case study in academic writing

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.

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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, related articles.

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How to Write a Case Study | Examples & Methods

What is a case study?

A case study is a research approach that provides an in-depth examination of a particular phenomenon, event, organization, or individual. It involves analyzing and interpreting data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject under investigation. 

Case studies can be used in various disciplines, including business, social sciences, medicine ( clinical case report ), engineering, and education. The aim of a case study is to provide an in-depth exploration of a specific subject, often with the goal of generating new insights into the phenomena being studied.

When to write a case study

Case studies are often written to present the findings of an empirical investigation or to illustrate a particular point or theory. They are useful when researchers want to gain an in-depth understanding of a specific phenomenon or when they are interested in exploring new areas of inquiry. 

Case studies are also useful when the subject of the research is rare or when the research question is complex and requires an in-depth examination. A case study can be a good fit for a thesis or dissertation as well.

Case study examples

Below are some examples of case studies with their research questions:

These examples demonstrate the diversity of research questions and case studies that can be explored. From studying small businesses in Ghana to the ethical issues in supply chains, case studies can be used to explore a wide range of phenomena.

Outlying cases vs. representative cases

An outlying case stud y refers to a case that is unusual or deviates significantly from the norm. An example of an outlying case study could be a small, family-run bed and breakfast that was able to survive and even thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, while other larger hotels struggled to stay afloat.

On the other hand, a representative case study refers to a case that is typical of the phenomenon being studied. An example of a representative case study could be a hotel chain that operates in multiple locations that faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as reduced demand for hotel rooms, increased safety and health protocols, and supply chain disruptions. The hotel chain case could be representative of the broader hospitality industry during the pandemic, and thus provides an insight into the typical challenges that businesses in the industry faced.

Steps for Writing a Case Study

As with any academic paper, writing a case study requires careful preparation and research before a single word of the document is ever written. Follow these basic steps to ensure that you don’t miss any crucial details when composing your case study.

Step 1: Select a case to analyze

After you have developed your statement of the problem and research question , the first step in writing a case study is to select a case that is representative of the phenomenon being investigated or that provides an outlier. For example, if a researcher wants to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, they could select a representative case, such as a hotel chain that operates in multiple locations, or an outlying case, such as a small bed and breakfast that was able to pivot their business model to survive during the pandemic. Selecting the appropriate case is critical in ensuring the research question is adequately explored.

Step 2: Create a theoretical framework

Theoretical frameworks are used to guide the analysis and interpretation of data in a case study. The framework should provide a clear explanation of the key concepts, variables, and relationships that are relevant to the research question. The theoretical framework can be drawn from existing literature, or the researcher can develop their own framework based on the data collected. The theoretical framework should be developed early in the research process to guide the data collection and analysis.

To give your case analysis a strong theoretical grounding, be sure to include a literature review of references and sources relating to your topic and develop a clear theoretical framework. Your case study does not simply stand on its own but interacts with other studies related to your topic. Your case study can do one of the following: 

• Demonstrate a theory by showing how it explains the case being investigated
• Broaden a theory by identifying additional concepts and ideas that can be incorporated to strengthen it
• Confront a theory via an outlier case that does not conform to established conclusions or assumptions

Step 3: Collect data for your case study

Data collection can involve a variety of research methods , including interviews, surveys, observations, and document analyses, and it can include both primary and secondary sources . It is essential to ensure that the data collected is relevant to the research question and that it is collected in a systematic and ethical manner. Data collection methods should be chosen based on the research question and the availability of data. It is essential to plan data collection carefully to ensure that the data collected is of high quality

Step 4: Describe the case and analyze the details

The final step is to describe the case in detail and analyze the data collected. This involves identifying patterns and themes that emerge from the data and drawing conclusions that are relevant to the research question. It is essential to ensure that the analysis is supported by the data and that any limitations or alternative explanations are acknowledged.

The manner in which you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing. Some case studies are structured like a standard academic paper, with separate sections or chapters for the methods section , results section , and discussion section , while others are structured more like a standalone literature review.

Regardless of the topic you choose to pursue, writing a case study requires a systematic and rigorous approach to data collection and analysis. By following the steps outlined above and using examples from existing literature, researchers can create a comprehensive and insightful case study that contributes to the understanding of a particular phenomenon.

Preparing Your Case Study for Publication

After completing the draft of your case study, be sure to revise and edit your work for any mistakes, including grammatical errors , punctuation errors , spelling mistakes, and awkward sentence structure . Ensure that your case study is well-structured and that your arguments are well-supported with language that follows the conventions of academic writing .  To ensure your work is polished for style and free of errors, get English editing services from Wordvice, including our paper editing services and manuscript editing services . Let our academic subject experts enhance the style and flow of your academic work so you can submit your case study with confidence.

Other assessments: Case studies

• Scientific writing style
• Case studies
• Journal critique
• Research proposals
• Dissertations
• Literature reviews
• Assessed discussion
• Video assignments

On this page:

“For knowledge you will use in the real world - in business, for example, or in engineering or medicine - the "what" [to think] isn't sufficient. You must know how to apply the knowledge to the real world.” William Ellet, The Case Study Handbook

Case study assignments are common in some disciplines. Their main purpose is to show that you can relate theory to real-life situations. You also need to be able to recommend practical solutions to real-life problems.

This page is dedicated to writing case studies for undergraduate assignments, it does not tackle case studies as a research method/approach.

What is a case study?

A case study is an assignment where you analyse a specific case (organisation, group, person, event, issue) and explain how the elements and complexities of that case relate to theory . You will sometimes have to come up with solutions to problems or recommendations for future action.

You may be asked to write a case study as an essay, as part of a longer assignment or as a report.

Examples of cases

An organisation.  For example a company, a business, a school, a sports club, a health body.

A group. For example a class of pupils, an individual team within an organisation, a project group, a sports club.

An individual.  For example a patient, a client, a specific student/pupil, a manager/leader.

