education
• Hazing in Greek Life: A Comprehensive Case Study
• First-Generation College Students: Challenges and Success Stories
• Adjunct Professors: A Case Study on Employment Conditions
• Campus Politics: Student Activism Case Study
• Substance Use and Misuse in College Life
• Diversity in College Admissions: Affirmative Action Case Study
• Artificial Intelligence: Its Incorporation in Higher Education
• Online Privacy: Case Study of College Students’ Digital Rights
• Sports Scholarship: An Examination of Athletic Student Life
• Campus Food Insecurity: A Case Study on College Hunger

Case Study Topics for University

• Campus Sustainability Initiatives: Evaluating Success
• Mental Health Services in Universities: A Critical Analysis
• Experiential Learning: Impact on Student Success
• Analysis of Student Housing: Quality and Affordability
• Financial Literacy: Assessment of University Program Effectiveness
• Cybersecurity in Universities: Reviewing Vulnerabilities and Threats
• Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Policies and Practices
• Balancing Academics and Athletics: University Athlete Performance
• Remote Learning: Transformation in University Education
• Strategies for Reducing Dropout Rates in Universities
• Faculty Tenure: An In-Depth Analysis
• Technological Integration: Navigating Digital Learning Tools
• Study Abroad Programs: Evaluating Benefits and Challenges
• Multiculturalism on Campus: Investigating Integration and Tolerance
• Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Future Prospects
• Online Safety: Examining University Guidelines and Protocols
• Post-Graduate Employment Rates: University Career Services Evaluation
• First-Generation Students: Analyzing Support and Services
• Work-Study Programs: Balancing Work and Education
• Language Barriers: Analyzing Support for ESL Students

Applied Physics Case Study Topics

• Semiconductor Technology Advancements: In-Depth Examination
• High Energy Particle Colliders: Safety and Success Analysis
• Quantum Computing Development: Analyzing Progress and Setbacks
• Light Propagation in Optoelectronic Devices: A Critical Study
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Improvements: Examining Advances and Limitations
• Nuclear Fusion Research: Detailed Overview and Analysis
• Superconducting Materials: Exploration and Implementation
• Photovoltaic Technology Enhancement: An Analytical Study
• Non-Linear Optics in Laser Design: Thorough Examination
• Quantum Entanglement Applications: Analysis of Promising Fields
• Synchrotron Radiation in Material Science: Detailed Assessment
• Plasma Physics in Space Exploration: Analyzing Real Cases
• Photonic Crystals: Analyzing Manufacturing Challenges
• Microfabrication Techniques in Nanotechnology: An In-Depth Analysis
• Biophysics in Cancer Research: Case Study and Analysis
• Thermoelectric Materials: Analyzing Energy Conversion Efficiency
• Ultrafast Laser Physics: Examining Industrial Applications
• Nanomaterials in Solar Energy Conversion: A Detailed Case Study
• Quantum Field Theory Applications: Case Studies and Implications
• Geophysics in Seismic Surveying: Examining Practical Cases

Architecture Case Study Topics

• Adaptive Reuse in Architecture: An Insightful Case Study
• Green Building Design Principles: In-Depth Analysis
• Preservation of Historical Landmarks: Studying Success Stories
• Parametric Design in Modern Construction: Examining Examples
• Zero Energy Building Design: A Detailed Case Study
• Skyscraper Architecture: Evaluation of Safety Measures
• Sustainable Urban Planning: Case Studies in Eco-Cities
• Acoustics in Architectural Design: Detailed Analysis
• Deconstructivism in Contemporary Architecture: Examining Real Cases
• Net-Zero Carbon Construction: A Promising Case Study
• Art Deco Revival: Analyzing Modern Interpretations
• Disaster-Resistant Infrastructure: A Case Study on Noteworthy Examples
• Biophilic Design in Urban Spaces: Detailed Examination
• Microarchitecture: Analysis of Successful Implementations
• Museum Architecture: A Study of Visitor Experience
• Pioneering Waterfront Revitalization Projects: Detailed Case Studies
• Mixed-Use Building Design: An In-Depth Analysis
• Transit-Oriented Developments: Examining Case Studies
• Architectural Solutions for Aging Populations: Insightful Cases
• Sensory Design in Public Spaces: A Detailed Study

Business Case Study Topics

• Apple’s Innovative Product Strategy: Exploring Consumer Perception and Market Dominance
• Enron Scandal: Analysis of Corporate Fraud and Its Implications
• Tesla’s Disruption of the Automotive Industry: Case of Strategic Innovation
• Starbucks’ Global Expansion: Evaluation of International Market Entry Strategies
• Walmart’s Supply Chain Management: Efficiency and Scalability in Retail
• Uber’s Regulatory Challenges: Navigating the Sharing Economy Landscape
• Alibaba’s E-Commerce Success: Understanding Consumer Behavior in China
• Netflix’s Business Model Transformation: From DVD Rentals to Streaming Dominance
• IKEA’s Cost Leadership Strategy: Effect on Global Furniture Market
• Zara’s Fast Fashion Model: Achieving Speed and Responsiveness in Retail
• Google’s Organizational Culture: Influence on Innovation and Employee Satisfaction
• Amazon’s Customer-Centric Approach: Evaluating Impact on Market Leadership
• Boeing’s 737 Max Crisis: Analyzing Risk Management and Ethical Issues
• Facebook’s Data Privacy Controversy: Impact on Corporate Reputation and User Trust
• General Electric’s Diversification Strategy: Evaluating Success and Risks
• Microsoft’s Acquisition of LinkedIn: Exploring Strategic Synergies and Challenges
• Coca-Cola’s Branding Strategy: Global Influence and Consumer Perception
• Toyota Production System: A Study in Lean Manufacturing and Quality Control
• McDonald’s Adaptation to Local Cultures: Case of International Marketing Strategy
• Airbnb’s Disruption of the Hospitality Industry: Examining Growth and Regulatory Challenges
• Corporate Sustainability Practices: A Detailed Study
• Successful Business Transformations: Analysis of Real Cases
• Startup Growth Strategy: Examination of Silicon Valley Models
• Ethics in Big Tech Companies: Analyzing Noteworthy Scenarios
• Digital Marketing Strategy: A Case Study on Dominant Brands
• Blockchain Applications in Financial Sector: In-Depth Analysis
• Diversity and Inclusion in Fortune 500 Companies: Detailed Examination
• Artificial Intelligence in Retail: A Comprehensive Case Study
• Agile Methodology in Software Development: Analysis of Success Stories
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Evaluation of Top-Performing Companies
• Mergers and Acquisitions: Examination of High-Profile Cases
• Gig Economy and Labor Rights: Detailed Analysis
• E-Commerce Consumer Behavior: Examining Successful Strategies
• Organizational Culture in Tech Giants: A Comprehensive Study
• Sharing Economy Business Models: Analysis of Uber and Airbnb
• Reviving Bankrupt Companies: A Study on Successful Turnarounds
• Business Strategy in Emerging Markets: Case Studies From BRICS Nations
• Innovative Supply Chain Management: Examining Leading Companies
• Blue Ocean Strategy Implementation: Successful Cases Analysis
• Corporate Governance in Family-Owned Enterprises: In-Depth Study

Conflict Resolution Case Study Topics

• Mediation Techniques in Workplace Disputes: Comprehensive Analysis
• Interpersonal Conflict Resolution: A Study on Communication Strategies
• Cross-Cultural Conflict Management in Multinational Organizations: Detailed Examination
• Restorative Justice in School Conflict: A Comprehensive Study
• Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Case Studies From War-Torn Societies
• Negotiation Strategies in International Diplomacy: In-Depth Analysis
• Peacebuilding Efforts in Post-Genocide Rwanda: A Detailed Study
• Resolving Family Business Disputes: Examination of Successful Cases
• Arbitration in Labor Disputes: Analysis of High-Profile Cases
• Community-Based Conflict Resolution: A Study on Indigenous Practices
• Facilitation Methods in Group Conflicts: Detailed Examination
• Conflict De-Escalation in Police Encounters: A Comprehensive Study
• Online Dispute Resolution: A Case Study on E-Commerce Platforms
• Alternative Dispute Resolution in Environmental Conflicts: In-Depth Analysis
• Post-Acquisition Integration: A Study on Resolving Organizational Conflicts
• Managing Disputes in Co-Operatives: Examination of Successful Strategies
• Strategies for Resolving Political Conflicts: Analysis of Contemporary Cases
• Religious Conflict Resolution: Case Studies From Interfaith Dialogues
• Reconciliation Processes in Divided Societies: Detailed Examination
• Conflict Management in Health Care Settings: A Comprehensive Study

Education Case Study Topics

• Implementing Flipped Classroom Model: An Extensive Study
• Bilingual Education Programs: Success Metrics and Evaluation
• Online Learning Transition: Case Studies From Pandemic-Affected Institutions
• STEM Initiatives in Underprivileged Schools: Analysis of Strategies
• Student Performance and Class Size: A Detailed Examination
• Inclusion of Students With Disabilities: Case Studies From Successful Schools
• Charter Schools vs. Public Schools: Comparative Analysis
• Pedagogical Innovations in Remote Learning: Comprehensive Investigation
• Funding Allocation in Public Schools: A Detailed Study
• Bullying Prevention Programs: Examination of Effective Strategies
• Montessori Method in Early Childhood Education: An Extensive Study
• Curriculum Adaptation for Diverse Learners: In-Depth Analysis
• Teacher Retention Strategies in High-Need Schools: A Comprehensive Study
• Integration of Augmented Reality in Classrooms: Case Studies
• Literacy Initiatives in Adult Education: Analysis of Successful Programs
• Outcomes of Experiential Learning: Case Studies From Progressive Institutions
• Student Mental Health Services in Universities: A Detailed Study
• Implementing Mindfulness in School Curriculum: An Extensive Analysis
• Digital Literacy in Elementary Schools: In-Depth Study
• Promoting Gender Equality in STEM Education: Successful Strategies Examined

Engineering Case Study Topics

• Bio-Inspired Engineering Design: Innovative Approaches Explored
• Smart Material Usage in Modern Infrastructure: An In-Depth Analysis
• Nanotechnology in Medicine: A Comprehensive Investigation
• Sustainable Practices in Civil Engineering: Detailed Case Studies
• Green Energy Solutions in Electrical Engineering: Comprehensive Examination
• Industrial Automation and Its Effects on Workforce Dynamics
• Fiber-Optic Communications Systems: Case Studies of Global Impact
• Reverse Engineering in Cybersecurity: An Extensive Study
• Geotechnical Engineering and Seismic Safety: Innovative Approaches Examined
• Thermal Energy Storage Technologies: In-Depth Analysis
• Artificial Intelligence in Automotive Engineering: Case Studies
• Quantum Computing and Its Implications for Engineering: Detailed Study
• Biomechanics in Sports Engineering: A Comprehensive Investigation
• 3D Printing for Aerospace Applications: An In-Depth Study
• Plasma Engineering in Waste Management: Detailed Case Studies
• Renewable Energy Integration in Power Grids: In-Depth Examination
• Machine Learning in Process Control: Comprehensive Investigation
• Carbon Capture Technologies: Innovative Approaches in Chemical Engineering
• Material Science in Nuclear Energy: Case Studies
• Wearable Technology Design: Bioengineering Approaches Explored

Environmental Science Case Study Topics

• Chornobyl Disaster: Examining the Long-Term Ecological Effects
• Great Pacific Garbage Patch: A Study on Oceanic Plastic Pollution
• Deforestation in the Amazon: An Analysis of Biodiversity Loss
• Air Quality in Beijing: Assessing the Health Implications of Urban Industrialization
• Acid Rain in the Northeastern United States: An Investigation Into Forest Degradation
• Nuclear Waste Management at Yucca Mountain: Evaluating Disposal Techniques and Risks
• Ozone Depletion Over Antarctica: Research Into Global Implications and Recovery Efforts
• E-Waste Disposal in Agbogbloshie: Investigating the Impact on Local Ecosystems
• Drought and Water Scarcity in Cape Town: Climate Change and Urban Water Management
• Radiation Effects in Fukushima: Examining Wildlife and Environmental Health Post Nuclear Disaster
• Fracking in the United States: Evaluating Environmental Risks and Regulations
• Desertification in the Sahel: Understanding Causes and Environmental Impact
• Melting Glaciers in the Himalayas: Assessing Impact on Regional Water Security
• Air Pollution in Delhi: Understanding Causes and Mitigation Strategies
• Plastic Waste Management in Sweden: A Study on National Recycling Initiatives
• Wildfires in Australia: Assessing Climate Change Influence and Ecological Impact
• Endangered Species Protection: A Case Study of the Iberian Lynx
• Pollution in the Ganges: A Study on River Ecosystems and Public Health
• Ocean Acidification and Marine Life: An In-Depth Analysis
• Restoring Degraded Ecosystems: Innovative Approaches Explored
• Climate Change Resilience in Urban Areas: Comprehensive Examination
• Air Quality Improvement Strategies: Detailed Case Studies
• Permaculture Practices for Sustainable Agriculture: An Extensive Study
• Microplastics in Freshwater Systems: A Comprehensive Investigation
• Renewable Energy Adoption in Developing Countries: In-Depth Analysis
• Natural Disaster Mitigation and Climate Change: A Detailed Study
• Carbon Sequestration in Forest Ecosystems: An Extensive Investigation
• Sustainable Waste Management in Mega Cities: Case Studies
• Ecological Impacts of Invasive Species: Comprehensive Examination
• Geoengineering Solutions to Global Warming: Innovative Approaches Examined
• Biodiversity Conservation in Fragmented Habitats: Detailed Case Studies
• Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management: In-Depth Analysis
• Climate Change and Zoonotic Diseases: A Comprehensive Study
• Eco-Friendly Building Materials: An In-Depth Examination
• Biomimicry in Environmental Design: Detailed Case Studies
• Food Security Under Changing Climatic Conditions: A Comprehensive Investigation
• Wetland Restoration for Flood Control: An Extensive Study
• Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health: Case Studies of Global Impact

Ethical Dilemma Case Study Topics

• Artificial Intelligence and Personal Privacy: An Ethical Conundrum
• Balancing Freedom of Speech and Hate Speech: Detailed Case Studies
• Ethics of Autonomous Weapons: A Comprehensive Examination
• Prenatal Genetic Modification: A Moral Inquiry
• Informed Consent in Medical Research: Complex Ethical Scenarios Explored
• Patient Confidentiality vs. Public Safety: An In-Depth Analysis
• Animal Testing for Scientific Advancement: Ethical Considerations
• Whistleblowing in Corporate Culture: A Detailed Investigation
• Climate Justice and Intergenerational Equity: An Extensive Study
• Equitable Distribution of Organ Transplants: Ethical Case Studies
• Racial Profiling in Law Enforcement: An In-Depth Examination
• Ethical Challenges in Genomic Data Sharing: Detailed Case Studies
• Big Data Ethics in Marketing: A Comprehensive Investigation
• Internet Censorship and Freedom of Information: A Moral Quandary
• Genetic Privacy in the Era of Genome Sequencing: An Extensive Study
• Physician-Assisted Suicide: Ethical Aspects Explored
• Ethics of Care in Robotic Assistance for Elderly: An In-Depth Analysis
• Child Labor in Supply Chains: Ethical Dilemmas Examined
• Biopiracy and Indigenous Knowledge: Detailed Case Studies
• Dual Use Research in Life Sciences: Ethical Implications Investigated

Human Rights Case Studies

• Rohingya Crisis: A Study on Ethnic Cleansing and Human Rights in Myanmar
• Hong Kong Protests: Examining Civil Liberties and Autonomy
• The Flint Water Crisis: Human Rights in Access to Safe Drinking Water
• Yazidi Genocide: Investigating Crimes Against Humanity in Iraq
• Human Rights Violations in North Korea: State Control and Political Oppression
• The European Migrant Crisis: Analyzing Refugee Rights and State Responsibilities
• Uyghur Repression: Cultural Genocide and Human Rights in China
• Black Lives Matter: Policing and Racial Discrimination in the United States
• Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement: Human Rights Concerns in Northern Ireland
• Google’s Project Dragonfly: Corporate Complicity in Human Rights Abuse
• Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp: A Study on Torture and Indefinite Detention
• The Colombian Peace Process: Transitional Justice and Human Rights
• Female Genital Mutilation in Africa: Cultural Practices vs. Human Rights
• Human Rights in Saudi Arabia: Women’s Rights and Freedom of Expression
• Child Labor in the Cocoa Industry: Corporate Accountability and Human Rights
• Indigenous Land Rights: The Case of the Dakota Access Pipeline
• LGBTQ+ Rights in Russia: State Homophobia and Legal Discrimination
• Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: Examining Human Rights Under Occupation
• Climate Change and Human Rights: The Case of the Maldives and Rising Sea Levels
• Child Soldiers and International Human Rights Law: A Deep Dive
• Analyzing Internet Access as a Human Right: An Examination
• Exploring LGBTQ+ Rights in Global Perspective: Case Studies
• Religious Freedom and Persecution: A Comprehensive Inquiry
• Human Trafficking: In-Depth Analysis and Case Studies
• Indigenous Land Rights: Examination of International Perspectives
• Human Rights Violations in Authoritarian Regimes: Detailed Studies
• Migrant Workers and Human Rights: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Disability Rights and Accessibility: A Global Overview
• Cyber Surveillance and Privacy Rights: Detailed Investigations
• Forced Labor in the Modern World: In-Depth Case Studies
• Gender Equality and Women’s Rights: A Comprehensive Examination
• Child Labor and Exploitation: An International Perspective
• Racial Discrimination and Human Rights Law: In-Depth Studies
• Climate Refugees: Examining Rights and Legal Frameworks
• Freedom of Speech in the Digital Age: Case Studies
• Human Rights Challenges in Counter-Terrorism Measures: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Rights of the Elderly: An Examination of Global Perspectives
• Asylum Seekers and Refugee Rights: Detailed Investigations

Information Case Study Topics

• Cybersecurity Protocols: A Detailed Study on Protecting Sensitive Data
• Big Data Analysis: Case Studies on Predictive Analytics
• Blockchain Technology: Revolutionizing Data Integrity and Verification
• Information Overload: Handling Excessive Data in Digital Environments
• Future of Quantum Computing: Potential Shifts in Information Processing
• Privacy Issues in the Age of Information: A Detailed Analysis
• Digital Divide: How Does Information Accessibility Affect Social Equality?
• Information Management in Healthcare: Optimizing Patient Data Handling
• Artificial Intelligence: A Study on Machine Learning Algorithms
• Deepfake Technologies: Analyzing Threats to Digital Identities
• Holographic Data Storage: Implications for Future Information Systems
• Internet of Things: Examining Vulnerabilities and Security Measures
• 5G Technology: Investigating the Transition From 4G and Its Implications
• Biometrics: An Investigation Into Privacy and Security
• Virtual Reality: A Case Study on Its Potential in Education
• Augmented Reality: Uncovering Uses Beyond Entertainment
• Cloud Computing: Analyzing Security and Data Privacy
• Smart Cities: Scrutinizing the Future of Urban Living
• Quantum Cryptography: A Study on the Future of Secure Communication
• Neural Networks: Examining Developments in Deep Learning Algorithms

Leadership Case Study Topics

• Leadership Styles in High-Pressure Situations: Exploring Crisis Management
• Adaptive Leadership: Navigating Organizational Change
• Strategic Leadership: Dissecting Successful Corporate Transformations
• Servant Leadership: Examining Success in Nonprofit Organizations
• Female Leadership: Comparing Performance in Male-Dominated Industries
• Transformational Leadership: Fostering Innovation in Tech Startups
• Cultural Differences in Leadership: Comparing Eastern and Western Approaches
• Military Leadership Principles: Their Application in Corporate Environments
• Charismatic Leadership: An Analysis of Its Effectiveness in Politics
• Ethical Leadership: Maintaining Integrity in Corporate Governance
• Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: A Study on Employee Satisfaction
• Transactional Leadership: Assessing Its Effectiveness in Structured Environments
• Leadership Burnout: Proactive Strategies for Prevention
• Silicon Valley Leadership: Unique Strategies in Tech Companies
• Remote Leadership: Overcoming Challenges in Virtual Teams
• Authoritarian Leadership: Its Success and Failure in Different Contexts
• Leadership in Academia: Strategies for Fostering Research and Collaboration
• Inclusive Leadership: Its Influence on Diversity and Team Performance
• Green Leadership: Promoting Sustainable Practices in Organizations
• AI Leadership: The Future of Decision-Making in Automated Workplaces

Legal Case Study Topics

• Enron Scandal: Uncovering Corporate Fraud and Legal Implications
• Facebook and Cambridge Analytica: Privacy Law Examination
• Microsoft Anti-Trust Case: Exploring Legal Arguments and Outcomes
• Volkswagen Emission Scandal: A Study in Environmental Law
• Google’s GDPR Violations: Navigating Data Protection Legislation
• Uber: An Analysis of Legal Challenges in the Gig Economy
• BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster: Environmental and Corporate Law Scrutiny
• Pfizer: Understanding Intellectual Property Rights in the Pharmaceutical Industry
• Tesla’s Autopilot System: Exploring Liability in AI-Assisted Vehicles
• Apple vs. FBI: A Case Study in Privacy and Security Laws
• Juul Labs: Regulatory and Legal Challenges in the Vaping Industry
• HSBC Money Laundering Scandal: Unpacking International Banking Laws
• Purdue Pharma: Analyzing Legal Responses to the Opioid Crisis
• Disney’s Acquisition of Fox: A Study in Anti-Trust Laws
• Johnson & Johnson’s Talcum Powder Cases: Personal Injury Law Scrutiny
• Theranos: Fraud and Deception in the Biotech Industry
• Harvey Weinstein and #MeToo: Examining Legal Issues of Sexual Harassment
• The Panama Papers: Investigating Offshore Tax Evasion
• Foxconn’s Labor Practices: An Analysis of International Labor Law Compliance
• SpaceX Starlink Project: Exploring Space Law and Satellite Internet Services
• Decoding International Trade Laws: A Study on Brexit Consequences
• Privacy Rights in the Digital Era: Examining EU’s General Data Protection Regulation
• Cyber Law Enforcement: Challenges in Tackling Darknet Crimes
• Trademark Infringement in the Fashion Industry: A Closer Look at Notable Cases
• Corporate Law: Analysis of Mega-Mergers and Their Legal Implications
• Sentencing Discrepancies in Criminal Law: Factors Influencing Judicial Decisions
• Landmark Cases in Environmental Law: Interpretation and Outcomes
• Healthcare Law: Dissecting the Legal Framework of the Affordable Care Act
• Class Action Suits: Understanding the Legal Dynamics of Collective Claims
• International Humanitarian Law: Examining War Crimes Tribunal Verdicts
• Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology: Case Studies in Patent Law
• Constitutional Law: Analysis of Landmark Supreme Court Decisions
• Media Law: Defamation Cases in the Spotlight
• Exploring the Legal Aspects of Cryptocurrencies: Case Studies
• Immigration Law: Case Studies on Asylum Seekers and Refugees
• Sports Law: Navigating Legal Issues in Professional Sports
• Family Law: Divorce and Custody Cases in Different Cultural Contexts
• White Collar Crime: Financial Fraud Cases and Legal Outcomes
• Estate Law: Notable Inheritance Disputes Among Celebrities
• Criminal Law: Examining Cases of Wrongful Conviction and Their Aftermath

Management Case Study Topics

• Management Practices in Multinational Corporations: An Analysis of Samsung
• Crisis Management Strategies: A Study on COVID-19 Response by Tech Giants
• Analysis of Supply Chain Management: Amazon’s Success Story
• Leadership Styles and Organizational Culture: A Case Study of Google
• Change Management: Exploring Nokia’s Strategic Shift From Mobile Phones to Networks
• Innovation Management: Dissecting Apple’s Approach to New Product Development
• The Efficiency of Project Management: Scrutinizing NASA’s Mars Rover Missions
• Human Resources Management: A Deep Dive Into Netflix’s HR Policies
• Quality Management in the Automobile Industry: A Look at Toyota’s Lean Production
• Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives: An Analysis of Starbucks
• Cross-Cultural Management: Evaluating IKEA’s Global Expansion
• Strategic Management and Business Development: Unpacking Tesla’s Growth Strategy
• Risk Management: Evaluating Financial Institutions in the 2008 Economic Crisis
• Knowledge Management: An Investigation Into Microsoft’s Information-Sharing Policies
• Nonprofit Management: Assessing the Operational Strategies of Red Cross
• Entrepreneurial Management: Unraveling the Success of Airbnb
• Public Sector Management: Understanding the US Postal Service’s Challenges
• Sustainability Management: An Examination of Patagonia’s Environmental Initiatives
• Ethics Management: Scrutinizing the Volkswagen Emission Scandal
• Diversity Management: A Look Into Twitter’s Inclusion Efforts

Marketing Case Study Topics

• Digital Marketing Strategies: An Analysis of Netflix’s Success
• Content Marketing and Audience Engagement: A Study on Buzzfeed
• Green Marketing and Consumer Perception: A Case of Patagonia
• Branding Strategy: Unraveling Apple’s Image Maintenance Tactics
• Crisis Communication: A Study on Johnson & Johnson’s Tylenol Scandal
• Niche Marketing: Unpacking Supreme’s Limited Release Approach
• Integrated Marketing Communication: A Look at Coca-Cola’s Global Campaigns
• Customer Retention Strategies: An Examination of Amazon Prime
• Social Media Marketing: Dissecting Wendy’s Twitter Engagement
• Neuromarketing Techniques: Scrutinizing Spotify’s User Experience
• Cause Marketing: Evaluating Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign
• Experiential Marketing: Exploring the Popularity of Red Bull’s Extreme Events
• Celebrity Endorsement: The Success of Michael Jordan and Nike Collaboration
• Influencer Marketing: A Study on Fashion Nova’s Instagram Strategy
• Viral Marketing: Unraveling the Ice Bucket Challenge Phenomenon
• Affiliate Marketing: An Analysis of Amazon Associates Program
• Mobile Marketing: A Look at Starbucks’ App Strategy
• Database Marketing: Evaluating Netflix’s Recommendation Algorithm
• Sports Marketing: The Global Appeal of the FIFA World Cup
• Relationship Marketing: An Examination of Southwest Airlines’ Customer Service Approach

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Case Study Topic Ideas

• Strategic Decisions: Dissecting Airbnb’s Expansion Into Experiences
• Balancing Profitability and Sustainability: An Examination of Tesla’s Business Model
• Leadership Style: Analyzing Satya Nadella’s Transformation of Microsoft
• Customer Acquisition: Evaluating Uber’s Expansion Into Emerging Markets
• Competitive Advantage: The Secrets of Samsung’s Innovation Strategy
• Mergers and Acquisitions: Unpacking the Disney-Fox Deal
• Franchise Management: A Look at McDonald’s Global Operations
• Supply Chain Management: The Success of Zara’s Fast Fashion Model
• Crisis Management: A Study on BP’s Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Analysis of Patagonia’s Mission-Driven Approach
• Negotiation Strategies: An Examination of the NBA Players Association
• Organizational Culture: Exploring Google’s Employee-Centric Approach
• Product Development: The Pioneering Approach of Dyson
• Strategic Alliance: The Boeing and Airbus Duopoly in the Aviation Industry
• Market Entry Strategy: Understanding Spotify’s Approach in India
• Corporate Restructuring: The Story of IBM’s Shift to Cloud Computing
• Cross-Cultural Management: A Study on Unilever’s Approach in Different Regions
• Change Management: An Analysis of BlackBerry’s Failed Attempt to Adapt
• Diversity and Inclusion: An Examination of Goldman Sachs’ Gender Equity Policies

Nursing Case Study Subjects

• Comprehensive Patient Care: Understanding Palliative Nursing Strategies
• Clinical Decisions: Exploring Error Reduction in Emergency Nursing
• Telemedicine Adaptations: The Shift in Home Health Nursing During Pandemics
• Cross-Cultural Competency: A Look at Nursing in Multicultural Settings
• Innovations in Care: Examining the Rise of Robotics in Elderly Nursing
• Ethics in Practice: End-of-Life Decision-Making in ICU Nursing
• Occupational Stress: An Analysis of Burnout in Pediatric Nursing
• Holistic Healing: Integrating Alternative Medicine in Oncology Nursing
• Improving Care Delivery: The Implementation of AI in Surgical Nursing
• Patient Safety: Addressing Medication Errors in Hospital Nursing
• Community Engagement: A Study on Public Health Nursing Initiatives
• Wellness Promotion: Evaluating the Effectiveness of School Nursing Programs
• Mental Health Focus: A Look at the Practice of Psychiatric Nursing
• Pedagogical Methods: Examining Simulation in Nursing Education
• Digital Health Records: The Change in Informatics Nursing
• Patient Advocacy: A Study on the Role of Forensic Nursing
• Pain Management: Approaches in Palliative Care Nursing
• Quality Control: The Adoption of Six Sigma in Nursing Administration
• Health Literacy: Examining the Role of Nursing in Patient Education
• Preventive Care: A Look at the Practice of Occupational Health Nursing

Political Science Case Study Topics

• Understanding Post-Conflict Reconciliation: A Study on Rwanda’s Gacaca Courts
• Dissecting Populism: Brazil Under Bolsonaro’s Administration
• Post-Soviet Transformation: Case of Estonia’s Digital Revolution
• Ideological Shifts: Analyzing Japan’s Pacifism Reconsideration
• Colonial Legacies: Democratic Stability in Botswana
• Investigating Hybrid Regimes: The Case of Putin’s Russia
• European Integration: Brexit and Its Consequences
• Dealing With Divided Societies: The Case of Cyprus
• Political Economy of Oil: Venezuela’s Economic Crisis
• Emerging Democracies: Tunisia after the Arab Spring
• Rise of Authoritarianism: Hungary’s Political Landscape
• Federalism and Ethnic Conflict: The Case of Ethiopia
• Transition to Democracy: South Africa’s Post-Apartheid Experience
• Climate Change Politics: Examining the Paris Agreement’s Effectiveness
• Global Governance: The World Health Organization’s Response to COVID-19
• Political Islam: Iran’s Theocratic Regime
• Nationalism and Secession: The Case of Catalonia in Spain
• Understanding Neopatrimonialism: The Case of Mobutu’s Zaire
• Media Influence on Politics: The Case of Trump’s America
• Challenges to Democracy: Polarization in Turkey Under Erdogan’s Rule

Psychology Case Study Topics

• Understanding Sibling Rivalry: A Cognitive-Behavioral Analysis
• Influence of Colors on Mood: An Empirical Assessment
• Analyzing Dreams: Insights From Freud’s Psychoanalysis
• Effects of Workplace Stress on Mental Health
• Social Isolation and Its Effect on Elderly Depression
• Exploring the Psychology of Fear: Phobia Case Studies
• Influence of Digital Media on Adolescent Behavior
• Mindfulness and Anxiety: Clinical Applications
• Abnormal Psychology: Examining Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Addiction and Behavior: A Focus on Gambling
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans
• Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
• Child Development: Piaget’s Cognitive Stages Revisited
• Attachment Theory: Secure and Insecure Patterns in Adults
• Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness
• Analysis of Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia
• Gender Dysphoria: Psychological Perspectives and Approaches
• Mental Health and Spirituality: Therapeutic Implications
• Investigating Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Clinical Approaches

Public Health Case Study Topics

• Healthcare Accessibility in Rural Communities
• Smoking Cessation Programs: Evaluating Effectiveness
• Public Health Response to Opioid Crisis
• Pandemic Preparedness: Lessons From COVID-19
• Mental Health Services: Barriers to Access
• Addressing Health Disparities in Ethnic Minorities
• Childhood Obesity: Prevention Strategies
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Vaccination Campaigns
• Health Literacy: Improving Patient Communication
• Global Efforts to Combat Malaria
• Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases: A Study
• Adolescent Mental Health: School-Based Interventions
• Alcohol Abuse: Community Prevention Programs
• Workplace Wellness Programs: Analysis of Benefits
• Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Preventative Approaches
• HIV/AIDS Prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Access to Clean Water: A Study on Developing Countries
• Domestic Violence: Public Health Interventions
• Dementia Care: Public Health Strategies

Social Media Marketing (SMM) Case Study Topics

• Social Media Crisis Management: Brand Preservation Strategies
• Conversion Optimization in Instagram Marketing
• Influencer Marketing: Assessing ROI
• Snapchat and Its Potency for Gen Z Marketing
• Content Strategy for LinkedIn B2B Marketing
• Understanding Facebook’s Algorithm for Business Growth
• Engagement Optimization in Twitter Marketing
• TikTok Advertising: Analysis of Virality Factors
• Social Media Analytics: Insights Extraction
• Video Content in SMM: YouTube as a Case Study
• Podcast Promotion Through Social Media: An Evaluation
• Community Building on Social Platforms: Instagram vs. Facebook
• Pinterest as a Visual Search Engine for E-Commerce
• Ephemeral Content Strategy: Snapchat and Instagram Stories
• Brand Personification on Social Media Platforms
• Geo-Targeting in Social Media Advertising: Efficacy Analysis
• Trust Building through Transparency on Social Media
• Multilingual Social Media Strategies: Global Brands Analysis
• User-Generated Content in Brand Promotion: Effective Practices
• AI Tools in Social Media Marketing: Sentiment Analysis Case Study

Sociology Case Study Topics

• Social Stratification: Case of Silicon Valley
• Cyber Communities and Virtual Interaction: A Study
• Religion in Public Schools: Tolerance vs. Indoctrination
• Societal Perception of Mental Health: An Analysis
• Affordable Housing and Social Inequality: A Study
• Community Revitalization in Post-Industrial Cities
• Ethnicity and Identity Politics: Case Study
• Gentrification and Its Socio-Economic Consequences
• Pop Culture Influence on Youth Identity Formation
• Rural vs. Urban Education: Comparative Study
• Police Brutality and Systemic Racism: Case Analysis
• Disaster Management and Social Structures: A Study
• Gender Inequality in Corporate Leadership
• Online Dating and Changes in Social Interaction
• Homelessness and Social Stigmatization: A Case Study
• Demographic Transition in Aging Societies
• Social Media and the Shaping of Political Views
• Mental Illness and Criminal Justice System: An Analysis
• Body Image and Media Influence: Case Study

Supply Chain Management Case Study Topics

• Toyota’s Production System: Streamlining Supply Chain Management
• Zara’s Rapid Response: Decoding Fast-Fashion Supply Chain
• Supply Chain Restructuring in Boeing: A Deeper Look
• Walmart’s Inventory Management: Exploring Supply Chain Efficiency
• Risk Mitigation in Apple’s Global Supply Chain
• Starbucks: An Examination of Ethical Supply Chain Management
• Amazon’s AI-Driven Supply Chain: A Detailed Analysis
• McDonald’s Farm to Table: Analyzing a Fast-Food Supply Chain
• Ikea’s Global Sourcing Challenge: Managing Sustainable Supply Chain
• FedEx: Innovations in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Cisco Systems: Managing the Go-to-Market Evolution in Supply Chain
• Procter & Gamble: Revolutionizing the Health & Beauty Industry’s Supply Chain
• Unilever’s “Sustainable Living” Plan: Supply Chain Management Review
• Ford’s Virtual Integration: A Supply Chain Transformation Case Study
• Benetton Group’s Dual Supply Chain: An Analysis
• Inditex and the Emergence of Green Supply Chains
• Huawei’s Global Supply Chain: An Examination Amid Trade Bans
• Tesla Motors: Overcoming Supply Chain Management Challenges
• Coca-Cola’s Demand Forecasting: A Supply Chain Case Study
• Nestle’s Demand Planning: Integrating a Global Supply Chain

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What Is a Case Study?

Weighing the pros and cons of this method of research

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter.

Verywell / Colleen Tighe

• Pros and Cons

What Types of Case Studies Are Out There?

Where do you find data for a case study, how do i write a psychology case study.

A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event. In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject's life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior. Case studies can be used in many different fields, including psychology, medicine, education, anthropology, political science, and social work.

The point of a case study is to learn as much as possible about an individual or group so that the information can be generalized to many others. Unfortunately, case studies tend to be highly subjective, and it is sometimes difficult to generalize results to a larger population.

While case studies focus on a single individual or group, they follow a format similar to other types of psychology writing. If you are writing a case study, we got you—here are some rules of APA format to reference.  

At a Glance

A case study, or an in-depth study of a person, group, or event, can be a useful research tool when used wisely. In many cases, case studies are best used in situations where it would be difficult or impossible for you to conduct an experiment. They are helpful for looking at unique situations and allow researchers to gather a lot of˜ information about a specific individual or group of people. However, it's important to be cautious of any bias we draw from them as they are highly subjective.

What Are the Benefits and Limitations of Case Studies?

A case study can have its strengths and weaknesses. Researchers must consider these pros and cons before deciding if this type of study is appropriate for their needs.

One of the greatest advantages of a case study is that it allows researchers to investigate things that are often difficult or impossible to replicate in a lab. Some other benefits of a case study:

• Allows researchers to capture information on the 'how,' 'what,' and 'why,' of something that's implemented
• Gives researchers the chance to collect information on why one strategy might be chosen over another
• Permits researchers to develop hypotheses that can be explored in experimental research

On the other hand, a case study can have some drawbacks:

• It cannot necessarily be generalized to the larger population
• Cannot demonstrate cause and effect
• It may not be scientifically rigorous
• It can lead to bias

Researchers may choose to perform a case study if they want to explore a unique or recently discovered phenomenon. Through their insights, researchers develop additional ideas and study questions that might be explored in future studies.

It's important to remember that the insights from case studies cannot be used to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables. However, case studies may be used to develop hypotheses that can then be addressed in experimental research.