An event.  For example a sporting occasion, a cultural event, a news story, an historical event.

An issue.  For example a dilemma, problem, critical event, change of practice.

Analysing a case

What are you being asked to do.

It is important be sure about the purpose of analysing the case before you begin. Refer back to your assignment brief and make sure you are clear about this. It could be:

• To answer a specific question using examples from the case to support your argument
• To explore what happened and why (no recommendations needed)
• To make recommendations or identify solutions
• To write a plan that takes the issues into consideration

Examining the case

In order to be thoroughly familiar with the case you are going to need to read through* the case several times during the analysis process. Start by simply reading it without asking too many questions in your mind. Get a feel for it as a whole. After that, you will need to read through it several times to identify the following:

• What are the facts? List information you are sure about.
• What happened/is happening? List definite actions that occurred/are occurring.
• Who was/is involved? List people by job role and what their involvement was/is.

You will now need to read additional material to help you analyse. In business, for example, you will perhaps want to read the financial statements for the company you are investigating; in nursing, the background of the treatment for the disorder from which “your” patient is suffering.

* Sometimes cases are presented to you as videos to watch. In which case you are going to have to watch it many times!

Theoretical approaches

You may have to ask yourself which theoretical approaches that you have covered in your course are relevant to the particular case you have before you. In some instances this may be obvious but in others it may be less so. A theoretical approach is useful as it can give you  specific questions to answer ; specific things to look for. For example, in business, this may take the form of a SWOT analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or you may look at the Porter's Five Forces model. There are similar models in other disciplines which you may have been introduced to already - or the brief may tell you which to use.

No obvious theoretical approach?

If you have not been provided with a theoretical approach don't worry. You can still ask questions. For example: 

What is this case study about in general? What is the big picture - the main issue that this case study is an example of?

What specific issues are associated with it? What makes this case interesting?

What do I already know about these issues?

How do they link with the theories we have studied? (See below.)

What alternative approaches to dealing with the issues would be appropriate?

If an alternative approach were used, what impact might it have?

Linking to theory

The most crucial element about a case study is your ability to link the real world example to theory. This gives you more insight into both because

• The real life example will mean you can see how theory works in practice .
• Theory can help you see why things happened as they did and help you come up with alternative approaches and find solutions/make recommendations.

Real life is complex and messy. Do not expect it to nicely fit into theories which are by their very nature best guesses (albeit well researched) and generalisations. However, you will have been given the case specifically because it does relate to some theories you have learned or need to be aware of.

So you need to:

• Look back through your lecture notes and reading lists to see if anything seems to fit with the case.
• Search for research that relates to the issues you identified during your analysis. Note these will not necessarily be labelled as 'theories'. Claims made in research papers can all be described as theories. 

Now consider some or all of the questions below:

• Do the facts and issues raised in the case support any theories?
• Do the fact and issues raised in the case invalidate or undermine any theories?
• Can any of the theories explain why issues arose?
• Can any of the theories back up the actions taken?
• Can any of the theories suggest alternative courses of action?
• Do you think any of these alternatives would work best in your case? Why?

Armed with the answers to many of these questions, you are ready to start writing up your case study.

Writing up your case study

The most common ways to write up a case study are as essays or reports . The main differences between the two will be how you structure your work.

Structuring a case study essay

Case study essays usually have to answer a specific question using examples from your case study. They are written in continuous prose (a series of paragraphs with no subheadings). They should be structured much like any other essay with an introduction, main body and conclusion. 

Introduction

This needs to have three things:

• An introduction to your case (you don't need to rewrite it, just summarise it giving the important parts for your essay).
• A position statement (your answer to the overall question).
• An indication of how the rest of the essay is structured.

These do not have to be in that particular order but they do all need to be included.

Generally you will organise this thematically . Each paragraph needs to make a point and then use information from your case to illustrate and back up that point . You will also bring in theory (other reading) to strengthen your argument. It is acceptable to start with the example from your case and then show how this links to theory and the conclusion this leads you to; however, it is best if you first let your reader know the point you are making, as then they are not having to second guess this until the end of the paragraph. 

Each point in your main body should be leading back to the position statement you made in the introduction.

What are the main lessons you learned from the case study? How well did the theory fit with the real world example? Have you been asked to provide solutions or recommendations? If so, give them here.

Reference list

Include all the sources you have cited in your essay.

Structuring a case study report

These can vary between disciplines so check your assignment guidance. A typical case study would include:

Table of contents

See our MS Word pages  or our MS Office Software SkillsGuide for instructions on how to create these automatically.

Executive summary - optional, check if required

Give an overview of your whole report including main approaches, findings and recommendations. This is a bit like the abstract of a journal article.

• Context (Background)
• Purpose - what is the case study trying to achieve? 
• Approach - are you using any particular theoretical tools or research approaches?

Discussion/Analysis

• Identification of issues and problems
• Links to theories that help you explain the case
• Explanation of causes or implications of the issues identified
• Possible solutions (if required, check your instructions)

These depends on what you were asked to do but could include:

• Main lessons learned
• Best solutions and reasons why
• Recommendations (may have their own section)
• Action plan (may have its own section)
• Include all the sources you have cited in the report.

Appendices if required

Recommended books and ebooks from our collection, related books and ebooks from our collection.

Recommended external resources

• Writing a case study From Monash University
• Writing a case study analysis From The University of Arizona
• Case studies From the University of South Australia - includes useful sample case studies
• Writing a case study PDF to download from the University of Bedfordshire
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• 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.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

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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WRITE A CASE STUDY

Students often report problems with their case studies. This type of assignment is different from a high school or college essay. It requires a specific answer to the question along with the effective solution instead of informative writing alone. A case study is like a complicated math problem that requires a full answer and detailed interpretation. That is why it is wrong to say that a student writes a case study. They rather prepare a solution to it.

Your case study is a research method used to study an individual, team of people, event, or object. Here is the list of subjects that may include writing a case study as part of the class:

• Anthropology and history
• Computer science
• Math and related subjects
• Business disciplines

That is not a full list. Learning how to solve case studies is valuable. By knowing it, one will use them as an effective corporate tool to sell product or service being part of the sales team, for instance. Every assignment of this type requires an original approach to solving the problem, and it is better to find the answer working in a team. It should be your own paper in the end, but you can mention other contributors.

A student has to choose the way to present their project. Here are the possible options:

• Oral case presentation
• Research problem and solution (PPT presentation)
• Business school publishing
• Video case study
• Public speech
• Written answer (an essay or research paper)

Those are the basic things to know about the definition. The following sections will explain how to do this assignment.

4 Types of Case Studies

Decide which paper you need based on the classification of case studies. There are four of them.

• Descriptive.

If you have no idea where to start and what the problem is about, this option is for you. Describe every tiny detail about the subject. If your project is on obesity as a form of the disorder, specify the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods, etc. A conclusion may be the most effective way to deal with obesity.

• Critical analysis.

Writers from the literary fields prefer this one. A student obtains a written piece or another type of content to evaluate and criticize. The main steps are to interpret the offered data, assess the information, and come up with the conclusion in the shape of an efficient solution to the existing problem.

• Exploratory.

A student should focus on quantitative data. With the help of relevant, trustworthy sources (your interview, surveys, polls, questionnaires), a writer should explore the issue.

• Cumulative.

The goal is to blindly gather all possible facts, statistics, and other quantitative data. It is the opposite of qualitative info. The primary object of a student who selects this type of writing is to gather details about the research problem and evaluate the information to obtain inferences/solutions.

How to Conduct Research

A writer should start with prior research. Depending on the selected topic, it is essential to go online or to the college library to study the available sources and pick the best ideas to cite. That is how a student can choose the topic or find good evidence. Modern tutors insist on using conventional sources which means you should avoid books, newspapers, articles, and other content older than 5-10 years. A lot may have changed during that period.

The pre-writing steps include:

• Surfing the web trying to gather credible study materials
• Making a list of reliable sources
• Seeking out significant facts and statistics
• Preparing a list of keywords
• Highlighting the primary research question or problem
• Thinking about several solutions or another answer (alternative)

Experts recommend applying triangulation to get your A+. Depending on your subject of matter, get ready with an outline.

An Outline for a Case Study

A case study starts with an introduction. The rest of the sections are different by their content and purposes: aims, a method of analysis, results and discussion, and recommendations.

An introduction may be combined with the aims. A writer should introduce the situation/problem, explain why it is critical to solve the issue, and end up with a thesis statement (that would be the Aims section). The method must contain the full list of equipment and tools. Results should present the figures obtained by the researcher so that others would be able to repeat the same; the discussion section must offer interpretations of the results. Recommendations stand for particular solutions to implement. In the report, the author has to summarize the central points. A literature review with the full references to the analyzed sources (when the study was published and other details) with their short descriptions may be requested by your teacher (it is an analogy of bibliography).

Every time you insert a citation needed to support a piece of info, you should format it. Formatting of your work will depend on the subject or institution. Harvard Business School students should use Harvard citation format, those who study medicine will have to reference sources in AMA, IT students prefer IEEE, etc. Specify the format if you are not sure.

Prompts and Ideas for Your Case Study

In rare situations, tutors allow picking the topic. Mind that you should think about a full prompt made of several sentences and questions instead of a single-sentence topic. It is not an essay! These sample questions might help you to get inspired:

• Discuss the psychology behind the behavior of kids that suffer from social anxiety. Offer effective methods of preventing and treating mental disorders.
• Consumer behavior analysis and its role in business. Pick an existing business or come up with an imaginary one, analyze the consumer behavior, reasons why customers do/do not trust the company and offer solutions on how to improve the B2C relations.
• Large shops surviving the harsh competition in the US market. Define the causes of success and come up with recommendations and solutions for the start-ups that fail during the initial year of the launch.
• The correlation between the higher education and economic development of the country. Pick a specific country which suffers from various economic issues, define the level of higher education and overall literacy rates, and propose some solutions to improve the situation.
• The main causes of college drop-out cases. Analyze the factors that make students leave colleges during the first year and propose preventive measures.

Only a sample of work can provide you with an idea of how your case study should look. Oh, wait, it seems like we know another way!

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• Outlining and Annotating
• Using Generative AI (Chat GPT and others)
• Introduction, Thesis, and Conclusion
• Strategies for Citations
• Determining the Resource This link opens in a new window
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• Synthesis and Analysis Practice
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• Annotated Bibliography
• Comparative Analysis
• Conducting an Interview
• Infographics
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• Poster Presentations
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• Research Writing: The 5 Step Approach
• Step 1: Seek Out Evidence
• Step 2: Explain
• Step 3: The Big Picture
• Step 4: Own It
• Step 5: Illustrate
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Writing a Case Study

What is a case study?

A Case study is: 

• An in-depth research design that primarily uses a qualitative methodology but sometimes​​ includes quantitative methodology.
• Used to examine an identifiable problem confirmed through research.
• Used to investigate an individual, group of people, organization, or event.
• Used to mostly answer "how" and "why" questions.

What are the different types of case studies?

Note: These are the primary case studies. As you continue to research and learn

about case studies you will begin to find a robust list of different types. 

Who are your case study participants?

What is triangulation ? 

Validity and credibility are an essential part of the case study. Therefore, the researcher should include triangulation to ensure trustworthiness while accurately reflecting what the researcher seeks to investigate.

How to write a Case Study?

When developing a case study, there are different ways you could present the information, but remember to include the five parts for your case study.