Case Study Examples

There have been a number of notable case studies in the history of psychology. Much of  Freud's work and theories were developed through individual case studies. Some great examples of case studies in psychology include:

• Anna O : Anna O. was a pseudonym of a woman named Bertha Pappenheim, a patient of a physician named Josef Breuer. While she was never a patient of Freud's, Freud and Breuer discussed her case extensively. The woman was experiencing symptoms of a condition that was then known as hysteria and found that talking about her problems helped relieve her symptoms. Her case played an important part in the development of talk therapy as an approach to mental health treatment.
• Phineas Gage : Phineas Gage was a railroad employee who experienced a terrible accident in which an explosion sent a metal rod through his skull, damaging important portions of his brain. Gage recovered from his accident but was left with serious changes in both personality and behavior.
• Genie : Genie was a young girl subjected to horrific abuse and isolation. The case study of Genie allowed researchers to study whether language learning was possible, even after missing critical periods for language development. Her case also served as an example of how scientific research may interfere with treatment and lead to further abuse of vulnerable individuals.

Such cases demonstrate how case research can be used to study things that researchers could not replicate in experimental settings. In Genie's case, her horrific abuse denied her the opportunity to learn a language at critical points in her development.

This is clearly not something researchers could ethically replicate, but conducting a case study on Genie allowed researchers to study phenomena that are otherwise impossible to reproduce.

There are a few different types of case studies that psychologists and other researchers might use:

• Collective case studies : These involve studying a group of individuals. Researchers might study a group of people in a certain setting or look at an entire community. For example, psychologists might explore how access to resources in a community has affected the collective mental well-being of those who live there.
• Descriptive case studies : These involve starting with a descriptive theory. The subjects are then observed, and the information gathered is compared to the pre-existing theory.
• Explanatory case studies : These   are often used to do causal investigations. In other words, researchers are interested in looking at factors that may have caused certain things to occur.
• Exploratory case studies : These are sometimes used as a prelude to further, more in-depth research. This allows researchers to gather more information before developing their research questions and hypotheses .
• Instrumental case studies : These occur when the individual or group allows researchers to understand more than what is initially obvious to observers.
• Intrinsic case studies : This type of case study is when the researcher has a personal interest in the case. Jean Piaget's observations of his own children are good examples of how an intrinsic case study can contribute to the development of a psychological theory.

The three main case study types often used are intrinsic, instrumental, and collective. Intrinsic case studies are useful for learning about unique cases. Instrumental case studies help look at an individual to learn more about a broader issue. A collective case study can be useful for looking at several cases simultaneously.

The type of case study that psychology researchers use depends on the unique characteristics of the situation and the case itself.

There are a number of different sources and methods that researchers can use to gather information about an individual or group. Six major sources that have been identified by researchers are:

• Archival records : Census records, survey records, and name lists are examples of archival records.
• Direct observation : This strategy involves observing the subject, often in a natural setting . While an individual observer is sometimes used, it is more common to utilize a group of observers.
• Documents : Letters, newspaper articles, administrative records, etc., are the types of documents often used as sources.
• Interviews : Interviews are one of the most important methods for gathering information in case studies. An interview can involve structured survey questions or more open-ended questions.
• Participant observation : When the researcher serves as a participant in events and observes the actions and outcomes, it is called participant observation.
• Physical artifacts : Tools, objects, instruments, and other artifacts are often observed during a direct observation of the subject.

If you have been directed to write a case study for a psychology course, be sure to check with your instructor for any specific guidelines you need to follow. If you are writing your case study for a professional publication, check with the publisher for their specific guidelines for submitting a case study.

Here is a general outline of what should be included in a case study.

Section 1: A Case History

This section will have the following structure and content:

Background information : The first section of your paper will present your client's background. Include factors such as age, gender, work, health status, family mental health history, family and social relationships, drug and alcohol history, life difficulties, goals, and coping skills and weaknesses.

Description of the presenting problem : In the next section of your case study, you will describe the problem or symptoms that the client presented with.

Describe any physical, emotional, or sensory symptoms reported by the client. Thoughts, feelings, and perceptions related to the symptoms should also be noted. Any screening or diagnostic assessments that are used should also be described in detail and all scores reported.

Your diagnosis : Provide your diagnosis and give the appropriate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual code. Explain how you reached your diagnosis, how the client's symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for the disorder(s), or any possible difficulties in reaching a diagnosis.

Section 2: Treatment Plan

This portion of the paper will address the chosen treatment for the condition. This might also include the theoretical basis for the chosen treatment or any other evidence that might exist to support why this approach was chosen.

• Cognitive behavioral approach : Explain how a cognitive behavioral therapist would approach treatment. Offer background information on cognitive behavioral therapy and describe the treatment sessions, client response, and outcome of this type of treatment. Make note of any difficulties or successes encountered by your client during treatment.
• Humanistic approach : Describe a humanistic approach that could be used to treat your client, such as client-centered therapy . Provide information on the type of treatment you chose, the client's reaction to the treatment, and the end result of this approach. Explain why the treatment was successful or unsuccessful.
• Psychoanalytic approach : Describe how a psychoanalytic therapist would view the client's problem. Provide some background on the psychoanalytic approach and cite relevant references. Explain how psychoanalytic therapy would be used to treat the client, how the client would respond to therapy, and the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
• Pharmacological approach : If treatment primarily involves the use of medications, explain which medications were used and why. Provide background on the effectiveness of these medications and how monotherapy may compare with an approach that combines medications with therapy or other treatments.

This section of a case study should also include information about the treatment goals, process, and outcomes.

When you are writing a case study, you should also include a section where you discuss the case study itself, including the strengths and limitiations of the study. You should note how the findings of your case study might support previous research. 

In your discussion section, you should also describe some of the implications of your case study. What ideas or findings might require further exploration? How might researchers go about exploring some of these questions in additional studies?

Need More Tips?

Here are a few additional pointers to keep in mind when formatting your case study:

• Never refer to the subject of your case study as "the client." Instead, use their name or a pseudonym.
• Read examples of case studies to gain an idea about the style and format.
• Remember to use APA format when citing references .

Crowe S, Cresswell K, Robertson A, Huby G, Avery A, Sheikh A. The case study approach .  BMC Med Res Methodol . 2011;11:100.

Crowe S, Cresswell K, Robertson A, Huby G, Avery A, Sheikh A. The case study approach . BMC Med Res Methodol . 2011 Jun 27;11:100. doi:10.1186/1471-2288-11-100

Gagnon, Yves-Chantal.  The Case Study as Research Method: A Practical Handbook . Canada, Chicago Review Press Incorporated DBA Independent Pub Group, 2010.

Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods . United States, SAGE Publications, 2017.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

• Annotated Bibliography
• Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
• Group Presentations
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• Types of Structured Group Activities
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• Multiple Book Review Essay
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• Writing a Case Analysis Paper
• Writing a Case Study
• About Informed Consent
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• Acknowledgments

A case study research paper examines a person, place, event, condition, phenomenon, or other type of subject of analysis in order to extrapolate  key themes and results that help predict future trends, illuminate previously hidden issues that can be applied to practice, and/or provide a means for understanding an important research problem with greater clarity. A case study research paper usually examines a single subject of analysis, but case study papers can also be designed as a comparative investigation that shows relationships between two or more subjects. The methods used to study a case can rest within a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method investigative paradigm.

Case Studies. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010 ; “What is a Case Study?” In Swanborn, Peter G. Case Study Research: What, Why and How? London: SAGE, 2010.

How to Approach Writing a Case Study Research Paper

General information about how to choose a topic to investigate can be found under the " Choosing a Research Problem " tab in the Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper writing guide. Review this page because it may help you identify a subject of analysis that can be investigated using a case study design.

However, identifying a case to investigate involves more than choosing the research problem . A case study encompasses a problem contextualized around the application of in-depth analysis, interpretation, and discussion, often resulting in specific recommendations for action or for improving existing conditions. As Seawright and Gerring note, practical considerations such as time and access to information can influence case selection, but these issues should not be the sole factors used in describing the methodological justification for identifying a particular case to study. Given this, selecting a case includes considering the following:

• The case represents an unusual or atypical example of a research problem that requires more in-depth analysis? Cases often represent a topic that rests on the fringes of prior investigations because the case may provide new ways of understanding the research problem. For example, if the research problem is to identify strategies to improve policies that support girl's access to secondary education in predominantly Muslim nations, you could consider using Azerbaijan as a case study rather than selecting a more obvious nation in the Middle East. Doing so may reveal important new insights into recommending how governments in other predominantly Muslim nations can formulate policies that support improved access to education for girls.
• The case provides important insight or illuminate a previously hidden problem? In-depth analysis of a case can be based on the hypothesis that the case study will reveal trends or issues that have not been exposed in prior research or will reveal new and important implications for practice. For example, anecdotal evidence may suggest drug use among homeless veterans is related to their patterns of travel throughout the day. Assuming prior studies have not looked at individual travel choices as a way to study access to illicit drug use, a case study that observes a homeless veteran could reveal how issues of personal mobility choices facilitate regular access to illicit drugs. Note that it is important to conduct a thorough literature review to ensure that your assumption about the need to reveal new insights or previously hidden problems is valid and evidence-based.
• The case challenges and offers a counter-point to prevailing assumptions? Over time, research on any given topic can fall into a trap of developing assumptions based on outdated studies that are still applied to new or changing conditions or the idea that something should simply be accepted as "common sense," even though the issue has not been thoroughly tested in current practice. A case study analysis may offer an opportunity to gather evidence that challenges prevailing assumptions about a research problem and provide a new set of recommendations applied to practice that have not been tested previously. For example, perhaps there has been a long practice among scholars to apply a particular theory in explaining the relationship between two subjects of analysis. Your case could challenge this assumption by applying an innovative theoretical framework [perhaps borrowed from another discipline] to explore whether this approach offers new ways of understanding the research problem. Taking a contrarian stance is one of the most important ways that new knowledge and understanding develops from existing literature.
• The case provides an opportunity to pursue action leading to the resolution of a problem? Another way to think about choosing a case to study is to consider how the results from investigating a particular case may result in findings that reveal ways in which to resolve an existing or emerging problem. For example, studying the case of an unforeseen incident, such as a fatal accident at a railroad crossing, can reveal hidden issues that could be applied to preventative measures that contribute to reducing the chance of accidents in the future. In this example, a case study investigating the accident could lead to a better understanding of where to strategically locate additional signals at other railroad crossings so as to better warn drivers of an approaching train, particularly when visibility is hindered by heavy rain, fog, or at night.
• The case offers a new direction in future research? A case study can be used as a tool for an exploratory investigation that highlights the need for further research about the problem. A case can be used when there are few studies that help predict an outcome or that establish a clear understanding about how best to proceed in addressing a problem. For example, after conducting a thorough literature review [very important!], you discover that little research exists showing the ways in which women contribute to promoting water conservation in rural communities of east central Africa. A case study of how women contribute to saving water in a rural village of Uganda can lay the foundation for understanding the need for more thorough research that documents how women in their roles as cooks and family caregivers think about water as a valuable resource within their community. This example of a case study could also point to the need for scholars to build new theoretical frameworks around the topic [e.g., applying feminist theories of work and family to the issue of water conservation].

Eisenhardt, Kathleen M. “Building Theories from Case Study Research.” Academy of Management Review 14 (October 1989): 532-550; Emmel, Nick. Sampling and Choosing Cases in Qualitative Research: A Realist Approach . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2013; Gerring, John. “What Is a Case Study and What Is It Good for?” American Political Science Review 98 (May 2004): 341-354; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Seawright, Jason and John Gerring. "Case Selection Techniques in Case Study Research." Political Research Quarterly 61 (June 2008): 294-308.

Structure and Writing Style

The purpose of a paper in the social sciences designed around a case study is to thoroughly investigate a subject of analysis in order to reveal a new understanding about the research problem and, in so doing, contributing new knowledge to what is already known from previous studies. In applied social sciences disciplines [e.g., education, social work, public administration, etc.], case studies may also be used to reveal best practices, highlight key programs, or investigate interesting aspects of professional work.

In general, the structure of a case study research paper is not all that different from a standard college-level research paper. However, there are subtle differences you should be aware of. Here are the key elements to organizing and writing a case study research paper.

I.  Introduction

As with any research paper, your introduction should serve as a roadmap for your readers to ascertain the scope and purpose of your study . The introduction to a case study research paper, however, should not only describe the research problem and its significance, but you should also succinctly describe why the case is being used and how it relates to addressing the problem. The two elements should be linked. With this in mind, a good introduction answers these four questions:

• What is being studied? Describe the research problem and describe the subject of analysis [the case] you have chosen to address the problem. Explain how they are linked and what elements of the case will help to expand knowledge and understanding about the problem.
• Why is this topic important to investigate? Describe the significance of the research problem and state why a case study design and the subject of analysis that the paper is designed around is appropriate in addressing the problem.
• What did we know about this topic before I did this study? Provide background that helps lead the reader into the more in-depth literature review to follow. If applicable, summarize prior case study research applied to the research problem and why it fails to adequately address the problem. Describe why your case will be useful. If no prior case studies have been used to address the research problem, explain why you have selected this subject of analysis.
• How will this study advance new knowledge or new ways of understanding? Explain why your case study will be suitable in helping to expand knowledge and understanding about the research problem.

Each of these questions should be addressed in no more than a few paragraphs. Exceptions to this can be when you are addressing a complex research problem or subject of analysis that requires more in-depth background information.

II.  Literature Review

The literature review for a case study research paper is generally structured the same as it is for any college-level research paper. The difference, however, is that the literature review is focused on providing background information and  enabling historical interpretation of the subject of analysis in relation to the research problem the case is intended to address . This includes synthesizing studies that help to:

• Place relevant works in the context of their contribution to understanding the case study being investigated . This would involve summarizing studies that have used a similar subject of analysis to investigate the research problem. If there is literature using the same or a very similar case to study, you need to explain why duplicating past research is important [e.g., conditions have changed; prior studies were conducted long ago, etc.].
• Describe the relationship each work has to the others under consideration that informs the reader why this case is applicable . Your literature review should include a description of any works that support using the case to investigate the research problem and the underlying research questions.
• Identify new ways to interpret prior research using the case study . If applicable, review any research that has examined the research problem using a different research design. Explain how your use of a case study design may reveal new knowledge or a new perspective or that can redirect research in an important new direction.
• Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies . This refers to synthesizing any literature that points to unresolved issues of concern about the research problem and describing how the subject of analysis that forms the case study can help resolve these existing contradictions.
• Point the way in fulfilling a need for additional research . Your review should examine any literature that lays a foundation for understanding why your case study design and the subject of analysis around which you have designed your study may reveal a new way of approaching the research problem or offer a perspective that points to the need for additional research.
• Expose any gaps that exist in the literature that the case study could help to fill . Summarize any literature that not only shows how your subject of analysis contributes to understanding the research problem, but how your case contributes to a new way of understanding the problem that prior research has failed to do.
• Locate your own research within the context of existing literature [very important!] . Collectively, your literature review should always place your case study within the larger domain of prior research about the problem. The overarching purpose of reviewing pertinent literature in a case study paper is to demonstrate that you have thoroughly identified and synthesized prior studies in relation to explaining the relevance of the case in addressing the research problem.

III.  Method

In this section, you explain why you selected a particular case [i.e., subject of analysis] and the strategy you used to identify and ultimately decide that your case was appropriate in addressing the research problem. The way you describe the methods used varies depending on the type of subject of analysis that constitutes your case study.

If your subject of analysis is an incident or event . In the social and behavioral sciences, the event or incident that represents the case to be studied is usually bounded by time and place, with a clear beginning and end and with an identifiable location or position relative to its surroundings. The subject of analysis can be a rare or critical event or it can focus on a typical or regular event. The purpose of studying a rare event is to illuminate new ways of thinking about the broader research problem or to test a hypothesis. Critical incident case studies must describe the method by which you identified the event and explain the process by which you determined the validity of this case to inform broader perspectives about the research problem or to reveal new findings. However, the event does not have to be a rare or uniquely significant to support new thinking about the research problem or to challenge an existing hypothesis. For example, Walo, Bull, and Breen conducted a case study to identify and evaluate the direct and indirect economic benefits and costs of a local sports event in the City of Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. The purpose of their study was to provide new insights from measuring the impact of a typical local sports event that prior studies could not measure well because they focused on large "mega-events." Whether the event is rare or not, the methods section should include an explanation of the following characteristics of the event: a) when did it take place; b) what were the underlying circumstances leading to the event; and, c) what were the consequences of the event in relation to the research problem.

If your subject of analysis is a person. Explain why you selected this particular individual to be studied and describe what experiences they have had that provide an opportunity to advance new understandings about the research problem. Mention any background about this person which might help the reader understand the significance of their experiences that make them worthy of study. This includes describing the relationships this person has had with other people, institutions, and/or events that support using them as the subject for a case study research paper. It is particularly important to differentiate the person as the subject of analysis from others and to succinctly explain how the person relates to examining the research problem [e.g., why is one politician in a particular local election used to show an increase in voter turnout from any other candidate running in the election]. Note that these issues apply to a specific group of people used as a case study unit of analysis [e.g., a classroom of students].

If your subject of analysis is a place. In general, a case study that investigates a place suggests a subject of analysis that is unique or special in some way and that this uniqueness can be used to build new understanding or knowledge about the research problem. A case study of a place must not only describe its various attributes relevant to the research problem [e.g., physical, social, historical, cultural, economic, political], but you must state the method by which you determined that this place will illuminate new understandings about the research problem. It is also important to articulate why a particular place as the case for study is being used if similar places also exist [i.e., if you are studying patterns of homeless encampments of veterans in open spaces, explain why you are studying Echo Park in Los Angeles rather than Griffith Park?]. If applicable, describe what type of human activity involving this place makes it a good choice to study [e.g., prior research suggests Echo Park has more homeless veterans].

If your subject of analysis is a phenomenon. A phenomenon refers to a fact, occurrence, or circumstance that can be studied or observed but with the cause or explanation to be in question. In this sense, a phenomenon that forms your subject of analysis can encompass anything that can be observed or presumed to exist but is not fully understood. In the social and behavioral sciences, the case usually focuses on human interaction within a complex physical, social, economic, cultural, or political system. For example, the phenomenon could be the observation that many vehicles used by ISIS fighters are small trucks with English language advertisements on them. The research problem could be that ISIS fighters are difficult to combat because they are highly mobile. The research questions could be how and by what means are these vehicles used by ISIS being supplied to the militants and how might supply lines to these vehicles be cut off? How might knowing the suppliers of these trucks reveal larger networks of collaborators and financial support? A case study of a phenomenon most often encompasses an in-depth analysis of a cause and effect that is grounded in an interactive relationship between people and their environment in some way.

NOTE:   The choice of the case or set of cases to study cannot appear random. Evidence that supports the method by which you identified and chose your subject of analysis should clearly support investigation of the research problem and linked to key findings from your literature review. Be sure to cite any studies that helped you determine that the case you chose was appropriate for examining the problem.