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Is academic writing becoming more positive? A large-scale diachronic case study of Science research articles across 25 years

• Published: 01 October 2022
• Volume 127 , pages 6191–6207, ( 2022 )

Cite this article

• Zhou-min Yuan 1 &
• Mingxin Yao   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4763-9413 2  

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Academic writing is developing to be more positive. This linguistic positivity bias is confirmed in academic writing across disciplines and genres. The current research adopted sentiment analysis and examined the diachronic change in linguistic positivity in the full texts of 2,556 research articles published in Science in 25 years. The results showed that academic writing in research articles in the journal Science has become significantly more positive in the past 25 years. The findings of this study confirm linguistic positivity bias in academic writing based on empirical data from Science. Reasons for the increasingly positive language use in science articles might include the popularization of science, the growing number of researchers, and the difficulty of publishing in high-impact journals. Finally, this study discussed the implications of our findings for researchers, editors, and peer reviewers.

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Introduction

Linguistic positivity bias (Augustine et al., 2011 ; Rozin et al., 2010 ) has received wide attention from various disciplines, such as psychology (Augustine et al., 2011 ; Rozin et al., 2010 ) and data science (Dodds et al., 2015 ; Garcia et al., 2012 ). Existing research reveals a general tendency to use more positive words than negative words in human communication. (Rozin et al., 2010 ; Augustine, 2011; Garcia et al., 2012 ; Dodds et al., 2015 ). For example, Dodds et al. ( 2015 ) observe a universal positivity bias in 100,000 words spread across 24 corpora in 10 languages with diverse origins. Augustine et al. ( 2011 ) find evidence for the human tendency to use positive words more often than negative words in written and spoken English. Linguistic positivity bias is likely to be universal across languages and registers. Linguistic positivity bias has also been identified in recent studies on academic writing, which find an upward trend in linguistic positivity in academic writing (Cao et al., 2020 ; Holtz et al., 2017 ; Lerchenmueller et al., 2019 ; Vinkers et al., 2015 ; Weidmann et al., 2018 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ). Evidence in support of this claim is unearthed in academic articles across disciplines, including medical and life science (Cao et al., 2020 ; Lerchenmueller et al., 2019 ; Vinkers et al., 2015 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ), political science (Weidmann et al., 2018 ), and cross-cultural psychology (Holtz et al., 2017 ). Vinkers et al. ( 2015 ) found significant growth in the frequency of positive words used in all scientific abstracts in PubMed from 1974 to 2014. Following Vinkers et al. ( 2015 ), Weidmann et al. ( 2018 ) also observe a marked increase in the use of positive words in abstracts in political science over time. Lerchenmueller et al. ( 2019 ) unveil the role of gender differences in the positive presentation of academic writing by examining titles and abstracts from a large dataset of academic articles in clinical research and life science in PubMed from 2002 to 2007. To date, these studies are largely limited to the examination of a linguistic positivity bias in the abstracts based on a small list of predefined positive/negative words.

To overcome the limitations in previous studies, studies on linguistic positivity bias in academic writing also make various methodological modifications. First, full texts in academic journals are taken into account to validate the findings based on abstracts. For example, Holtz et al. ( 2017 ) find a general upward trend in the use of positive words based on the exploration of a linguistic positivity bias in the full texts of research articles from cross-cultural psychology. Cao et al. ( 2020 ) also find an increasingly positive trend in terms of linguistic positivity based on the examination of how the frequencies of positive and negative words change over time in both abstracts and full texts in journals from PubMed. Second, the latest studies resort to larger dictionaries and lexicons to tackle the limitation of the small list of positive and negative words (Vinkers et al., 2015 ), including studies by Holtz et al. ( 2017 ), Bordignon et al. ( 2021 ), and Wen and Lei ( 2021 ). In these studies, researchers adopt self-created dictionaries (Holtz et al., 2017 ), expanded list of positive/negative words (Bordignon et al., 2021 ), or sentiment analysis with large lexicons in R (Wen & Lei, 2021 ) to triangulate the results based on Vinkers et al.’s ( 2015 ) small list of positive and negative words. Third, regarding the limitation of findings generalised from one discipline, Bordignon et al. ( 2021 ) compare abstracts across disciplines between a pre-pandemic corpus and a corpus of preprints issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and discover an increase of positive words and a slight decrease of negative words. The results are encouraging because in these studies, a growing trend of positive language is observed based on mixed methods, thus further confirming the linguistic positivity bias in academic writing.

While existing studies provide significant insights into linguistic positivity bias in academic writing, the findings are still limited in the following three aspects. First, all of the exiting studies, except for Bordignon et al. ( 2021 ), investigated linguistic positivity bias in academic writing in individual disciplines. Little study has researched linguistic positivity bias in academic writing across disciplines. Second, most findings in the existing research are based on abstracts, the generalisability of which is open to doubt since abstracts may fail to fully and accurately reflect the main body of research articles (Pitkin and Branagan, 1998 , Pitkin et al., 1999 ). Third, among the small number of studies that examined linguistic positivity bias in full texts (Cao et al., 2020 and Holtz et al., 2017 ), findings were generated based on a small list of predefined positive/negative words (Vinkers et al., 2015 ), which may not be sufficiently robust to detect sentiment polarity in academic writing from various disciplines (Wen & Lei, 2021 : 4).

To address these limitations in the literature, the current study intends to examine linguistic positivity bias in academic writing in the following ways. First, we attempt to investigate linguistic positivity bias in research articles in Science. As the leading outlet and the core journal of scientific discovery, Science is a multidisciplinary journal (Glänzel & Schubert, 2003 ; Glänzel et al., 1999 ) that welcomes research articles from all fields of science and any other source ( https://www.science.org/content/page/mission-and-scope ), and is thus an ideal sample to represent academic writing across disciplines. Second, we intend to explore linguistic positivity bias in the full texts of research articles published in Science for more in-depth findings. Finally, we adopt sentiment analysis with large lexicons of sentiment words (following Wen & Lei, 2021 ) in our data analysis for more robust and accurate results.

Based on these considerations, this study addresses how the sentiment in the full texts of Science has changed in the past 25 years. Finally, we intend to discuss the possible reasons for the development of sentiment of the full texts in Science in the past 25 years.