IV.  Discussion

The main elements of your discussion section are generally the same as any research paper, but centered around interpreting and drawing conclusions about the key findings from your analysis of the case study. Note that a general social sciences research paper may contain a separate section to report findings. However, in a paper designed around a case study, it is common to combine a description of the results with the discussion about their implications. The objectives of your discussion section should include the following:

Reiterate the Research Problem/State the Major Findings Briefly reiterate the research problem you are investigating and explain why the subject of analysis around which you designed the case study were used. You should then describe the findings revealed from your study of the case using direct, declarative, and succinct proclamation of the study results. Highlight any findings that were unexpected or especially profound.

Explain the Meaning of the Findings and Why They are Important Systematically explain the meaning of your case study findings and why you believe they are important. Begin this part of the section by repeating what you consider to be your most important or surprising finding first, then systematically review each finding. Be sure to thoroughly extrapolate what your analysis of the case can tell the reader about situations or conditions beyond the actual case that was studied while, at the same time, being careful not to misconstrue or conflate a finding that undermines the external validity of your conclusions.

Relate the Findings to Similar Studies No study in the social sciences is so novel or possesses such a restricted focus that it has absolutely no relation to previously published research. The discussion section should relate your case study results to those found in other studies, particularly if questions raised from prior studies served as the motivation for choosing your subject of analysis. This is important because comparing and contrasting the findings of other studies helps support the overall importance of your results and it highlights how and in what ways your case study design and the subject of analysis differs from prior research about the topic.

Consider Alternative Explanations of the Findings Remember that the purpose of social science research is to discover and not to prove. When writing the discussion section, you should carefully consider all possible explanations revealed by the case study results, rather than just those that fit your hypothesis or prior assumptions and biases. Be alert to what the in-depth analysis of the case may reveal about the research problem, including offering a contrarian perspective to what scholars have stated in prior research if that is how the findings can be interpreted from your case.

Acknowledge the Study's Limitations You can state the study's limitations in the conclusion section of your paper but describing the limitations of your subject of analysis in the discussion section provides an opportunity to identify the limitations and explain why they are not significant. This part of the discussion section should also note any unanswered questions or issues your case study could not address. More detailed information about how to document any limitations to your research can be found here .

Suggest Areas for Further Research Although your case study may offer important insights about the research problem, there are likely additional questions related to the problem that remain unanswered or findings that unexpectedly revealed themselves as a result of your in-depth analysis of the case. Be sure that the recommendations for further research are linked to the research problem and that you explain why your recommendations are valid in other contexts and based on the original assumptions of your study.

V.  Conclusion

As with any research paper, you should summarize your conclusion in clear, simple language; emphasize how the findings from your case study differs from or supports prior research and why. Do not simply reiterate the discussion section. Provide a synthesis of key findings presented in the paper to show how these converge to address the research problem. If you haven't already done so in the discussion section, be sure to document the limitations of your case study and any need for further research.

The function of your paper's conclusion is to: 1) reiterate the main argument supported by the findings from your case study; 2) state clearly the context, background, and necessity of pursuing the research problem using a case study design in relation to an issue, controversy, or a gap found from reviewing the literature; and, 3) provide a place to persuasively and succinctly restate the significance of your research problem, given that the reader has now been presented with in-depth information about the topic.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is appropriate:

• If the argument or purpose of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize these points for your reader.
• If prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the conclusion of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.
• Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration of the case study's findings that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from your case study findings.

Note that, depending on the discipline you are writing in or the preferences of your professor, the concluding paragraph may contain your final reflections on the evidence presented as it applies to practice or on the essay's central research problem. However, the nature of being introspective about the subject of analysis you have investigated will depend on whether you are explicitly asked to express your observations in this way.

Problems to Avoid

Overgeneralization One of the goals of a case study is to lay a foundation for understanding broader trends and issues applied to similar circumstances. However, be careful when drawing conclusions from your case study. They must be evidence-based and grounded in the results of the study; otherwise, it is merely speculation. Looking at a prior example, it would be incorrect to state that a factor in improving girls access to education in Azerbaijan and the policy implications this may have for improving access in other Muslim nations is due to girls access to social media if there is no documentary evidence from your case study to indicate this. There may be anecdotal evidence that retention rates were better for girls who were engaged with social media, but this observation would only point to the need for further research and would not be a definitive finding if this was not a part of your original research agenda.

Failure to Document Limitations No case is going to reveal all that needs to be understood about a research problem. Therefore, just as you have to clearly state the limitations of a general research study , you must describe the specific limitations inherent in the subject of analysis. For example, the case of studying how women conceptualize the need for water conservation in a village in Uganda could have limited application in other cultural contexts or in areas where fresh water from rivers or lakes is plentiful and, therefore, conservation is understood more in terms of managing access rather than preserving access to a scarce resource.

Failure to Extrapolate All Possible Implications Just as you don't want to over-generalize from your case study findings, you also have to be thorough in the consideration of all possible outcomes or recommendations derived from your findings. If you do not, your reader may question the validity of your analysis, particularly if you failed to document an obvious outcome from your case study research. For example, in the case of studying the accident at the railroad crossing to evaluate where and what types of warning signals should be located, you failed to take into consideration speed limit signage as well as warning signals. When designing your case study, be sure you have thoroughly addressed all aspects of the problem and do not leave gaps in your analysis that leave the reader questioning the results.

Case Studies. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Gerring, John. Case Study Research: Principles and Practices . New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007; Merriam, Sharan B. Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications in Education . Rev. ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1998; Miller, Lisa L. “The Use of Case Studies in Law and Social Science Research.” Annual Review of Law and Social Science 14 (2018): TBD; Mills, Albert J., Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Putney, LeAnn Grogan. "Case Study." In Encyclopedia of Research Design , Neil J. Salkind, editor. (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010), pp. 116-120; Simons, Helen. Case Study Research in Practice . London: SAGE Publications, 2009;  Kratochwill,  Thomas R. and Joel R. Levin, editors. Single-Case Research Design and Analysis: New Development for Psychology and Education .  Hilldsale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1992; Swanborn, Peter G. Case Study Research: What, Why and How? London : SAGE, 2010; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods . 6th edition. Los Angeles, CA, SAGE Publications, 2014; Walo, Maree, Adrian Bull, and Helen Breen. “Achieving Economic Benefits at Local Events: A Case Study of a Local Sports Event.” Festival Management and Event Tourism 4 (1996): 95-106.

Writing Tip

At Least Five Misconceptions about Case Study Research

Social science case studies are often perceived as limited in their ability to create new knowledge because they are not randomly selected and findings cannot be generalized to larger populations. Flyvbjerg examines five misunderstandings about case study research and systematically "corrects" each one. To quote, these are:

Misunderstanding 1 :  General, theoretical [context-independent] knowledge is more valuable than concrete, practical [context-dependent] knowledge. Misunderstanding 2 :  One cannot generalize on the basis of an individual case; therefore, the case study cannot contribute to scientific development. Misunderstanding 3 :  The case study is most useful for generating hypotheses; that is, in the first stage of a total research process, whereas other methods are more suitable for hypotheses testing and theory building. Misunderstanding 4 :  The case study contains a bias toward verification, that is, a tendency to confirm the researcher’s preconceived notions. Misunderstanding 5 :  It is often difficult to summarize and develop general propositions and theories on the basis of specific case studies [p. 221].

While writing your paper, think introspectively about how you addressed these misconceptions because to do so can help you strengthen the validity and reliability of your research by clarifying issues of case selection, the testing and challenging of existing assumptions, the interpretation of key findings, and the summation of case outcomes. Think of a case study research paper as a complete, in-depth narrative about the specific properties and key characteristics of your subject of analysis applied to the research problem.

Flyvbjerg, Bent. “Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research.” Qualitative Inquiry 12 (April 2006): 219-245.

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All You Wanted to Know About How to Write a Case Study

What do you study in your college? If you are a psychology, sociology, or anthropology student, we bet you might be familiar with what a case study is. This research method is used to study a certain person, group, or situation. In this guide from our dissertation writing service , you will learn how to write a case study professionally, from researching to citing sources properly. Also, we will explore different types of case studies and show you examples — so that you won’t have any other questions left.

What Is a Case Study?

A case study is a subcategory of research design which investigates problems and offers solutions. Case studies can range from academic research studies to corporate promotional tools trying to sell an idea—their scope is quite vast.

What Is the Difference Between a Research Paper and a Case Study?

While research papers turn the reader’s attention to a certain problem, case studies go even further. Case study guidelines require students to pay attention to details, examining issues closely and in-depth using different research methods. For example, case studies may be used to examine court cases if you study Law, or a patient's health history if you study Medicine. Case studies are also used in Marketing, which are thorough, empirically supported analysis of a good or service's performance. Well-designed case studies can be valuable for prospective customers as they can identify and solve the potential customers pain point.

Case studies involve a lot of storytelling – they usually examine particular cases for a person or a group of people. This method of research is very helpful, as it is very practical and can give a lot of hands-on information. Most commonly, the length of the case study is about 500-900 words, which is much less than the length of an average research paper.

The structure of a case study is very similar to storytelling. It has a protagonist or main character, which in your case is actually a problem you are trying to solve. You can use the system of 3 Acts to make it a compelling story. It should have an introduction, rising action, a climax where transformation occurs, falling action, and a solution.

Here is a rough formula for you to use in your case study:

Problem (Act I): > Solution (Act II) > Result (Act III) > Conclusion.

Types of Case Studies

The purpose of a case study is to provide detailed reports on an event, an institution, a place, future customers, or pretty much anything. There are a few common types of case study, but the type depends on the topic. The following are the most common domains where case studies are needed:

• Historical case studies are great to learn from. Historical events have a multitude of source info offering different perspectives. There are always modern parallels where these perspectives can be applied, compared, and thoroughly analyzed.
• Problem-oriented case studies are usually used for solving problems. These are often assigned as theoretical situations where you need to immerse yourself in the situation to examine it. Imagine you’re working for a startup and you’ve just noticed a significant flaw in your product’s design. Before taking it to the senior manager, you want to do a comprehensive study on the issue and provide solutions. On a greater scale, problem-oriented case studies are a vital part of relevant socio-economic discussions.
• Cumulative case studies collect information and offer comparisons. In business, case studies are often used to tell people about the value of a product.
• Critical case studies explore the causes and effects of a certain case.
• Illustrative case studies describe certain events, investigating outcomes and lessons learned.

Need a compelling case study? EssayPro has got you covered. Our experts are ready to provide you with detailed, insightful case studies that capture the essence of real-world scenarios. Elevate your academic work with our professional assistance.

Case Study Format

The case study format is typically made up of eight parts:

• Executive Summary. Explain what you will examine in the case study. Write an overview of the field you’re researching. Make a thesis statement and sum up the results of your observation in a maximum of 2 sentences.
• Background. Provide background information and the most relevant facts. Isolate the issues.
• Case Evaluation. Isolate the sections of the study you want to focus on. In it, explain why something is working or is not working.
• Proposed Solutions. Offer realistic ways to solve what isn’t working or how to improve its current condition. Explain why these solutions work by offering testable evidence.
• Conclusion. Summarize the main points from the case evaluations and proposed solutions. 6. Recommendations. Talk about the strategy that you should choose. Explain why this choice is the most appropriate.
• Implementation. Explain how to put the specific strategies into action.
• References. Provide all the citations.

How to Write a Case Study

Let's discover how to write a case study.

Setting Up the Research

When writing a case study, remember that research should always come first. Reading many different sources and analyzing other points of view will help you come up with more creative solutions. You can also conduct an actual interview to thoroughly investigate the customer story that you'll need for your case study. Including all of the necessary research, writing a case study may take some time. The research process involves doing the following:

• Define your objective. Explain the reason why you’re presenting your subject. Figure out where you will feature your case study; whether it is written, on video, shown as an infographic, streamed as a podcast, etc.
• Determine who will be the right candidate for your case study. Get permission, quotes, and other features that will make your case study effective. Get in touch with your candidate to see if they approve of being part of your work. Study that candidate’s situation and note down what caused it.
• Identify which various consequences could result from the situation. Follow these guidelines on how to start a case study: surf the net to find some general information you might find useful.
• Make a list of credible sources and examine them. Seek out important facts and highlight problems. Always write down your ideas and make sure to brainstorm.
• Focus on several key issues – why they exist, and how they impact your research subject. Think of several unique solutions. Draw from class discussions, readings, and personal experience. When writing a case study, focus on the best solution and explore it in depth. After having all your research in place, writing a case study will be easy. You may first want to check the rubric and criteria of your assignment for the correct case study structure.

Read Also: ' WHAT IS A CREDIBLE SOURCES ?'

Although your instructor might be looking at slightly different criteria, every case study rubric essentially has the same standards. Your professor will want you to exhibit 8 different outcomes:

• Correctly identify the concepts, theories, and practices in the discipline.
• Identify the relevant theories and principles associated with the particular study.
• Evaluate legal and ethical principles and apply them to your decision-making.
• Recognize the global importance and contribution of your case.
• Construct a coherent summary and explanation of the study.
• Demonstrate analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Explain the interrelationships between the environment and nature.
• Integrate theory and practice of the discipline within the analysis.

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Case Study Outline

Let's look at the structure of an outline based on the issue of the alcoholic addiction of 30 people.

Introduction

• Statement of the issue: Alcoholism is a disease rather than a weakness of character.
• Presentation of the problem: Alcoholism is affecting more than 14 million people in the USA, which makes it the third most common mental illness there.
• Explanation of the terms: In the past, alcoholism was commonly referred to as alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is now the more severe stage of this addiction in the disorder spectrum.
• Hypotheses: Drinking in excess can lead to the use of other drugs.
• Importance of your story: How the information you present can help people with their addictions.
• Background of the story: Include an explanation of why you chose this topic.
• Presentation of analysis and data: Describe the criteria for choosing 30 candidates, the structure of the interview, and the outcomes.
• Strong argument 1: ex. X% of candidates dealing with anxiety and depression...
• Strong argument 2: ex. X amount of people started drinking by their mid-teens.
• Strong argument 3: ex. X% of respondents’ parents had issues with alcohol.
• Concluding statement: I have researched if alcoholism is a disease and found out that…
• Recommendations: Ways and actions for preventing alcohol use.

Writing a Case Study Draft

After you’ve done your case study research and written the outline, it’s time to focus on the draft. In a draft, you have to develop and write your case study by using: the data which you collected throughout the research, interviews, and the analysis processes that were undertaken. Follow these rules for the draft:

• Your draft should contain at least 4 sections: an introduction; a body where you should include background information, an explanation of why you decided to do this case study, and a presentation of your main findings; a conclusion where you present data; and references.
• In the introduction, you should set the pace very clearly. You can even raise a question or quote someone you interviewed in the research phase. It must provide adequate background information on the topic. The background may include analyses of previous studies on your topic. Include the aim of your case here as well. Think of it as a thesis statement. The aim must describe the purpose of your work—presenting the issues that you want to tackle. Include background information, such as photos or videos you used when doing the research.
• Describe your unique research process, whether it was through interviews, observations, academic journals, etc. The next point includes providing the results of your research. Tell the audience what you found out. Why is this important, and what could be learned from it? Discuss the real implications of the problem and its significance in the world.
• Include quotes and data (such as findings, percentages, and awards). This will add a personal touch and better credibility to the case you present. Explain what results you find during your interviews in regards to the problem and how it developed. Also, write about solutions which have already been proposed by other people who have already written about this case.
• At the end of your case study, you should offer possible solutions, but don’t worry about solving them yourself.

Use Data to Illustrate Key Points in Your Case Study

Even though your case study is a story, it should be based on evidence. Use as much data as possible to illustrate your point. Without the right data, your case study may appear weak and the readers may not be able to relate to your issue as much as they should. Let's see the examples from essay writing service :

‍ With data: Alcoholism is affecting more than 14 million people in the USA, which makes it the third most common mental illness there. Without data: A lot of people suffer from alcoholism in the United States.

Try to include as many credible sources as possible. You may have terms or sources that could be hard for other cultures to understand. If this is the case, you should include them in the appendix or Notes for the Instructor or Professor.

Finalizing the Draft: Checklist

After you finish drafting your case study, polish it up by answering these ‘ask yourself’ questions and think about how to end your case study:

• Check that you follow the correct case study format, also in regards to text formatting.
• Check that your work is consistent with its referencing and citation style.
• Micro-editing — check for grammar and spelling issues.
• Macro-editing — does ‘the big picture’ come across to the reader? Is there enough raw data, such as real-life examples or personal experiences? Have you made your data collection process completely transparent? Does your analysis provide a clear conclusion, allowing for further research and practice?

Problems to avoid:

• Overgeneralization – Do not go into further research that deviates from the main problem.
• Failure to Document Limitations – Just as you have to clearly state the limitations of a general research study, you must describe the specific limitations inherent in the subject of analysis.
• Failure to Extrapolate All Possible Implications – Just as you don't want to over-generalize from your case study findings, you also have to be thorough in the consideration of all possible outcomes or recommendations derived from your findings.

How to Create a Title Page and Cite a Case Study

Let's see how to create an awesome title page.

Your title page depends on the prescribed citation format. The title page should include:

• A title that attracts some attention and describes your study
• The title should have the words “case study” in it
• The title should range between 5-9 words in length
• Your name and contact information
• Your finished paper should be only 500 to 1,500 words in length.With this type of assignment, write effectively and avoid fluff

Here is a template for the APA and MLA format title page:

There are some cases when you need to cite someone else's study in your own one – therefore, you need to master how to cite a case study. A case study is like a research paper when it comes to citations. You can cite it like you cite a book, depending on what style you need.

Citation Example in MLA ‍ Hill, Linda, Tarun Khanna, and Emily A. Stecker. HCL Technologies. Boston: Harvard Business Publishing, 2008. Print.

Citation Example in APA ‍ Hill, L., Khanna, T., & Stecker, E. A. (2008). HCL Technologies. Boston: Harvard Business Publishing.

Citation Example in Chicago Hill, Linda, Tarun Khanna, and Emily A. Stecker. HCL Technologies.

Case Study Examples

To give you an idea of a professional case study example, we gathered and linked some below.

Eastman Kodak Case Study

Case Study Example: Audi Trains Mexican Autoworkers in Germany

To conclude, a case study is one of the best methods of getting an overview of what happened to a person, a group, or a situation in practice. It allows you to have an in-depth glance at the real-life problems that businesses, healthcare industry, criminal justice, etc. may face. This insight helps us look at such situations in a different light. This is because we see scenarios that we otherwise would not, without necessarily being there. If you need custom essays , try our research paper writing services .

Get Help Form Qualified Writers

Crafting a case study is not easy. You might want to write one of high quality, but you don’t have the time or expertise. If you’re having trouble with your case study, help with essay request - we'll help. EssayPro writers have read and written countless case studies and are experts in endless disciplines. Request essay writing, editing, or proofreading assistance from our custom case study writing service , and all of your worries will be gone.

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What Is A Case Study?

How to cite a case study in apa, how to write a case study.

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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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Top 40 Most Popular Case Studies of 2021

Two cases about Hertz claimed top spots in 2021's Top 40 Most Popular Case Studies

Two cases on the uses of debt and equity at Hertz claimed top spots in the CRDT’s (Case Research and Development Team) 2021 top 40 review of cases.