This section presents the data collection and data analysis that were employed in the current research.

Data Collection

According to the categories of manuscripts given by Science ( https://www.science.org/content/page/science-information-authors ), the journal accepts and publishes the following types of manuscripts: research articles, reports, reviews, and commentaries. In our study, we only focused on the category of research articles for the following reasons. First, analysis on this single category eliminates the influence of such factors as genre differences between research articles and other categories. Second, concerning that the categories may change over time, we chose the category of research articles since it has remained consistent over the past 25 years. Finally, the reason why we did not include reports in our study is that research articles and reports may vary in terms of academic significance and paper length. Specifically, the former presents research papers with major advances containing up to 4500 words while the latter only accepts important new research results of broad significance and is limited to 2500 words.

In the current research study, we developed a script in Python for data collection, based on which a diachronic corpus for academic writing was constructed. The data were retrieved from the journal Science through access provided by Nanjing University Library. During data collection, the crawl delay was set to 10, conforming to the Robots Exclusion Standard announced by the Journal website. Footnote 1 The collected data were stored in the format of Excel files to form a corpus with 25 years of research articles (full texts) published in Science.

The corpus consisted of 2,556 research articles dating from January 1997 to August 2021, Footnote 2 with a total of 10,915,515 words (see Table 1 for the descriptive statistics), representing academic writing samples for a wide variety of fields and disciplines. The full texts of these research articles were published across a span of 25 years, sufficient time to explore the diachronic change of linguistic positivity in academic writing. In addition, the investigation on the full texts allows us to gain a holistic understanding of academic writing, hence yielding more reliable and generalisable results than those from analysing only abstracts.

Data analysis

• Sentiment analysis

To address the research question, we conducted sentiment analysis, a method that studies the positive or negative evaluations, attitudes, and views expressed in a text (Liu & Lei, 2018 ; Mäntylä et al., 2018 ; Serrano-Guerreroet al., 2015 ; Taboada, 2016 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ). To date, two main approaches have been commonly adopted in sentiment analysis: machine learning and lexicon-based approaches (Taboada, 2016 ; Mukhtar, 2018; Van Houtan et al., 2020 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ). The former approach runs on a classifier trained for determining the polarity of texts (Taboada, 2016 ). However, this approach is limited to the specific field or genre of the training dataset that the classifier is trained for (Wen & Lei, 2021 : 7). The lexicon-based approach, on the other hand, is based on lexicons or dictionaries containing a large set of sentiment words and their polarities (Taboada, 2016 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ). This approach, although less accurate, is not subject to a particular genre or domain of the trained texts and, therefore, can efficiently handle data from different domains (Mukhtar, 2018 : 2182).

Before sentiment analysis, we preprocessed the raw texts in our corpus by removing all the non-English symbols such as β or Ӓ, which may also be used in equations, etc., to ensure that our analysis is not affected by such special symbols. To do so, we coded a regular expression in python, which deletes the non-English symbols in our data.

In the current study, we employ the lexicon-based approach in sentiment analysis for the following reasons. First, this method is proven to be robust across different domains without changing the dictionaries (Taboada et al., 2011 : 9). Second, this approach allows us to compare our findings with previous studies using the same approach, such as Wen and Lei ( 2021 ). In detail, we coded an R script to run sentiment analyses on each research article (full text). Two packages embedded in R are used separately for performing sentiment analysis, namely, Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ) and Sentimentr (Rinker, 2018 ).

In the first sentiment analysis (SA1), we resort to Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ), a popular R package widely applied in studies with sentiment analysis (Bradley & James, 2019 ; Jensen & Bang, 2017 ; Liu & Lei, 2018 ; Vergeer, 2020 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ). However, Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ) was found to be error-prone due to the lack of valence shifters (i.e., negators, intensifiers, or downtoners) in a sentence (See Rinker, 2018 ). Later, Rinker ( 2018 ) released a modified R package, Sentimentr (Rinker, 2018 ), based on the weakness of Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ). Therefore, the second sentiment analysis (SA2) is carried out based on Sentimentr (Rinker, 2018 ). In addition, with two packages, we are able to triangulate the results by comparing those of SA1 and SA2.

We also ran sentiment analysis on multiple lexicons in Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ) and Rinker ( 2018 ) to further triangulate the results. Specifically, in Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ), we opted for the Jockers sentiment lexicon (Jockers, 2017 ) and the NRC sentiment lexicon (Mohammad & Turney, 2010 ). In Sentimentr (Rinker, 2018 ), we used three lexicons, including the previous two lexicons and one additional lexicon, i.e., the SenticNet lexicon (Cambria et al., 2016 ). The reasons for using these lexicons are as follows. First, these lexicons are proven to be highly robust (Mohammad, 2010 ) and reliable (Wen & Lei, 2021 ) in terms of sentiment analysis. Second, embedded in the R packages, these lexicons are free and open for access.

The sentiment analysis procedure based on the above lexicons in Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ) and Sentimentr (Rinker, 2018 ) follows several steps. It should be noted that all of the algorithms used for sentiment analysis in this study are based on sentences. To calculate the sentiment scores for one article, the algorithms in the R packages first divide each research article (full text) into individual sentences. Next, they produce a raw sentiment score for each sentence in the article. Finally, a composite sentiment score for each article is calculated by adding up the raw scores of all the sentences in the article. However, the results produced by different lexicons are not comparable because the sentiment words included in these lexicons were tagged on different scales and intervals (Wen & Lei, 2021 : 9). Therefore, standardization of the raw sentiment scores is necessary after the analysis. We followed Lennox et al. ( 2020 ) and Wen and Lei ( 2021 ) in standardizing the raw sentiment scores by calculating the mean, i.e., μ (sentiments) and the standard deviation, i.e., σ (sentiments) of the raw scores of all the research articles, and finally the standardized sentiment score for each article based on Lennox et al.’s method (2020), as displayed in Formula 1. Finally, to compare the sentiment scores across time on a yearly basis, we calculated the yearly means of the standardized sentiment scores.