Hertz (A) took the top spot. The case details the financial structure of the rental car company through the end of 2019. Hertz (B), which ranked third in CRDT’s list, describes the company’s struggles during the early part of the COVID pandemic and its eventual need to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

The success of the Hertz cases was unprecedented for the top 40 list. Usually, cases take a number of years to gain popularity, but the Hertz cases claimed top spots in their first year of release. Hertz (A) also became the first ‘cooked’ case to top the annual review, as all of the other winners had been web-based ‘raw’ cases.

Besides introducing students to the complicated financing required to maintain an enormous fleet of cars, the Hertz cases also expanded the diversity of case protagonists. Kathyrn Marinello was the CEO of Hertz during this period and the CFO, Jamere Jackson is black.

Sandwiched between the two Hertz cases, Coffee 2016, a perennial best seller, finished second. “Glory, Glory, Man United!” a case about an English football team’s IPO made a surprise move to number four.  Cases on search fund boards, the future of malls,  Norway’s Sovereign Wealth fund, Prodigy Finance, the Mayo Clinic, and Cadbury rounded out the top ten.

Other year-end data for 2021 showed:

• Online “raw” case usage remained steady as compared to 2020 with over 35K users from 170 countries and all 50 U.S. states interacting with 196 cases.
• Fifty four percent of raw case users came from outside the U.S..
• The Yale School of Management (SOM) case study directory pages received over 160K page views from 177 countries with approximately a third originating in India followed by the U.S. and the Philippines.
• Twenty-six of the cases in the list are raw cases.
• A third of the cases feature a woman protagonist.
• Orders for Yale SOM case studies increased by almost 50% compared to 2020.
• The top 40 cases were supervised by 19 different Yale SOM faculty members, several supervising multiple cases.

CRDT compiled the Top 40 list by combining data from its case store, Google Analytics, and other measures of interest and adoption.

All of this year’s Top 40 cases are available for purchase from the Yale Management Media store .

And the Top 40 cases studies of 2021 are:

1.   Hertz Global Holdings (A): Uses of Debt and Equity

2.   Coffee 2016

3.   Hertz Global Holdings (B): Uses of Debt and Equity 2020

4.   Glory, Glory Man United!

5.   Search Fund Company Boards: How CEOs Can Build Boards to Help Them Thrive

6.   The Future of Malls: Was Decline Inevitable?

7.   Strategy for Norway's Pension Fund Global

8.   Prodigy Finance

9.   Design at Mayo

10. Cadbury

11. City Hospital Emergency Room

13. Volkswagen

14. Marina Bay Sands

15. Shake Shack IPO

16. Mastercard

17. Netflix

18. Ant Financial

19. AXA: Creating the New CR Metrics

20. IBM Corporate Service Corps

21. Business Leadership in South Africa's 1994 Reforms

22. Alternative Meat Industry

23. Children's Premier

24. Khalil Tawil and Umi (A)

25. Palm Oil 2016

26. Teach For All: Designing a Global Network

27. What's Next? Search Fund Entrepreneurs Reflect on Life After Exit

28. Searching for a Search Fund Structure: A Student Takes a Tour of Various Options

30. Project Sammaan

31. Commonfund ESG

32. Polaroid

33. Connecticut Green Bank 2018: After the Raid

34. FieldFresh Foods

35. The Alibaba Group

36. 360 State Street: Real Options

37. Herman Miller

38. AgBiome

39. Nathan Cummings Foundation

40. Toyota 2010

Center for Teaching

Case studies.

Print Version

Case studies are stories that are used as a teaching tool to show the application of a theory or concept to real situations. Dependent on the goal they are meant to fulfill, cases can be fact-driven and deductive where there is a correct answer, or they can be context driven where multiple solutions are possible. Various disciplines have employed case studies, including humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, law, business, and medicine. Good cases generally have the following features: they tell a good story, are recent, include dialogue, create empathy with the main characters, are relevant to the reader, serve a teaching function, require a dilemma to be solved, and have generality.

Instructors can create their own cases or can find cases that already exist. The following are some things to keep in mind when creating a case:

• What do you want students to learn from the discussion of the case?
• What do they already know that applies to the case?
• What are the issues that may be raised in discussion?
• How will the case and discussion be introduced?
• What preparation is expected of students? (Do they need to read the case ahead of time? Do research? Write anything?)
• What directions do you need to provide students regarding what they are supposed to do and accomplish?
• Do you need to divide students into groups or will they discuss as the whole class?
• Are you going to use role-playing or facilitators or record keepers? If so, how?
• What are the opening questions?
• How much time is needed for students to discuss the case?
• What concepts are to be applied/extracted during the discussion?
• How will you evaluate students?

To find other cases that already exist, try the following websites:

• The National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science , University of Buffalo. SUNY-Buffalo maintains this set of links to other case studies on the web in disciplines ranging from engineering and ethics to sociology and business
• A Journal of Teaching Cases in Public Administration and Public Policy , University of Washington

For more information:

• World Association for Case Method Research and Application

Book Review :  Teaching and the Case Method , 3rd ed., vols. 1 and 2, by Louis Barnes, C. Roland (Chris) Christensen, and Abby Hansen. Harvard Business School Press, 1994; 333 pp. (vol 1), 412 pp. (vol 2).

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Writing A Case Study

Case Study Examples

Brilliant Case Study Examples and Templates For Your Help

15 min read

People also read

A Complete Case Study Writing Guide With Examples

Simple Case Study Format for Students to Follow

Understand the Types of Case Study Here

It’s no surprise that writing a case study is one of the most challenging academic tasks for students. You’re definitely not alone here!

Most people don't realize that there are specific guidelines to follow when writing a case study. If you don't know where to start, it's easy to get overwhelmed and give up before you even begin.

Don't worry! Let us help you out!

We've collected over 25 free case study examples with solutions just for you. These samples with solutions will help you win over your panel and score high marks on your case studies.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive in and learn the secrets to writing a successful case study.

• 1. An Overview of Case Studies
• 2. Case Study Examples for Students
• 3. Business Case Study Examples
• 4. Medical Case Study Examples
• 5. Psychology Case Study Examples 
• 6. Sales Case Study Examples
• 7. Interview Case Study Examples
• 8. Marketing Case Study Examples
• 9. Tips to Write a Good Case Study

An Overview of Case Studies

A case study is a research method used to study a particular individual, group, or situation in depth. It involves analyzing and interpreting data from a variety of sources to gain insight into the subject being studied. 

Case studies are often used in psychology, business, and education to explore complicated problems and find solutions. They usually have detailed descriptions of the subject, background info, and an analysis of the main issues.

The goal of a case study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Typically, case studies can be divided into three parts, challenges, solutions, and results. 

Here is a case study sample PDF so you can have a clearer understanding of what a case study actually is:

Case Study Sample PDF

How to Write a Case Study Examples

Learn how to write a case study with the help of our comprehensive case study guide.

Case Study Examples for Students

Quite often, students are asked to present case studies in their academic journeys. The reason instructors assign case studies is for students to sharpen their critical analysis skills, understand how companies make profits, etc.

Below are some case study examples in research, suitable for students:

Case Study Example in Software Engineering

Qualitative Research Case Study Sample

Software Quality Assurance Case Study

Social Work Case Study Example

Ethical Case Study

Case Study Example PDF

These examples can guide you on how to structure and format your own case studies.

Struggling with formatting your case study? Check this case study format guide and perfect your document’s structure today.

Business Case Study Examples

A business case study examines a business’s specific challenge or goal and how it should be solved. Business case studies usually focus on several details related to the initial challenge and proposed solution. 

To help you out, here are some samples so you can create case studies that are related to businesses: 

Here are some more business case study examples:

Business Case Studies PDF

Business Case Studies Example

Typically, a business case study discovers one of your customer's stories and how you solved a problem for them. It allows your prospects to see how your solutions address their needs. 

Medical Case Study Examples

Medical case studies are an essential part of medical education. They help students to understand how to diagnose and treat patients. 

Here are some medical case study examples to help you.

Medical Case Study Example

Nursing Case Study Example

Want to understand the various types of case studies? Check out our types of case study blog to select the perfect type.

Psychology Case Study Examples 

Case studies are a great way of investigating individuals with psychological abnormalities. This is why it is a very common assignment in psychology courses. 

By examining all the aspects of your subject’s life, you discover the possible causes of exhibiting such behavior. 

For your help, here are some interesting psychology case study examples:

Psychology Case Study Example

Mental Health Case Study Example

Sales Case Study Examples

Case studies are important tools for sales teams’ performance improvement. By examining sales successes, teams can gain insights into effective strategies and create action plans to employ similar tactics.

By researching case studies of successful sales campaigns, sales teams can more accurately identify challenges and develop solutions.

Sales Case Study Example

Interview Case Study Examples

Interview case studies provide businesses with invaluable information. This data allows them to make informed decisions related to certain markets or subjects.

Interview Case Study Example

Marketing Case Study Examples

Marketing case studies are real-life stories that showcase how a business solves a problem. They typically discuss how a business achieves a goal using a specific marketing strategy or tactic.

They typically describe a challenge faced by a business, the solution implemented, and the results achieved.

This is a short sample marketing case study for you to get an idea of what an actual marketing case study looks like.

 Here are some more popular marketing studies that show how companies use case studies as a means of marketing and promotion:

“Chevrolet Discover the Unexpected” by Carol H. Williams

This case study explores Chevrolet's “ DTU Journalism Fellows ” program. The case study uses the initials “DTU” to generate interest and encourage readers to learn more. 

Multiple types of media, such as images and videos, are used to explain the challenges faced. The case study concludes with an overview of the achievements that were met.

Key points from the case study include:

• Using a well-known brand name in the title can create interest.
• Combining different media types, such as headings, images, and videos, can help engage readers and make the content more memorable.
• Providing a summary of the key achievements at the end of the case study can help readers better understand the project's impact.

“The Met” by Fantasy

“ The Met ” by Fantasy is a fictional redesign of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, created by the design studio Fantasy. The case study clearly and simply showcases the museum's website redesign.

The Met emphasizes the website’s features and interface by showcasing each section of the interface individually, allowing the readers to concentrate on the significant elements.

For those who prefer text, each feature includes an objective description. The case study also includes a “Contact Us” call-to-action at the bottom of the page, inviting visitors to contact the company.

Key points from this “The Met” include:

• Keeping the case study simple and clean can help readers focus on the most important aspects.
• Presenting the features and solutions with a visual showcase can be more effective than writing a lot of text.
• Including a clear call-to-action at the end of the case study can encourage visitors to contact the company for more information.

“Better Experiences for All” by Herman Miller

Herman Miller's minimalist approach to furniture design translates to their case study, “ Better Experiences for All ”, for a Dubai hospital. The page features a captivating video with closed-captioning and expandable text for accessibility.

The case study presents a wealth of information in a concise format, enabling users to grasp the complexities of the strategy with ease. It concludes with a client testimonial and a list of furniture items purchased from the brand.

Key points from the “Better Experiences” include:

• Make sure your case study is user-friendly by including accessibility features like closed captioning and expandable text.
• Include a list of products that were used in the project to guide potential customers.

“NetApp” by Evisort 

Evisort's case study on “ NetApp ” stands out for its informative and compelling approach. The study begins with a client-centric overview of NetApp, strategically directing attention to the client rather than the company or team involved.

The case study incorporates client quotes and explores NetApp’s challenges during COVID-19. Evisort showcases its value as a client partner by showing how its services supported NetApp through difficult times. 

• Provide an overview of the company in the client’s words, and put focus on the customer. 
• Highlight how your services can help clients during challenging times.
• Make your case study accessible by providing it in various formats.

“Red Sox Season Campaign,” by CTP Boston

The “ Red Sox Season Campaign ” showcases a perfect blend of different media, such as video, text, and images. Upon visiting the page, the video plays automatically, there are videos of Red Sox players, their images, and print ads that can be enlarged with a click.

The page features an intuitive design and invites viewers to appreciate CTP's well-rounded campaign for Boston's beloved baseball team. There’s also a CTA that prompts viewers to learn how CTP can create a similar campaign for their brand.

Some key points to take away from the “Red Sox Season Campaign”: 

• Including a variety of media such as video, images, and text can make your case study more engaging and compelling.
• Include a call-to-action at the end of your study that encourages viewers to take the next step towards becoming a customer or prospect.

“Airbnb + Zendesk” by Zendesk

The case study by Zendesk, titled “ Airbnb + Zendesk : Building a powerful solution together,” showcases a true partnership between Airbnb and Zendesk. 

The article begins with an intriguing opening statement, “Halfway around the globe is a place to stay with your name on it. At least for a weekend,” and uses stunning images of beautiful Airbnb locations to captivate readers.

Instead of solely highlighting Zendesk's product, the case study is crafted to tell a good story and highlight Airbnb's service in detail. This strategy makes the case study more authentic and relatable.

Some key points to take away from this case study are:

• Use client's offerings' images rather than just screenshots of your own product or service.
• To begin the case study, it is recommended to include a distinct CTA. For instance, Zendesk presents two alternatives, namely to initiate a trial or seek a solution.

“Influencer Marketing” by Trend and WarbyParker

The case study "Influencer Marketing" by Trend and Warby Parker highlights the potential of influencer content marketing, even when working with a limited budget. 

The “Wearing Warby” campaign involved influencers wearing Warby Parker glasses during their daily activities, providing a glimpse of the brand's products in use. 

This strategy enhanced the brand's relatability with influencers' followers. While not detailing specific tactics, the case study effectively illustrates the impact of third-person case studies in showcasing campaign results.

Key points to take away from this case study are:

• Influencer marketing can be effective even with a limited budget.
• Showcasing products being used in everyday life can make a brand more approachable and relatable.
• Third-person case studies can be useful in highlighting the success of a campaign.

Marketing Case Study Example

Marketing Case Study Template

Now that you have read multiple case study examples, hop on to our tips.

Tips to Write a Good Case Study

Here are some note-worthy tips to craft a winning case study 

• Define the purpose of the case study This will help you to focus on the most important aspects of the case. The case study objective helps to ensure that your finished product is concise and to the point.
• Choose a real-life example. One of the best ways to write a successful case study is to choose a real-life example. This will give your readers a chance to see how the concepts apply in a real-world setting.
• Keep it brief. This means that you should only include information that is directly relevant to your topic and avoid adding unnecessary details.
• Use strong evidence. To make your case study convincing, you will need to use strong evidence. This can include statistics, data from research studies, or quotes from experts in the field.
• Edit and proofread your work. Before you submit your case study, be sure to edit and proofread your work carefully. This will help to ensure that there are no errors and that your paper is clear and concise.

There you go!

We’re sure that now you have secrets to writing a great case study at your fingertips! This blog teaches the key guidelines of various case studies with samples. So grab your pen and start crafting a winning case study right away!

Having said that, we do understand that some of you might be having a hard time writing compelling case studies.

But worry not! Our expert case study writing service is here to take all your case-writing blues away! 

With 100% thorough research guaranteed, our online essay service can craft an amazing case study within 24 hours! 

So why delay? Let us help you shine in the eyes of your instructor!

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Making Learning Relevant With Case Studies

The open-ended problems presented in case studies give students work that feels connected to their lives.

To prepare students for jobs that haven’t been created yet, we need to teach them how to be great problem solvers so that they’ll be ready for anything. One way to do this is by teaching content and skills using real-world case studies, a learning model that’s focused on reflection during the problem-solving process. It’s similar to project-based learning, but PBL is more focused on students creating a product.

Case studies have been used for years by businesses, law and medical schools, physicians on rounds, and artists critiquing work. Like other forms of problem-based learning, case studies can be accessible for every age group, both in one subject and in interdisciplinary work.

You can get started with case studies by tackling relatable questions like these with your students:

• How can we limit food waste in the cafeteria?
• How can we get our school to recycle and compost waste? (Or, if you want to be more complex, how can our school reduce its carbon footprint?)
• How can we improve school attendance?
• How can we reduce the number of people who get sick at school during cold and flu season?

Addressing questions like these leads students to identify topics they need to learn more about. In researching the first question, for example, students may see that they need to research food chains and nutrition. Students often ask, reasonably, why they need to learn something, or when they’ll use their knowledge in the future. Learning is most successful for students when the content and skills they’re studying are relevant, and case studies offer one way to create that sense of relevance.

Teaching With Case Studies

Ultimately, a case study is simply an interesting problem with many correct answers. What does case study work look like in classrooms? Teachers generally start by having students read the case or watch a video that summarizes the case. Students then work in small groups or individually to solve the case study. Teachers set milestones defining what students should accomplish to help them manage their time.

During the case study learning process, student assessment of learning should be focused on reflection. Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick’s Learning and Leading With Habits of Mind gives several examples of what this reflection can look like in a classroom: 

Journaling: At the end of each work period, have students write an entry summarizing what they worked on, what worked well, what didn’t, and why. Sentence starters and clear rubrics or guidelines will help students be successful. At the end of a case study project, as Costa and Kallick write, it’s helpful to have students “select significant learnings, envision how they could apply these learnings to future situations, and commit to an action plan to consciously modify their behaviors.”

Interviews: While working on a case study, students can interview each other about their progress and learning. Teachers can interview students individually or in small groups to assess their learning process and their progress.

Student discussion: Discussions can be unstructured—students can talk about what they worked on that day in a think-pair-share or as a full class—or structured, using Socratic seminars or fishbowl discussions. If your class is tackling a case study in small groups, create a second set of small groups with a representative from each of the case study groups so that the groups can share their learning.

4 Tips for Setting Up a Case Study

1. Identify a problem to investigate: This should be something accessible and relevant to students’ lives. The problem should also be challenging and complex enough to yield multiple solutions with many layers.

2. Give context: Think of this step as a movie preview or book summary. Hook the learners to help them understand just enough about the problem to want to learn more.

3. Have a clear rubric: Giving structure to your definition of quality group work and products will lead to stronger end products. You may be able to have your learners help build these definitions.

4. Provide structures for presenting solutions: The amount of scaffolding you build in depends on your students’ skill level and development. A case study product can be something like several pieces of evidence of students collaborating to solve the case study, and ultimately presenting their solution with a detailed slide deck or an essay—you can scaffold this by providing specified headings for the sections of the essay.

Problem-Based Teaching Resources

There are many high-quality, peer-reviewed resources that are open source and easily accessible online.

• The National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science at the University at Buffalo built an online collection of more than 800 cases that cover topics ranging from biochemistry to economics. There are resources for middle and high school students.
• Models of Excellence , a project maintained by EL Education and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has examples of great problem- and project-based tasks—and corresponding exemplary student work—for grades pre-K to 12.
• The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning at Purdue University is an open-source journal that publishes examples of problem-based learning in K–12 and post-secondary classrooms.
• The Tech Edvocate has a list of websites and tools related to problem-based learning.

In their book Problems as Possibilities , Linda Torp and Sara Sage write that at the elementary school level, students particularly appreciate how they feel that they are taken seriously when solving case studies. At the middle school level, “researchers stress the importance of relating middle school curriculum to issues of student concern and interest.” And high schoolers, they write, find the case study method “beneficial in preparing them for their future.”