In addition, it should be noted that sentiment analysis with these two packages is not affected by factors such as the prevalence of positive words and sentence length (Wen & Lei, 2021 ), due to a larger proportion of negative words in the lexicons and the design of the algorithms. However, due to the space limit and also the scope of the present paper, we do not specify the technical details for our instruments. For more technical details, please see Rinker ( 2019 ) as a consultation.

Statistical analysis

In terms of statistical analysis, we first conducted simple linear regression (Lei & Wen, 2020 ; Lei & Yan, 2016 ; Lei & Zhang, 2018 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ) to examine the diachronic development of research articles in Science in terms of sentiment scores. Specifically, we performed simple linear regression on all five result samples from the five lexicons, two of which were based on Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ) and the other three based on Sentimentr (Rinker, 2018 ). In all the analyses of simple linear regression, we examined the developmental trajectory of the sentiment scores with the year as the independent variable and the standardized sentiment score of the full text of each research article as the dependent variable.

In addition, to further compare the results of sentiment analysis based on different packages and lexicons, we also performed Pearson’s product-moment correlation analyses (Wen & Lei, 2021 ) to examine whether the five result samples are positively or negatively correlated with statistical significance.

This section first reports the distribution of sentiment in the full texts across 25 years and then the results of statistical analysis, which may shed light on the trend of linguistic positivity bias.

Distribution of sentiment across 25 years

We performed sentiment analyses based on five lexicons in two R packages, i.e., Jockers sentiment lexicon and NRC sentiment lexicon in Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ), as well as Jockers sentiment lexicon, NRC sentiment lexicon, and SenticNet sentiment lexicon in Sentimentr (Rinker, 2018 ). In this step, our data analysis generated five result samples for further analysis. To compare the sentiment scores across time on a yearly basis, we calculated the yearly means of the standardized sentiment scores from January 1997 to August 2021, as displayed in Table 2 .

From eyeballing the data, we derived the hypothesis that the sentiment scores in the full texts went through a general increase from 1997 to 2021. However, since the statistical evaluation goes beyond what eyeballing the table can do (Hilpert & Gries, 2009 : 390), we must rely on further statistics for precise insights into the diachronic change of sentiment scores in the data, which is presented in the next section.

Trends of linguistic positivity based on sentiment analyses

In this section, we first report the statistical result of SA1 before that of SA2 because they are based on distinct packages.

Results of the SA1

In SA1, we ran sentiment analysis with two lexicons in Syuzhet (Jockers, 2017 ), namely, the Jockers sentiment lexicon and the NRC sentiment lexicon. Table 3 summarizes the descriptive statistics of the standardized sentiment scores based on each lexicon. Figure  1 demonstrates the yearly means of the standardized sentiment scores based on SA1 from January 1997 to August 2021.

Diachronic trajectory of linguistic positivity based on SA1

The results of simple linear regression on SA1 suggested a significant increase in sentiment in the full texts, indicating an upward developmental trend of linguistic positivity in the last 25 years (Jockers: F (1,23) = 34.15, p  = 5.912e-06, multiple R 2  = 0.5975, adjusted R 2  = 0.58; NRC: F (1,23) = 34.33, p  = 5.694e-06, multiple R 2  = 0.5988, adjusted R 2  = 0.5814;). Table 4 presents the detailed statistics of the model.

Results of the SA2

In SA2, we analysed the sentiments in the full texts with Sentimentr (Rinker, 2018 ) and three lexicons in the package, i.e., the Jockers sentiment lexicon (Jockers, 2017 ), the NRC sentiment lexicon (Mohammad & Turney, 2010 ), and the SenticNet lexicon (Cambria et al., 2016 ). Table 5 demonstrates the descriptive statistics of the standardized sentiment scores with SA2. Figure  2 displays the yearly means of the standardized sentiment scores of the full texts across 25 years.

Diachronic trajectory of linguistic positivity based on SA2

In the statistical analysis for SA2, simple linear regression revealed an upward trend in the development of linguistic positivity because the sentiments have significantly increased in the full texts in the past 25 years (Jockers: F (1,23) = 34.26, p  = 5.773e− 06, multiple R 2  = 0.5983, adjusted R 2  = 0.5809; NRC: F (1,23) = 27.38, p  = 2.625e− 05, multiple R 2  = 0.5435, adjusted R 2  = 0.5236; SenticNet: F (1,23) = 34.63, p  = 5.346e− 06, multiple R 2  = 0.6009, adjusted R 2  = 0.5836). Table 6 demonstrates the results of the simple linear regression model.

Generally, the statistical results of SA2 are in line with those of SA1, thus offering further triangulated evidence for the increasing linguistic positivity in academic writing during the 25 years evaluated.

Results of the correlation test

Finally, we performed Pearson’s correlation test (Wen & Lei, 2021 ) on the five samples of standardized sentiment scores in SA1 and SA2 to test the reliability of sentiment analysis. Table 7 shows the interrelation of the standardized sentiment scores in SA1 and SA2. According to the results, all the sentiment measures are highly significantly correlated (r = 0.9999409 > 0.9, p  = 2.2e− 16 < 0.001), providing further triangulated evidence for the reliability of our sentiment analysis.

Fluctuations in the sentiment scores

The current study investigated linguistic positivity bias in academic writing based on a diachronic corpus of academic research articles published between January 1997 and August 2021 in Science. To date, this research is most likely the first study that employs sentiment analysis with large lexicons to examine linguistic positivity bias in the full texts, rather than abstracts, of academic writing from a diachronic perspective.

The findings of this study revealed a generally increasingly positive trend in academic writing in Science over the past 25 years. Our findings were in line with those in Cao et al. ( 2020 ) and Wen and Lei ( 2021 ) with evidence from Science. Our results also fill the gap that no previous study has examined linguistic positivity bias by employing sentiment analysis with large lexicons on the full texts of research articles from a diachronic perspective.