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• Methodology
• Case Study | Definition, Examples & Methods

Case Study | Definition, Examples & Methods

Published on 5 May 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 30 January 2023.

A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organisation, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research.

A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods , but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing , comparing, evaluating, and understanding different aspects of a research problem .

Table of contents

When to do a case study, step 1: select a case, step 2: build a theoretical framework, step 3: collect your data, step 4: describe and analyse the case.

A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case.

Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation . They keep your project focused and manageable when you don’t have the time or resources to do large-scale research.

You might use just one complex case study where you explore a single subject in depth, or conduct multiple case studies to compare and illuminate different aspects of your research problem.

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Once you have developed your problem statement and research questions , you should be ready to choose the specific case that you want to focus on. A good case study should have the potential to:

• Provide new or unexpected insights into the subject
• Challenge or complicate existing assumptions and theories
• Propose practical courses of action to resolve a problem
• Open up new directions for future research

Unlike quantitative or experimental research, a strong case study does not require a random or representative sample. In fact, case studies often deliberately focus on unusual, neglected, or outlying cases which may shed new light on the research problem.

If you find yourself aiming to simultaneously investigate and solve an issue, consider conducting action research . As its name suggests, action research conducts research and takes action at the same time, and is highly iterative and flexible. 

However, you can also choose a more common or representative case to exemplify a particular category, experience, or phenomenon.

While case studies focus more on concrete details than general theories, they should usually have some connection with theory in the field. This way the case study is not just an isolated description, but is integrated into existing knowledge about the topic. It might aim to:

• Exemplify a theory by showing how it explains the case under investigation
• Expand on a theory by uncovering new concepts and ideas that need to be incorporated
• Challenge a theory by exploring an outlier case that doesn’t fit with established assumptions

To ensure that your analysis of the case has a solid academic grounding, you should conduct a literature review of sources related to the topic and develop a theoretical framework . This means identifying key concepts and theories to guide your analysis and interpretation.

There are many different research methods you can use to collect data on your subject. Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews, observations, and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g., newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data .

The aim is to gain as thorough an understanding as possible of the case and its context.

In writing up the case study, you need to bring together all the relevant aspects to give as complete a picture as possible of the subject.

How you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing. Some case studies are structured like a standard scientific paper or thesis, with separate sections or chapters for the methods , results , and discussion .

Others are written in a more narrative style, aiming to explore the case from various angles and analyse its meanings and implications (for example, by using textual analysis or discourse analysis ).

In all cases, though, make sure to give contextual details about the case, connect it back to the literature and theory, and discuss how it fits into wider patterns or debates.

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McCombes, S. (2023, January 30). Case Study | Definition, Examples & Methods. Scribbr. Retrieved 31 May 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/research-methods/case-studies/

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Case Study Research Method in Psychology

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Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

Case studies are in-depth investigations of a person, group, event, or community. Typically, data is gathered from various sources using several methods (e.g., observations & interviews).

The case study research method originated in clinical medicine (the case history, i.e., the patient’s personal history). In psychology, case studies are often confined to the study of a particular individual.

The information is mainly biographical and relates to events in the individual’s past (i.e., retrospective), as well as to significant events that are currently occurring in his or her everyday life.

The case study is not a research method, but researchers select methods of data collection and analysis that will generate material suitable for case studies.

Freud (1909a, 1909b) conducted very detailed investigations into the private lives of his patients in an attempt to both understand and help them overcome their illnesses.

This makes it clear that the case study is a method that should only be used by a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist, i.e., someone with a professional qualification.

There is an ethical issue of competence. Only someone qualified to diagnose and treat a person can conduct a formal case study relating to atypical (i.e., abnormal) behavior or atypical development.

 Famous Case Studies

• Anna O – One of the most famous case studies, documenting psychoanalyst Josef Breuer’s treatment of “Anna O” (real name Bertha Pappenheim) for hysteria in the late 1800s using early psychoanalytic theory.
• Little Hans – A child psychoanalysis case study published by Sigmund Freud in 1909 analyzing his five-year-old patient Herbert Graf’s house phobia as related to the Oedipus complex.
• Bruce/Brenda – Gender identity case of the boy (Bruce) whose botched circumcision led psychologist John Money to advise gender reassignment and raise him as a girl (Brenda) in the 1960s.
• Genie Wiley – Linguistics/psychological development case of the victim of extreme isolation abuse who was studied in 1970s California for effects of early language deprivation on acquiring speech later in life.
• Phineas Gage – One of the most famous neuropsychology case studies analyzes personality changes in railroad worker Phineas Gage after an 1848 brain injury involving a tamping iron piercing his skull.

Clinical Case Studies

• Studying the effectiveness of psychotherapy approaches with an individual patient
• Assessing and treating mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD
• Neuropsychological cases investigating brain injuries or disorders

Child Psychology Case Studies

• Studying psychological development from birth through adolescence
• Cases of learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD
• Effects of trauma, abuse, deprivation on development

Types of Case Studies

• Explanatory case studies : Used to explore causation in order to find underlying principles. Helpful for doing qualitative analysis to explain presumed causal links.
• Exploratory case studies : Used to explore situations where an intervention being evaluated has no clear set of outcomes. It helps define questions and hypotheses for future research.
• Descriptive case studies : Describe an intervention or phenomenon and the real-life context in which it occurred. It is helpful for illustrating certain topics within an evaluation.
• Multiple-case studies : Used to explore differences between cases and replicate findings across cases. Helpful for comparing and contrasting specific cases.
• Intrinsic : Used to gain a better understanding of a particular case. Helpful for capturing the complexity of a single case.
• Collective : Used to explore a general phenomenon using multiple case studies. Helpful for jointly studying a group of cases in order to inquire into the phenomenon.

Where Do You Find Data for a Case Study?

There are several places to find data for a case study. The key is to gather data from multiple sources to get a complete picture of the case and corroborate facts or findings through triangulation of evidence. Most of this information is likely qualitative (i.e., verbal description rather than measurement), but the psychologist might also collect numerical data.

1. Primary sources

• Interviews – Interviewing key people related to the case to get their perspectives and insights. The interview is an extremely effective procedure for obtaining information about an individual, and it may be used to collect comments from the person’s friends, parents, employer, workmates, and others who have a good knowledge of the person, as well as to obtain facts from the person him or herself.
• Observations – Observing behaviors, interactions, processes, etc., related to the case as they unfold in real-time.
• Documents & Records – Reviewing private documents, diaries, public records, correspondence, meeting minutes, etc., relevant to the case.

2. Secondary sources

• News/Media – News coverage of events related to the case study.
• Academic articles – Journal articles, dissertations etc. that discuss the case.
• Government reports – Official data and records related to the case context.
• Books/films – Books, documentaries or films discussing the case.

3. Archival records

Searching historical archives, museum collections and databases to find relevant documents, visual/audio records related to the case history and context.

Public archives like newspapers, organizational records, photographic collections could all include potentially relevant pieces of information to shed light on attitudes, cultural perspectives, common practices and historical contexts related to psychology.

4. Organizational records

Organizational records offer the advantage of often having large datasets collected over time that can reveal or confirm psychological insights.

Of course, privacy and ethical concerns regarding confidential data must be navigated carefully.

However, with proper protocols, organizational records can provide invaluable context and empirical depth to qualitative case studies exploring the intersection of psychology and organizations.

• Organizational/industrial psychology research : Organizational records like employee surveys, turnover/retention data, policies, incident reports etc. may provide insight into topics like job satisfaction, workplace culture and dynamics, leadership issues, employee behaviors etc.
• Clinical psychology : Therapists/hospitals may grant access to anonymized medical records to study aspects like assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans etc. This could shed light on clinical practices.
• School psychology : Studies could utilize anonymized student records like test scores, grades, disciplinary issues, and counseling referrals to study child development, learning barriers, effectiveness of support programs, and more.

How do I Write a Case Study in Psychology?

Follow specified case study guidelines provided by a journal or your psychology tutor. General components of clinical case studies include: background, symptoms, assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Interpreting the information means the researcher decides what to include or leave out. A good case study should always clarify which information is the factual description and which is an inference or the researcher’s opinion.

1. Introduction

• Provide background on the case context and why it is of interest, presenting background information like demographics, relevant history, and presenting problem.
• Compare briefly to similar published cases if applicable. Clearly state the focus/importance of the case.

2. Case Presentation

• Describe the presenting problem in detail, including symptoms, duration,and impact on daily life.
• Include client demographics like age and gender, information about social relationships, and mental health history.
• Describe all physical, emotional, and/or sensory symptoms reported by the client.
• Use patient quotes to describe the initial complaint verbatim. Follow with full-sentence summaries of relevant history details gathered, including key components that led to a working diagnosis.
• Summarize clinical exam results, namely orthopedic/neurological tests, imaging, lab tests, etc. Note actual results rather than subjective conclusions. Provide images if clearly reproducible/anonymized.
• Clearly state the working diagnosis or clinical impression before transitioning to management.

3. Management and Outcome

• Indicate the total duration of care and number of treatments given over what timeframe. Use specific names/descriptions for any therapies/interventions applied.
• Present the results of the intervention,including any quantitative or qualitative data collected.
• For outcomes, utilize visual analog scales for pain, medication usage logs, etc., if possible. Include patient self-reports of improvement/worsening of symptoms. Note the reason for discharge/end of care.

4. Discussion

• Analyze the case, exploring contributing factors, limitations of the study, and connections to existing research.
• Analyze the effectiveness of the intervention,considering factors like participant adherence, limitations of the study, and potential alternative explanations for the results.
• Identify any questions raised in the case analysis and relate insights to established theories and current research if applicable. Avoid definitive claims about physiological explanations.
• Offer clinical implications, and suggest future research directions.

5. Additional Items

• Thank specific assistants for writing support only. No patient acknowledgments.
• References should directly support any key claims or quotes included.
• Use tables/figures/images only if substantially informative. Include permissions and legends/explanatory notes.
• Provides detailed (rich qualitative) information.
• Provides insight for further research.
• Permitting investigation of otherwise impractical (or unethical) situations.

Case studies allow a researcher to investigate a topic in far more detail than might be possible if they were trying to deal with a large number of research participants (nomothetic approach) with the aim of ‘averaging’.

Because of their in-depth, multi-sided approach, case studies often shed light on aspects of human thinking and behavior that would be unethical or impractical to study in other ways.

Research that only looks into the measurable aspects of human behavior is not likely to give us insights into the subjective dimension of experience, which is important to psychoanalytic and humanistic psychologists.

Case studies are often used in exploratory research. They can help us generate new ideas (that might be tested by other methods). They are an important way of illustrating theories and can help show how different aspects of a person’s life are related to each other.

The method is, therefore, important for psychologists who adopt a holistic point of view (i.e., humanistic psychologists ).

Limitations

• Lacking scientific rigor and providing little basis for generalization of results to the wider population.
• Researchers’ own subjective feelings may influence the case study (researcher bias).
• Difficult to replicate.
• Time-consuming and expensive.
• The volume of data, together with the time restrictions in place, impacted the depth of analysis that was possible within the available resources.

Because a case study deals with only one person/event/group, we can never be sure if the case study investigated is representative of the wider body of “similar” instances. This means the conclusions drawn from a particular case may not be transferable to other settings.

Because case studies are based on the analysis of qualitative (i.e., descriptive) data , a lot depends on the psychologist’s interpretation of the information she has acquired.

This means that there is a lot of scope for Anna O , and it could be that the subjective opinions of the psychologist intrude in the assessment of what the data means.

For example, Freud has been criticized for producing case studies in which the information was sometimes distorted to fit particular behavioral theories (e.g., Little Hans ).

This is also true of Money’s interpretation of the Bruce/Brenda case study (Diamond, 1997) when he ignored evidence that went against his theory.

Breuer, J., & Freud, S. (1895).  Studies on hysteria . Standard Edition 2: London.

Curtiss, S. (1981). Genie: The case of a modern wild child .

Diamond, M., & Sigmundson, K. (1997). Sex Reassignment at Birth: Long-term Review and Clinical Implications. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine , 151(3), 298-304

Freud, S. (1909a). Analysis of a phobia of a five year old boy. In The Pelican Freud Library (1977), Vol 8, Case Histories 1, pages 169-306

Freud, S. (1909b). Bemerkungen über einen Fall von Zwangsneurose (Der “Rattenmann”). Jb. psychoanal. psychopathol. Forsch ., I, p. 357-421; GW, VII, p. 379-463; Notes upon a case of obsessional neurosis, SE , 10: 151-318.

Harlow J. M. (1848). Passage of an iron rod through the head.  Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 39 , 389–393.

Harlow, J. M. (1868).  Recovery from the Passage of an Iron Bar through the Head .  Publications of the Massachusetts Medical Society. 2  (3), 327-347.

Money, J., & Ehrhardt, A. A. (1972).  Man & Woman, Boy & Girl : The Differentiation and Dimorphism of Gender Identity from Conception to Maturity. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Money, J., & Tucker, P. (1975). Sexual signatures: On being a man or a woman.

Further Information

• Case Study Approach
• Case Study Method
• Enhancing the Quality of Case Studies in Health Services Research
• “We do things together” A case study of “couplehood” in dementia
• Using mixed methods for evaluating an integrative approach to cancer care: a case study

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190 Excellent Case Study Topics to Focus On

Table of Contents

Preparing a case study is a challenging and exciting job. To start the case study writing process, first, you should have a unique topic. Right now, do you want to submit a case study assignment? Are you searching for excellent case study topics? If yes, then this blog post is for you. Here, we have composed a list of the best case study topic ideas on various academic subjects. Continue reading and get more interesting ideas for writing a brilliant case study.

What is a Case Study?

A case study is a research method prepared in detail for the study of an event, a person, process, organization, place, or group. Mainly, the case study gives a better understanding of a subject or process to everyone. Also, it is a good choice for writing a dissertation or thesis.

Case studies are often used for educational, medical, social, and business research. With the help of case studies, you can describe, analyze, compare, and understand the research problem from a different point of view.

For preparing a case study assignment, then this is what you should do.

• First, identify a case from a research question or a problem statement.
• Build a theoretical framework.
• Gather qualitative or quantitative data from relevant credible sources.
• Analyze the case.

When writing a case study, make sure to perform deep research on your topic. Then, deal with the research problem by taking into account all the aspects of the subject. Like a thesis or research paper, the case study should also be well-structured. In the case study document, include separate sections for methods, results, and discussion.

List of Case Study Topics and Ideas

As said earlier, a good topic is necessary for creating a case study. Usually, your instructors will assign a case study topic for you. No confusions arise when some topics are already assigned to you for case study writing. But sometimes they may ask you to come up with your own case study idea.

If you want to identify a topic for your case study on your own, you need to invest more time and effort. Generally, it is a tiring process to collect all the case study topic ideas and spot an ideal topic from them. Hence, to help you, here we have categorized different subjects. Under each subject, you can find a lot of interesting case study topics. Feel free to use any topic of your choice and get started.

Case Study Topics on Applied Physics

• Radiation therapy and its related mental aspects.
• The benefits of astrophysics lessons for school children.
• Nanophotonics and quantum optics of nanostructures.
• Quantum Information Science and Data Transfer Methods.
• The Green Energy systems in the domestic environment.
• Hadron Collider: a story about the origin of the Universe.
• Why is the study of microfluidics believed to be dangerous?
• The wind is an example of convection in nature.
• The influence of weightlessness on the vital activity of organisms.
• The engineering details in Applied Physics.
• Misconceptions about Nanoscience.
• Condensed Matter and Mechanical Engineering studies.
• The application of synchrotron radiation and its dangers.
• The role of female scientists in Applied Physics.
• Ultrafast processes and laser-plasma.
• Astrophysics, Fusion, and Plasma Physics
• Hall Thruster: An Electric Propulsion through Plasmas
• Introduce plasma parameters and simplest models
• Application of Quantum Information Science
• Explain the basic principles and use of microfluidics
• The microwave-induced flow of water in Microsystems
• Microsystems engineering

Case Study Ideas on Education

• Is Summer Camp education worth it?
• The changes that have happened in education during the Covid-19 period.
• Effective methods to motivate children with learning disabilities.
• The degree of freedom in Scandinavian schools.
• The teaching methods of Montessori schools.
• The results of improper examination methods.
• Pros and Cons of AI-based systems in education.
• The role of self-motivation in European middle schools.
• The challenges of remote education in rural locations in the USA.
• How to motivate children with learning disabilities?
• Advantages of remote education in the urban areas
• Progressive methods of teaching in European middle schools

Information Technology Case Study Topics

• Does technology advancement have an end?
• Semantic methods in debugging.
• A case study on WordPress.
• The analysis of ethical hackers.
• The use of drones in police operations.
• The limitations of the Python programming language.
• Should one learn to become a hacker to prevent most cyberattacks?
• The safety of data analysis for medical purposes.
• The challenges of software development in modern times.
• Technology and Business

Case Study Topics on Environmental Science

• The use of politics in the Global Warming campaigns.
• The reasons why the Kyoto Protocol has double standards.
• The effective ways for college students to promote environmental protection.
• Is saving endangered species possible in our times?
• The clarity of carbon dioxide emission reports.
• The pros and cons of ecological tourism.
• The mobile vessel pumps systems reduce ocean pollution.
• The correct method of planting trees in an urban environment.
• The earthquake prevention systems in the United States.
• The use of Green Technologies during pandemic times.
• Climate Change.
• Fire Ecology.
• Renewable Energy.
• Urban Ecology.
• Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems.

Marketing Case Study Ideas

• Digital versus Physical Marketing
• The future of marketing methods in the post-Covid-19 world.
• The controversy between Samsung and Apple.
• Study of consumer motivation and preferences when choosing durable goods.
• The negativity connected with McDonald’s.
• Brand development methods
• The unique strategies and popularity of Apple Inc.
• The study of individual purchasing decision-making.
• Is marketing to children acceptable?
• The German Automotive Industry in the American market.
• The differences between female and male target marketing methods.
• Marketing case for website traffic growth.
• Assess the competitive environment of the market in many areas.
• Bank design idea.
• Search for a new product idea.
• Investigation of the corporate culture of the organization.
• Study of the attitude of individual consumers to the firm.
• Setting up contextual advertising.
• The factors that create customer loyalty in the field of drinks.
• Assess the prospects for opening a new company in the conditions of an area.

Business Case Study Topics

• Industry Landscape in Australia for investment purposes.
• The problems of consumerism in the United States.
• The image of the modern business individual today.
• Profitability and moral limits in business in China.
• Pricing optimization at Apple Inc.
• The quality production differences between Gibson and Fender.
• Market expansion in the Asian markets.
• The link between production quality and strategic thinking is put into use by the CEOs.
• Personnel management issues at Amazon business outlets.
• The reasons why start-ups became so popular in 2021.

Read more: How to Write A Case Study? Guide From The Basics

Management Case Study Topics

• Stages of development strategy.
• Civil rights and the responsibilities of corporate management specialists.
• The activity-based cost systems in the Asian markets.
• The inclusion of financial management subjects in schools?
• Anti-crisis personnel management.
• Is child entrepreneurship taking away the aspect of childhood?
• The challenges of global management in modern times.
• Does the immediate invention of new things have a place in marketing?
• Sustainable development and globalization.
• Corporate planning and strategic management by Nike Corporation.
• Human Resources Management bias and ethnicity aspects.
• Methods of building personnel management systems.
• The effect of the business environment on the activities of a particular company.
• Recruitment technologies and their efficiency.
• Innovative changes in the personnel management system.
• The essence of management decisions and stages of their adoption.
• Analyze the human resources of the enterprise.
• Analyze the necessary qualities of a modern leader.
• Analysis of the necessary qualities of a modern leader.
• The management and social media.

MBA Case Study Topics

• MBA marketing details.
• The details of marketing research in Japan.
• Operations management styles at Intel Inc.
• Customer relationship management and religion.
• IT marketing through the prism of staff training in marketing.
• Why are the majority of human resource management methods outdated today?
• Steve Jobs’ marketing style.
• Strategic Thinking versus Leadership training.
• The attitude and professional success of Bill Gates
• Financial responsibility of CEOs in the United States.

Social Media Marketing Case Study Topics

• The age gap differences in social media groups.
• Online marketing dangers.
• The use of children in Social Media Marketing strategies.
• Why are the majority of Social Media Marketing trends dangerous?
• The importance of impromptu dancing on social media.
• Social media dangers for children.
• The challenges of influencers on social media.
• The reasons why TikTok became popular.
• Is Social Media Marketing the next best thing for modern sales?
• The differences between globalization and mass trends.

Case Study Topics on Nursing

• The privacy of the nurse and patient communications.
• The emotional bonds are established by the nurses in a team.
• Patients with Alzheimer’s and the modern nursing methods.
• Should nurses be taught self-defense tactics?
• The presence of ethnic bias in the nursing community.
• The importance of ER nursing stress reduction methods.
• Should nurses be granted extra payments for the emotional turbulence that they endure?
• The healthcare system in Norway: Bergen hospitals case study analysis.
• How can nurses help children to communicate more efficiently?

Case Study Ideas on Human Rights Topics

• Misconceptions about the Black Lives Matter Movement.
• The human rights activists and their moral principles: South Africa.
• The human rights controversies in the United States versus cases in Canada.
• Should children be allowed to vote and participate in politics?
• The challenges of the Palestinian community.
• The abuse of female personnel workforce.
• Gender injustice in the scientific community of American Universities.
• How can minor children stand for their basic human rights?
• The moral aspect of freedom of speech.
• The Anti-Discrimination Act controversies.

Sociology Case Study Topics

• What debates surround the anti-discrimination act?
• Prepare a case study on the correlation between family income and financial responsibility.
• How do young people assert themselves in social groups like schools?
• What impact do racial prejudices have on police work?
• How can businesses build consumer loyalty by rejecting gender norms?
• Create a case study on workplace safety for the female personnel workforce.
• Explore the relationship between religiousness and age gap differences in marriage.
• Compose a case study on global management and different cultural perspectives in multinational companies.
• Does the human resources department discriminate against job seekers because of gender stereotypes?
• Prepare a case study on financial inequality and its associated mental aspects.

Case Study Topics on Psychology

• The workplace leadership and the complex of the Emperor.
• Asthenic syndrome among teenage children.
• The origins of bipolar disorder through the prism of domestic violence.
• The negative influence of Instagram and distorted body image.
• Sexual harassment of minors.
• The use of drugs during pregnancy.
• The perception of danger in different cultures.
• Covid-19 and related anxiety cases among college students.
• The dangers of advertisements on children’s TV networks.
• The most common misconceptions about children with autism.
• The inferiority complex: how to overcome.
• Military operations and the PTSD recovery process .
• Schizophrenia in various manifestations.
• Personal complexes as a driver of progress.
• Mental recovery of child abuse victims.

Trending Case Study Topics

• The results of using poor inspection techniques;
• The educational approaches that male teachers frequently adopt.
• The adjustments made to instruction during the course of covid-19.
• The distinctions between “new-school” and “contemporary” programming techniques.
• The justifications for the double standards in the Kyoto Protocol.
• The appropriate way to plant trees in urban areas.
• How can college students support the conservation of the environment?
• The application of green technologies in pandemic situations.
• How important spontaneous dancing is on social media.
• Is social media marketing (SMM) the future of modern sales?

From the above-suggested list of case study topics, choose a topic of your interest. The topic you pick for your case study assignment should be relevant to your subject. As a case study is a detailed research study, spend more time and analyze the topic. Especially when writing the case study, make sure to explain all your main ideas. The major points included in the case study should have valid supporting evidence.

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List of Current Topics to Write a Case Study

Table of Contents

Writing a case study can be an exciting and challenging task, especially when selecting the right topic. As a student or academic writer, you want to choose a subject that captures your interest. It must also provide valuable insights into a specific area of research. And staying abreast of current topics to write a case study is the key to producing compelling and impactful work. This article provides a list of topic ideas on various subjects to get you started on the best topic for your paper.

What Is a Case Study?

A case study is an in-depth exploration of a particular issue, problem, or phenomenon . It looks at the issue from multiple angles and often involves collecting data from various sources to build up evidence for making conclusions. The primary purpose of a case study is to gain an understanding of a complex system or entity. This is done by breaking it down into its components and analyzing them individually. In most cases, the analysis may be conducted with interviews, surveys, experiments, field observations, document reviews, and other qualitative or quantitative methods. Case studies are invaluable tools that allow researchers to analyze various factors involved in their topic of interest while utilizing real-world examples that make the findings more tangible.

Effective Current Topics to Write a Case Study

Choosing a good topic for your case study is crucial to ensure the quality and reliability of your research results. We have categorized some current topics to write a case study effectively.

Information Technology Case Study Topics

• Examining WordPress’ strengths and weaknesses
• Exploring the efficacy of semantic methods in debugging
• Analyzing ethical hackers and their implications
• Assessing data analysis safety for medical usage
• Analyzing the restrictions of Python programming
• Should one become a hacker to deter cyberattacks?

Education Case Study Topics

• Innovative Teaching Methods in European Middle Schools.
• Is Summer Camp Education Worth Its Hefty Cost?
• Which Pedagogical Methods Are Proven Ineffective?
• The Impact of School Self-Defense Courses on Students.
• Innovative Approaches to Foreign Language Acquisition.
• Developing Financial Acumen among Middle Schoolers.

Environmental Science Case Study Topics

• The effect of climate change on world agriculture production.
• The role of politics in fighting Global Warming.
• Identifying how college students can contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
• Harnessing Green Technologies during pandemic crises.
• The advantages and disadvantages of ecological tourism.
• Examining the feasibility of conserving endangered species in modern times.

Psychology Case Study Topics

• Disparities in educational attainment among different age groups.
• Effectiveness of staff appreciation programs for improving motivation levels.
• Benefits of using meditation and mindfulness practices for managing stress.
• Emotional and psychological ramifications of family separations.
• Psychiatric difficulties of child abuse survivors in maturity.
• Mental health effects of social media overload.

Marketing Case Study Topics

• Cultural and regional differences in marketing strategies.
• Impact of corporate branding tactics on customer loyalty.
• Distinctive features of Steve Jobs’ marketing style.
• The role of creative design in modern-day advertising.
• The impact of social media on brand development.
• Impact of celebrity endorsements on brand image.

Human Rights Case Study Topics

• Prevalent Misconceptions regarding the Black Lives Matter Movement.
• Human Rights Activists and their Ethical Values: South Africa.
• Upholding Minor Children’s Basic Human Rights.
• Uncovering the Ethical Implications of Free Expression.
• Contrasting US & Canadian Human Rights Controversies.
• Exploring the Debate: Should Kids Vote/Participate in Politics?

Social Media Marketing Case Study Topics

• Risks associated with online advertising.
• The detrimental effects of an excessive online presence.
• Issues confronting influencers on social media platforms.
• Is Social Media Advertising the next great advance in modern sales tactics?
• Grounds for TikTok’s rapid rise to stardom.
• Examining potential pitfalls for young users on social media networks.

Business Case Study Topics

• The detrimental effects of consumerism on the U.S. economy.
• Personnel management challenges at Amazon outlets.
• Exploring Australia’s investment-driven industrial environment.
• Apple’s pricing tactics for maximizing returns.
• The correlation between production excellence and innovative strategic thinking among CEOs.
• Methods for successful market expansion across Asian countries.

Applied Physics Case Study Topics

• How astrophysics instruction augments school learning.
• Quantum Information Science and data transfer techniques.
• The psychological ramifications of radiation therapy.
• Green energy systems in domestic settings.
• Evaluating potential hazards in studying Microfluidics.
• The effects of weightlessness on the vital activity of the body.

The topics for writing a case study are vast and varied. You should choose a topic carefully to ensure it is relevant to your audience. You should also ensure that you have enough knowledge on the subject to do it justice. We have provided a list of current topics as inspiration to help you start writing your next case study.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Videos Concepts Unwrapped View All 36 short illustrated videos explain behavioral ethics concepts and basic ethics principles. Concepts Unwrapped: Sports Edition View All 10 short videos introduce athletes to behavioral ethics concepts. Ethics Defined (Glossary) View All 58 animated videos - 1 to 2 minutes each - define key ethics terms and concepts. Ethics in Focus View All One-of-a-kind videos highlight the ethical aspects of current and historical subjects. Giving Voice To Values View All Eight short videos present the 7 principles of values-driven leadership from Gentile's Giving Voice to Values. In It To Win View All A documentary and six short videos reveal the behavioral ethics biases in super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff's story. Scandals Illustrated View All 30 videos - one minute each - introduce newsworthy scandals with ethical insights and case studies. Video Series

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Case Studies

More than 70 cases pair ethics concepts with real world situations. From journalism, performing arts, and scientific research to sports, law, and business, these case studies explore current and historic ethical dilemmas, their motivating biases, and their consequences. Each case includes discussion questions, related videos, and a bibliography.

A Million Little Pieces

James Frey’s popular memoir stirred controversy and media attention after it was revealed to contain numerous exaggerations and fabrications.

Abramoff: Lobbying Congress

Super-lobbyist Abramoff was caught in a scheme to lobby against his own clients. Was a corrupt individual or a corrupt system – or both – to blame?

Apple Suppliers & Labor Practices

Is tech company Apple, Inc. ethically obligated to oversee the questionable working conditions of other companies further down their supply chain?

Approaching the Presidency: Roosevelt & Taft

Some presidents view their responsibilities in strictly legal terms, others according to duty. Roosevelt and Taft took two extreme approaches.

Appropriating “Hope”

Fairey’s portrait of Barack Obama raised debate over the extent to which an artist can use and modify another’s artistic work, yet still call it one’s own.

Arctic Offshore Drilling

Competing groups frame the debate over oil drilling off Alaska’s coast in varying ways depending on their environmental and economic interests.

Banning Burkas: Freedom or Discrimination?

The French law banning women from wearing burkas in public sparked debate about discrimination and freedom of religion.

Birthing Vaccine Skepticism

Wakefield published an article riddled with inaccuracies and conflicts of interest that created significant vaccine hesitancy regarding the MMR vaccine.

Blurred Lines of Copyright

Marvin Gaye’s Estate won a lawsuit against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams for the hit song “Blurred Lines,” which had a similar feel to one of his songs.

Bullfighting: Art or Not?

Bullfighting has been a prominent cultural and artistic event for centuries, but in recent decades it has faced increasing criticism for animal rights’ abuse.

Buying Green: Consumer Behavior

Do purchasing green products, such as organic foods and electric cars, give consumers the moral license to indulge in unethical behavior?

Cadavers in Car Safety Research

Engineers at Heidelberg University insist that the use of human cadavers in car safety research is ethical because their research can save lives.

Cardinals’ Computer Hacking

St. Louis Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa hacked into the Houston Astros’ webmail system, leading to legal repercussions and a lifetime ban from MLB.

Cheating: Atlanta’s School Scandal

Teachers and administrators at Parks Middle School adjust struggling students’ test scores in an effort to save their school from closure.

Cheating: Sign-Stealing in MLB

The Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scheme rocked the baseball world, leading to a game-changing MLB investigation and fallout.

Cheating: UNC’s Academic Fraud

UNC’s academic fraud scandal uncovered an 18-year scheme of unchecked coursework and fraudulent classes that enabled student-athletes to play sports.

Cheney v. U.S. District Court

A controversial case focuses on Justice Scalia’s personal friendship with Vice President Cheney and the possible conflict of interest it poses to the case.

Christina Fallin: “Appropriate Culturation?”

After Fallin posted a picture of herself wearing a Plain’s headdress on social media, uproar emerged over cultural appropriation and Fallin’s intentions.

Climate Change & the Paris Deal

While climate change poses many abstract problems, the actions (or inactions) of today’s populations will have tangible effects on future generations.

Cover-Up on Campus

While the Baylor University football team was winning on the field, university officials failed to take action when allegations of sexual assault by student athletes emerged.

Covering Female Athletes

Sports Illustrated stirs controversy when their cover photo of an Olympic skier seems to focus more on her physical appearance than her athletic abilities.

Covering Yourself? Journalists and the Bowl Championship

Can news outlets covering the Bowl Championship Series fairly report sports news if their own polls were used to create the news?

Cyber Harassment

After a student defames a middle school teacher on social media, the teacher confronts the student in class and posts a video of the confrontation online.

Defending Freedom of Tweets?

Running back Rashard Mendenhall receives backlash from fans after criticizing the celebration of the assassination of Osama Bin Laden in a tweet.

Dennis Kozlowski: Living Large

Dennis Kozlowski was an effective leader for Tyco in his first few years as CEO, but eventually faced criminal charges over his use of company assets.

Digital Downloads

File-sharing program Napster sparked debate over the legal and ethical dimensions of downloading unauthorized copies of copyrighted music.

Dr. V’s Magical Putter

Journalist Caleb Hannan outed Dr. V as a trans woman, sparking debate over the ethics of Hannan’s reporting, as well its role in Dr. V’s suicide.

East Germany’s Doping Machine

From 1968 to the late 1980s, East Germany (GDR) doped some 9,000 athletes to gain success in international athletic competitions despite being aware of the unfortunate side effects.

Ebola & American Intervention

Did the dispatch of U.S. military units to Liberia to aid in humanitarian relief during the Ebola epidemic help or hinder the process?

Edward Snowden: Traitor or Hero?

Was Edward Snowden’s release of confidential government documents ethically justifiable?

Ethical Pitfalls in Action

Why do good people do bad things? Behavioral ethics is the science of moral decision-making, which explores why and how people make the ethical (and unethical) decisions that they do.

Ethical Use of Home DNA Testing

The rising popularity of at-home DNA testing kits raises questions about privacy and consumer rights.

Flying the Confederate Flag

A heated debate ensues over whether or not the Confederate flag should be removed from the South Carolina State House grounds.

Freedom of Speech on Campus

In the wake of racially motivated offenses, student protests sparked debate over the roles of free speech, deliberation, and tolerance on campus.

Freedom vs. Duty in Clinical Social Work

What should social workers do when their personal values come in conflict with the clients they are meant to serve?

Full Disclosure: Manipulating Donors

When an intern witnesses a donor making a large gift to a non-profit organization under misleading circumstances, she struggles with what to do.

Gaming the System: The VA Scandal

The Veterans Administration’s incentives were meant to spur more efficient and productive healthcare, but not all administrators complied as intended.

German Police Battalion 101

During the Holocaust, ordinary Germans became willing killers even though they could have opted out from murdering their Jewish neighbors.

Head Injuries & American Football

Many studies have linked traumatic brain injuries and related conditions to American football, creating controversy around the safety of the sport.

Head Injuries & the NFL

American football is a rough and dangerous game and its impact on the players’ brain health has sparked a hotly contested debate.

Healthcare Obligations: Personal vs. Institutional

A medical doctor must make a difficult decision when informing patients of the effectiveness of flu shots while upholding institutional recommendations.

High Stakes Testing

In the wake of the No Child Left Behind Act, parents, teachers, and school administrators take different positions on how to assess student achievement.

In-FUR-mercials: Advertising & Adoption

When the Lied Animal Shelter faces a spike in animal intake, an advertising agency uses its moral imagination to increase pet adoptions.

Krogh & the Watergate Scandal

Egil Krogh was a young lawyer working for the Nixon Administration whose ethics faded from view when asked to play a part in the Watergate break-in.

Limbaugh on Drug Addiction

Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh argued that drug abuse was a choice, not a disease. He later became addicted to painkillers.

U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte’s “over-exaggeration” of an incident at the 2016 Rio Olympics led to very real consequences.

Meet Me at Starbucks

Two black men were arrested after an employee called the police on them, prompting Starbucks to implement “racial-bias” training across all its stores.

Myanmar Amber

Buying amber could potentially fund an ethnic civil war, but refraining allows collectors to acquire important specimens that could be used for research.

Negotiating Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy lawyer Gellene successfully represented a mining company during a major reorganization, but failed to disclose potential conflicts of interest.

Pao & Gender Bias

Ellen Pao stirred debate in the venture capital and tech industries when she filed a lawsuit against her employer on grounds of gender discrimination.

Pardoning Nixon

One month after Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency, Gerald Ford made the controversial decision to issue Nixon a full pardon.

Patient Autonomy & Informed Consent

Nursing staff and family members struggle with informed consent when taking care of a patient who has been deemed legally incompetent.

Prenatal Diagnosis & Parental Choice

Debate has emerged over the ethics of prenatal diagnosis and reproductive freedom in instances where testing has revealed genetic abnormalities.

Reporting on Robin Williams

After Robin Williams took his own life, news media covered the story in great detail, leading many to argue that such reporting violated the family’s privacy.

Responding to Child Migration

An influx of children migrants posed logistical and ethical dilemmas for U.S. authorities while intensifying ongoing debate about immigration.

Retracting Research: The Case of Chandok v. Klessig

A researcher makes the difficult decision to retract a published, peer-reviewed article after the original research results cannot be reproduced.

Sacking Social Media in College Sports

In the wake of questionable social media use by college athletes, the head coach at University of South Carolina bans his players from using Twitter.

Selling Enron

Following the deregulation of electricity markets in California, private energy company Enron profited greatly, but at a dire cost.

Snyder v. Phelps

Freedom of speech was put on trial in a case involving the Westboro Baptist Church and their protesting at the funeral of U.S. Marine Matthew Snyder.

Something Fishy at the Paralympics

Rampant cheating has plagued the Paralympics over the years, compromising the credibility and sportsmanship of Paralympian athletes.

Sports Blogs: The Wild West of Sports Journalism?

Deadspin pays an anonymous source for information related to NFL star Brett Favre, sparking debate over the ethics of “checkbook journalism.”

Stangl & the Holocaust

Franz Stangl was the most effective Nazi administrator in Poland, killing nearly one million Jews at Treblinka, but he claimed he was simply following orders.