However, some fluctuations were observed in the data. Roughly between 1999 and 2008 there were some fluctuations in the sentiment scores, which is followed by a general increase in the scores approximately from 2009 to 2018. We find it necessary to report and discuss why there were such fluctuations in our data. To do so, we investigated the linguistic nature of our corpus with the help of a list of predefined positive and negative words proposed by Vinkers et al. ( 2015 ), as displayed in Table 8 . Specifically, we coded a python script to calculate the frequency of these positive and negative words in the corpus. The above-mentioned fluctuations between 1999 and 2008 were also observed in the frequency of Vinkers et al’s ( 2015 ) positive and negative words in our corpus, as displayed in Fig.  3 . From 2009 to 2018 there was a general increase in the sentiment scores, which was also in line with the frequency of Vinkers et al’s ( 2015 ) positive and negative words between 2009 and 2018, as shown in Fig.  4 . To be specific, there appeared to be more increasingly more positive words than negative words from 2009 to 2018.

Frequency of Vinkers et al’s ( 2015 ) positive and negative words between 1999 and 2008

Frequency of Vinkers et al’s ( 2015 ) positive and negative words between 2009 and 2018

The overall distribution of Vinkers et al’s ( 2015 ) positive and negative words between 1997 and 2021 is illustrated in Fig.  5 . From Fig.  5 , we are able to see a general increase in the frequency of positive words, with less fluctuations observed. This result might further reinforce our arguments based on the results of the previous sentiment analysis that academic writing in Science research articles has become increasingly positive.

Overall distribution of Vinkers et al’s ( 2015 ) positive and negative words between 1997 and 2021

However, we have to acknowledge the limitations of Vinkers et al’s ( 2015 ) list of positive and negative words since they are small in number, and therefore could not entirely represent the fluctuations in our sentiment scores. Therefore, such an analysis merely provide an aspect of the linguistic variations in the corpus. In other words, the fluctuations in our sentiment scores could possibly be a result of the inner linguistic variations in the corpus, with Vinkers et al’s ( 2015 ) list of positive and negative words serving as a case in point.

In this section, we discuss the potential reasons for the use of increasingly positive language in academic writings. First, the popularization of science (Bell & Turney, 2014 ; Pilkington, 2016 ) might be one reason why academic writing has developed to be more positive. The popularization of science is a long-standing tradition that includes a variety of practices in making scientific information more accessible to general and nonexpert audiences (Bucchi & Trench, 2014 ). As a result, both publishers and researchers are keen to promote scientific advancements and research brands with the public (Bell & Turney, 2014 ; Pilkington, 2016 ). By doing so, researchers tend to adopt narratives that shape a positive image of themselves as creative thinkers when describing their discoveries (Pilkington, 2016 ). In relation to Science, the journal seeks to not only advance scientific understanding but also publish papers that merit recognition by the wider scientific community and the general public ( https://www.science.org/content/page/mission-and-scope ). Therefore, it is possible that the popularization of science has played a vital role in the increasing linguistic positivity trend in research articles in Science over the past 25 years.

Second, we agree with Wen and Lei ( 2021 ), Cao et al. ( 2020 ), and Vinkers et al. ( 2015 ) that the linguistic positivity bias is possibly influenced by competition in publications in the academic community. Specifically, positive language as a technique or strategy has been increasingly adopted in recent decades (Cao et al., 2020 : 4), during which high-quality publications have gained such importance that they can influence various aspects of a researcher’s career (Nicolini & Nozza, 2008 ; Nosek et al., 2012 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ), such as hiring, salary, promotion, tenure, and grant awards (Nosek et al., 2012 : 616). At the same time, however, it has become increasingly more difficult to have one’s research published (Wen & Lei, 2021 : 17) due to the high demand for publication (Nosek et al., 2012 ), the growing number of researchers (Lillis & Curry, 2013 ), the competitive process of publication selection (Millar et al., 2019 ), and the more thorough and critical editorial and peer review process in high-impact journals (Vinkers et al., 2015 : 3). Consequently, researchers may adopt a more positive writing approach in research articles (Vinkers et al., 2015 ) to promote their research for publication purposes (Cao et al., 2020 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ).

Third, the increasing linguistic positivity bias in academic writing may also be attributed to positive outcome reporting bias (Dwan et al., 2013 ) or positive publication bias (Mlinarić et al., 2017 ). Recent studies found that studies with positive or statistically significant results have greater odds of being published (Dwan et al., 2013 ; Mlinarić et al., 2017 ), which contributes to a scientific culture that favors positive outcomes (Wen & Lei, 2021 ). As a result, researchers are more likely to report statistically positive or significant outcomes (Dwan et al., 2013 ) as a strategy to impress the audience (Wen & Lei, 2021 ), editors, and peer reviewers (Chiu et al., 2017 ). In this process of promoting their research (Cao et al., 2020 ; Millar et al., 2019 ), researchers may be inclined to use more positive writing, such as hyperbolic and/or subjective language, to glamorize and promote and/or exaggerate aspects of their research (Millar et al., 2019 : 139). Researchers who have observed this phenomenon are now warning the scientific community about the risk that this practice may undermine the objectivity and interpretation of newly discovered scientific knowledge (Millar et al., 2019 ; Wen & Lei, 2021 ) as well as the trustworthiness of published research findings (Ioannidis, 2005 ).

This study has implications for researchers, editors, and peer reviewers. On the one hand, positive language is useful in terms of selling the paper and promoting science to the general public; however, extensive use of positively subjective language could erode the accuracy of the information conveyed and, hence, result in doing a disservice to science (Millar et al., 2019 ). Therefore, researchers should adopt the right judgment of intention in academic writing (Millar et al., 2019 ) and a prudent use of promotional language (Cao et al., 2020 ) to preserve the integrity of the scientific findings. Wen and Lei ( 2021 ) also argue that researchers take responsibility for the language used in academic writing. The findings of this research and previous studies may also have some implications for editors and peer reviewers regarding the need for heightened vigilance for promotional language use (Millar et al., 2019 ) and more tolerance and even rewards for negative research results for the purpose of keeping science on track. (Nature Editorial, 2017 ).