Teaching Blackface: A Lesson on Stereotypes

A teacher was put on leave for showing a blackface video during a lesson on racial segregation, sparking discussion over how to teach about stereotypes.

The Astros’ Sign-Stealing Scandal

The Houston Astros rode a wave of success, culminating in a World Series win, but it all came crashing down when their sign-stealing scheme was revealed.

The Central Park Five

Despite the indisputable and overwhelming evidence of the innocence of the Central Park Five, some involved in the case refuse to believe it.

The CIA Leak

Legal and political fallout follows from the leak of classified information that led to the identification of CIA agent Valerie Plame.

The Collapse of Barings Bank

When faced with growing losses, investment banker Nick Leeson took big risks in an attempt to get out from under the losses. He lost.

The Costco Model

How can companies promote positive treatment of employees and benefit from leading with the best practices? Costco offers a model.

The FBI & Apple Security vs. Privacy

How can tech companies and government organizations strike a balance between maintaining national security and protecting user privacy?

The Miss Saigon Controversy

When a white actor was cast for the half-French, half-Vietnamese character in the Broadway production of Miss Saigon , debate ensued.

The Sandusky Scandal

Following the conviction of assistant coach Jerry Sandusky for sexual abuse, debate continues on how much university officials and head coach Joe Paterno knew of the crimes.

The Varsity Blues Scandal

A college admissions prep advisor told wealthy parents that while there were front doors into universities and back doors, he had created a side door that was worth exploring.

Providing radiation therapy to cancer patients, Therac-25 had malfunctions that resulted in 6 deaths. Who is accountable when technology causes harm?

Welfare Reform

The Welfare Reform Act changed how welfare operated, intensifying debate over the government’s role in supporting the poor through direct aid.

Wells Fargo and Moral Emotions

In a settlement with regulators, Wells Fargo Bank admitted that it had created as many as two million accounts for customers without their permission.

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11 Transforming Student Learning with Effective Study Techniques

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Effective study techniques can significantly enhance student learning and academic performance. In today’s fast-paced educational environment, students face numerous challenges, from managing multiple assignments and homework to balancing extracurricular activities. Developing strong study habits is essential for success in both school and college.

Understanding how to study efficiently can make a significant difference in a student’s academic journey. By implementing the right techniques, students can improve their comprehension, retention, and overall performance. This article explores various study methods and provides valuable tips for students looking to transform their learning experiences with paperwriter .

The Importance of Effective Study Techniques

Effective study techniques are crucial for students aiming to achieve their academic goals. These techniques help in better time management, reducing stress, and improving understanding of complex subjects. With the right approach, students can make their study sessions more productive and less overwhelming.

One of the biggest challenges students face is the sheer volume of information they need to learn and retain. Effective study techniques can help break down this information into manageable chunks, making it easier to digest and remember. Moreover, students who develop good study habits early on are more likely to succeed in their future academic and professional endeavors.

Creating a Conducive Study Environment

A conducive study environment is essential for effective learning. Students should choose a quiet, comfortable place with minimal distractions to focus on their studies. A well-organized study space can significantly enhance concentration and productivity.

Tips for Creating a Conducive Study Environment:

• Choose a quiet location: Find a place free from noise and interruptions.
• Ensure good lighting: Proper lighting reduces eye strain and improves focus.
• Organize your materials: Keep all necessary supplies within reach to avoid unnecessary distractions.
• Comfortable seating: Choose a chair and desk that provide good support to maintain good posture.

Time Management and Scheduling

Time management is a critical skill for students. Balancing school, college, assignments, and homework can be challenging. Effective scheduling ensures that students allocate sufficient time for each subject and activity.

Strategies for Better Time Management:

• Create a study schedule: Plan your study sessions and stick to the schedule.
• Set priorities: Focus on the most important tasks first.
• Break tasks into smaller steps: Divide large assignments into manageable parts.
• Use a planner: Keep track of deadlines, assignments, and exams.

Active Learning Techniques

Active learning involves engaging with the material actively rather than passively reading or listening. This approach enhances understanding and retention.

Effective Active Learning Techniques:

• Summarization: Summarize key points in your own words.
• Questioning: Ask questions about the material and seek answers.
• Discussion: Discuss topics with classmates to gain different perspectives.
• Application: Apply what you have learned to real-world scenarios.

The Role of Technology in Studying

Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing learning. Various apps and online resources can help students manage their study time, organize notes, and access educational materials.

Useful Technological Tools for Students:

• Note-taking apps: Apps like Evernote and OneNote help organize and store notes efficiently.
• Study apps: Apps like Quizlet and Anki offer flashcards and quizzes for effective revision.
• Time management apps: Tools like Trello and Todoist help students plan and track their tasks.( or visit https://do-my-math.com/ )
• Online resources: Websites like Khan Academy and Coursera provide additional learning materials.

Enhancing Memory and Retention

Improving memory and retention is vital for academic success. Students can employ various techniques to boost their ability to remember and recall information.

Techniques to Enhance Memory and Retention:

• Mnemonics: Use mnemonic devices to remember complex information.
• Visualization: Create mental images to associate with the material.
• Repetition: Review material regularly to reinforce learning.
• Teaching others: Explaining concepts to others helps solidify understanding.

Staying Motivated and Managing Stress

Maintaining motivation and managing stress are essential components of effective studying. Students need to find ways to stay motivated and cope with academic pressures.

Tips for Staying Motivated and Managing Stress:

• Set realistic goals: Set achievable short-term and long-term goals.
• Take breaks: Regular breaks prevent burnout and improve focus.
• Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude towards learning.
• Seek support: Reach out to teachers, peers, or counselors for help when needed.

Incorporating effective study techniques can transform the learning experience for students. By creating a conducive study environment, managing time efficiently, engaging in active learning, utilizing technology, enhancing memory, and staying motivated, students can achieve academic success. Remember, the key to effective studying lies in consistency and dedication. With the right approach, every student can improve their learning outcomes and reach their full potential.

Effective study habits not only help students excel in their current studies but also prepare them for future challenges. By implementing these strategies, students can turn studying into a more enjoyable and rewarding experience, ultimately leading to better academic performance and personal growth. Investing time in developing good study habits today will pay off in the long run, making the journey through school and college a successful one.

Education Copyright © by john44. All Rights Reserved.

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How community colleges kept students engaged during and after the pandemic

Professor of Higher Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Disclosure statement

Xueli Wang receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

University of Wisconsin–Madison provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it prompted enrollment drops at community and technical colleges. But it also spurred the schools to innovate in an effort to better serve students who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Xueli Wang, a professor of higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, captures some of the steps that community colleges took in her newly released book, “ Delivering Promise: Equity-Driven Educational Change and Innovation in Community and Technical Colleges .” She expounds on a few examples in the below Q&A.

How did the pandemic change community colleges and technical colleges?

The pandemic prompted the schools to tackle some long-existing challenges. One of the things they began to do was form new partnerships with four-year colleges and universities.

In the state of Wisconsin, for example, the Wisconsin Technical College System and the University of Wisconsin System came together in 2021 to create the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement . The agreement outlines a core set of courses — up to 72 credits — that transfer within the two systems. This makes it easier for students, especially those who are not certain about what they want to study, to transfer from one system to the other, or more easily take classes in both systems as they figure it out. Before the pandemic, the systems were viewed as two separate ones with few options for transfer between them.

The transfer agreement happened in part because of steady enrollment declines over the years, which reached a breaking point when the pandemic hit and enrollment dropped 10% for the Wisconsin Technical College System and about 5% for the University of Wisconsin System .

This partnership was also facilitated in part by a shared focus on the welfare of students. As described by one educator: “This is the time to support students in their educational aspirations.” Previously, she said, administrators and educators in the two systems saw students as clients of either one system or the other. Now, she says, they have more of a sense of collective responsibility in serving them.

What other innovations took place?

One of the most striking involves efforts to create more holistic supports that address the range of challenges for students. These can include informational, financial and personal challenges.

A good case in point is the Student Resource Center at a community college in North Carolina. As with all schools in the book, I keep the identity of the school anonymous as part of the research protocol. Established by a team of officials from various units – such as financial aid, admissions and advising – the center’s purpose is to grant students greater access to support services. The center is led by a vice president and chief student services officer.

The center has everything students need in one place: a library, bookstore, food pantry, financial aid advising, course advising, admissions and registration. The center also has workstations for staff to connect with students, whether online or in person, and guide them to the support they need.

This innovation allowed the college to direct more students to nearby resources, even those most unlikely to seek help.

What’s the most interesting story that you found?

It would have to be the Science Pathway Program at Midwest Technical College – a pseudonym for one of the schools I mention in my book.

It was a program that embraced the idea that education is not a transaction, but seeks to develop the whole person. Yes, they prepare students for the workforce, but they also teach them how to use the science they learn in their everyday experience. For example, students can take their science learning and apply it to other courses by searching and interpreting information, as well as see the influence of science on decision-making in areas like politics, the economy and society.

To prepare students for employment, instructors work with industry partners so they are ready for careers like lab technicians. They may also prepare for careers in quality assurance in food, agricultural, chemical manufacturing and other fields.

On the education side, students take Organic Chemistry I and II. Completing these courses enables students to move into upper-level coursework in biological, chemical, environmental and other science majors. When students complete the program, they can transfer to one of the three public four-year institutions in the state to pursue their bachelor’s degree. Or they can directly enter the workforce.

The program boasts of higher-than-average graduation rates compared to other programs. Perhaps more importantly, graduates have a 100% employment rate in their field of study.

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“So, what experiments do you want to do?” Stanford Provost Persis Drell asked the classroom of first-year undergraduates.

Last quarter, Persis Drell (right), Theresa Iker (center), and Caroline Winterer taught Why College? Your Education and the Good Life . (Image credit: Courtesy Office of Development)

The question was posed during a seminar Drell recently co-taught, along with Stanford historian Caroline Winterer , last fall called Why College? Your Education and the Good Life . The course, which meets twice a week in small seminar sections, is the first of three classes that comprises Stanford’s newly restructured undergraduate requirement program, Civic, Liberal, and Global Education (COLLEGE).

For their Why College class that week, students had to read an academic review article about the influence of animal social hierarchies and stress. In the paper’s conclusion, the author asked whether some of the findings in the animal world could be applied to humans as well.

Drell asked the students to imagine they are researchers and how they might test and take further some of the author’s suggested applications. While the paper’s content was important to grasp, what Drell emphasized to the class of some 15 students was how imperative it is to ask questions, and to not always accept something as it appears to be.

A tenet of the COLLEGE program experience is to show students how to think for themselves and give them the skills to challenge assumptions and build arguments in thoughtful and effective ways.

Creating a shared curriculum and experience

Unlike previous iterations of the first-year requirement for students, COLLEGE is a shared curriculum. This quarter there are 1,055 undergraduates in 75 seminar-style sections who are taking Why College? Your Education and the Good Life.

In fall quarter, campus Provost Persis Drell co-taught a small seminar section of Why College? Your Education and the Good Life , the first of three classes that comprises Stanford’s newly restructured undergraduate requirement program. (Image credit: Courtesy Office of Development)

The syllabus for the class is the same – no matter what section a student is in, they are going to be reading identical materials. “We want students to have a shared intellectual experience,” said Dan Edelstein , one of the faculty directors for COLLEGE and the William H. Bonsall Professor of French in the School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S). “Students from different sections can still talk about themes, books, and assignments outside of class with their dormmates or friends.”

Classes are kept small to help encourage discussion and are taught by either a postdoctoral student or a faculty member from across the university – including campus leaders like Drell.

Drell is not the only campus leader teaching a COLLEGE seminar this quarter. Lloyd Minor, dean of Stanford School of Medicine , and Debra Satz, dean of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences are both leading classes. As is Sarah Church, the Freeman-Thornton Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, who led the university’s Coordinated First-Year Committee tasked with reimagining the first-year experience at Stanford .

While COLLEGE aims to establish a unifying, intellectual experience for students, another objective is to reaffirm the value of a liberal education that empowers students to seek purposeful lives in and beyond their chosen majors and career. “Teaching a liberal education has evolved over the years,” Church said, “but the goal hasn’t changed, which is to provide students with a broad education and a broad set of perspectives to have them grapple with questions about education, citizenship, and ethics.”

Decisions to change the undergraduate course requirement grew out of Stanford’s Long Range Vision and came after an extensive, formal review period during the university’s long-range planning process that found, among several other things, students were typically not choosing a Thinking Matters course outside of their primary interest. COLLEGE builds on Thinking Matter s’ mission to stir intellectual curiosity by exploring a wide range of topics and perspectives. In May 2020, the faculty senate approved a four-year pilot phase of the COLLEGE program .

The first course in the COLLEGE sequence, Why College? Your Education and the Good Life, gives students the tools to navigate that journey and chart their own path. Students are encouraged to reflect on the place and purpose of college in their lives.

Church said she hopes that when students arrive at Stanford – after having gone through the intense pressure of applying and getting into college – they can “take a breath” to reflect on what they want from their education, away from demands they may feel from their family, friends, and peers.

“We want students to realize that they have a lot of opportunity, and some of the preconceived notions about what is important may not actually be true for them,” said Church, who is also the Pritzker University Fellow in Undergraduate Education. “They may want to pursue their education in a different way.”

Why College? Your Education and the Good Life aims to help put students on the path to self-discovery.

“There’s no box that we want students to fit into,” said Church.

But COLLEGE is not only about showing students how to make their experience at Stanford more meaningful. The program also seeks to encourage students to think deeply about their values and responsibilities as citizens and leaders, which are topics they explore in greater detail in the second and third quarters of the program.

In order to further cultivate the shared COLLEGE experience, a series of events and plenaries have been planned (Stanford’s Three Books program and author panels have been folded into the curricula). This quarter also saw the launch of the COLLEGE Faculty Fellow (CFF) Program, where a select group of the COLLEGE teaching faculty are paired to campus neighborhoods to bring additional programming into students’ residences.

This fall, four professors are bringing ideas and discussions that began in the classroom into dorms. The number could eventually increase to eight faculty members, with two in each neighborhood. This goal is being supported by a gift from Nehal Raj, ’00, MS ’00, who also endowed a lectureship to strengthen both H&S and COLLEGE .

Experiencing the process of inquiry

COLLEGE is also designed to help new students transition from high school into university. Students are also introduced to a diverse range of topics and authors to help train them to engage across disciplines and cultivate diverse skills.

In the course, Why College? Your Education and the Good Life , Stanford students were asked to reflect on the place and purpose of college in their life. (Image credit: Courtesy Office of Development)

There are readings from history, political science, philosophy, and the sciences – like the paper students read about the influence on animal social rank and stress, which was authored by Robert Sapolsky, the John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor and professor of neurology and of neurosurgery at Stanford.

For some students, this was their first time reading a scientific article, and helping students get comfortable with new kinds of academic material is a learning objective of the course as well (in her seminar with students, Drell shared some of her own strategies to get through academic texts. One tip: start with the conclusion first).

The Sapolsky paper, which was paired with an excerpt from social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Happiness Hypothesis , was the basis for a larger question students were asked to contemplate that week related to the college experience: “Is higher education stressing us out?”

Drell found the Sapolsky paper a useful jumping-off point for inquiry – which was what she asked the class to ponder (the “what experiments do you want to do?” question).

She asked students to consider the question in small groups before reconvening to discuss it as a class. After chatting amongst themselves, students were eager to share how they would go about following up on some of the ideas in the paper.

Students deliberated amongst themselves back and forth, poking holes in arguments, peppering each other with questions, and at times, challenging assumptions – their own and those in the paper.

For example, they discussed how to study human socioeconomic status. A student wondered how to measure rank in the human world where one’s position in society is not always about economics, but also about reputation and respect.

The students also talked about ways to measure stress – a topic covered in the scientific paper – in people. One student pointed out that stress is a very personal, subjective experience; people handle it very differently.

In response, another student suggested looking at the hormones associated with stress. Yet, another added that those could also be compared against dopamine or serotonin, the hormones associated with happiness. He said people are used to certain amounts and therefore, changes to those levels could be evaluated. “That’s the delta and the derivatives there,” said Drell, giving names to the methodological approach the student suggested.

Throughout their lively discussion, which lasted about twenty minutes, students raised a range of other issues as well, from the effects of addiction to poverty. They also brought up other readings and research they had encountered, from classes and elsewhere.

The class appeared to be at ease with Drell, who has served as Stanford’s provost since 2017. Any nervousness they may have initially felt about being open and candid in front of the accomplished institutional leader seemed to have dissipated. Students frequently attended her dedicated office hours to talk about the course, but also life more broadly.

Critical thinking as a process and practice

What students were doing throughout their conversations was an example of critical thinking, Drell explained at the end of the class.

Winterer, the course co-instructor, further clarified to students what the word “critical” in critical thinking means. It is not to be confused with the other meaning associated with the word – expressing dislike or disapproval – but rather, the process of objectively analyzing and evaluating an issue in order to form a judgment.

“What we mean by critical is first identifying what someone is trying to say and what evidence they are using to defend their position,” said Winterer, chair of the History Department and the William Robertson Coe Professor of History and American Studies in H&S.

It’s also about evaluating evidence being put forward. “Unlike a knee-jerk response, it’s a process of inquiry and a process of encounter with other critical minds,” she added. “That’s really what we’re trying to teach you in four years at the university – that learning is a process of inquiry, and it’s a process that can be learned.”

COLLEGE courses are taught by COLLEGE teaching fellows , who specialize in teaching in the interdisciplinary first-year requirement program. This fall, the fellows were joined by 11 faculty members, including Drell and Winterer, along with several lecturers from across the university. Assisting Drell and Winterer in the course is Theresa Iker , a PhD candidate in United States history.

Teaching with such accomplished faculty colleagues has brought her incredible joy, Drell said.

She spoke highly of the COLLEGE program from the perspective of an instructor during a faculty senate meeting last November. “It has been a fantastic experience. I have not had this much fun academically, probably it’s fair to say in decades,” she said. “I have learned so much. The students are fabulous. It has helped me realize that the narratives around what undergraduates may be like and their reluctance to have serious conversations or address challenging topics in the classroom couldn’t be farther from reality, for at least some courses.”

Students have already been asking about how to have the same kinds of deep conversations they have in class outside of it. The expanding COLLEGE Faculty Fellow Program will help foster deeper engagement with course materials beyond the classroom and within residences. In the meantime, Drell encouraged students to not just have opinions but to keep asking each other questions.

She encouraged students to challenge assumptions – both their own and that of others. “You’ve got to watch out for common sense,” she reminded the class.

Finally, Drell encouraged her students to always remain open to new ideas. “You can never know enough information. You can always learn from somebody else. Just taking those techniques, being a little conscious and thoughtful about it, is one of the goals of this course.”

Drell is also the James and Anna Marie Spilker Professor and professor in the School of Engineering, professor of materials science and engineering, and of physics.

This story is part of an ongoing, in-depth series by Stanford Report exploring the COLLEGE program .

Stanford faculty are invited to teach in COLLEGE and can find out more about it on the COLLEGE website here .

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