Empirically, our study features originality in the following fronts. First, we investigate the full texts of research articles on Science. Therefore, our findings based on the full texts may be more generalisable than those generated from abstracts. It may further validate and reinforce previous findings based on abstracts, whose generalisability might be questionable. Second, our study may better represent academic writing. Specifically, since Science publishes research articles from across disciplines, our findings could reveal the diachronic development of linguistic positivity in academic writing across disciplines instead of one or two disciplines.

However, our study is also limited as follows. First, as a case study on Science, the findings on the full texts are limited to this journal. Future research may extend the size of the corpus by incorporating full texts from more scientific journals such as Nature and other Nature indexed journals. Second, our study revealed only a positive trend in the diachronic development of academic writing in science. However, it may fail to account for exactly how the use of positive language evolved over time. Future studies may approach the same issue with in-depth qualitative methods. Third, our study is limited in that we did not take into account that language use and hence sentiments may vary in different sections of a research article, which is a potentially interesting and relevant topic for future research. Finally, although our instruments exhibit robustness and high reliability, they are still limited in terms of accuracy. Future research may adopt tools with better accuracy in detecting sentiments in academic writing, such as more accurate algorithms or machine learning models.

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The authors would like to extend their kind regards to the editorial office and the reviewers for their insightful comments and suggestions.

This research was funded by the National Social Science Fund of China (project number 20AYY009).

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Yuan, Zm., Yao, M. Is academic writing becoming more positive? A large-scale diachronic case study of Science research articles across 25 years. Scientometrics 127 , 6191–6207 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-022-04515-2

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Definition and Introduction

Case analysis is a problem-based teaching and learning method that involves critically analyzing complex scenarios within an organizational setting for the purpose of placing the student in a “real world” situation and applying reflection and critical thinking skills to contemplate appropriate solutions, decisions, or recommended courses of action. It is considered a more effective teaching technique than in-class role playing or simulation activities. The analytical process is often guided by questions provided by the instructor that ask students to contemplate relationships between the facts and critical incidents described in the case.

Cases generally include both descriptive and statistical elements and rely on students applying abductive reasoning to develop and argue for preferred or best outcomes [i.e., case scenarios rarely have a single correct or perfect answer based on the evidence provided]. Rather than emphasizing theories or concepts, case analysis assignments emphasize building a bridge of relevancy between abstract thinking and practical application and, by so doing, teaches the value of both within a specific area of professional practice.

Given this, the purpose of a case analysis paper is to present a structured and logically organized format for analyzing the case situation. It can be assigned to students individually or as a small group assignment and it may include an in-class presentation component. Case analysis is predominately taught in economics and business-related courses, but it is also a method of teaching and learning found in other applied social sciences disciplines, such as, social work, public relations, education, journalism, and public administration.

Ellet, William. The Case Study Handbook: A Student's Guide . Revised Edition. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Publishing, 2018; Christoph Rasche and Achim Seisreiner. Guidelines for Business Case Analysis . University of Potsdam; Writing a Case Analysis . Writing Center, Baruch College; Volpe, Guglielmo. "Case Teaching in Economics: History, Practice and Evidence." Cogent Economics and Finance 3 (December 2015). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2015.1120977.

How to Approach Writing a Case Analysis Paper

The organization and structure of a case analysis paper can vary depending on the organizational setting, the situation, and how your professor wants you to approach the assignment. Nevertheless, preparing to write a case analysis paper involves several important steps. As Hawes notes, a case analysis assignment “...is useful in developing the ability to get to the heart of a problem, analyze it thoroughly, and to indicate the appropriate solution as well as how it should be implemented” [p.48]. This statement encapsulates how you should approach preparing to write a case analysis paper.

Before you begin to write your paper, consider the following analytical procedures:

• Review the case to get an overview of the situation . A case can be only a few pages in length, however, it is most often very lengthy and contains a significant amount of detailed background information and statistics, with multilayered descriptions of the scenario, the roles and behaviors of various stakeholder groups, and situational events. Therefore, a quick reading of the case will help you gain an overall sense of the situation and illuminate the types of issues and problems that you will need to address in your paper. If your professor has provided questions intended to help frame your analysis, use them to guide your initial reading of the case.
• Read the case thoroughly . After gaining a general overview of the case, carefully read the content again with the purpose of understanding key circumstances, events, and behaviors among stakeholder groups. Look for information or data that appears contradictory, extraneous, or misleading. At this point, you should be taking notes as you read because this will help you develop a general outline of your paper. The aim is to obtain a complete understanding of the situation so that you can begin contemplating tentative answers to any questions your professor has provided or, if they have not provided, developing answers to your own questions about the case scenario and its connection to the course readings,lectures, and class discussions.
• Determine key stakeholder groups, issues, and events and the relationships they all have to each other . As you analyze the content, pay particular attention to identifying individuals, groups, or organizations described in the case and identify evidence of any problems or issues of concern that impact the situation in a negative way. Other things to look for include identifying any assumptions being made by or about each stakeholder, potential biased explanations or actions, explicit demands or ultimatums , and the underlying concerns that motivate these behaviors among stakeholders. The goal at this stage is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the situational and behavioral dynamics of the case and the explicit and implicit consequences of each of these actions.
• Identify the core problems . The next step in most case analysis assignments is to discern what the core [i.e., most damaging, detrimental, injurious] problems are within the organizational setting and to determine their implications. The purpose at this stage of preparing to write your analysis paper is to distinguish between the symptoms of core problems and the core problems themselves and to decide which of these must be addressed immediately and which problems do not appear critical but may escalate over time. Identify evidence from the case to support your decisions by determining what information or data is essential to addressing the core problems and what information is not relevant or is misleading.
• Explore alternative solutions . As noted, case analysis scenarios rarely have only one correct answer. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the process of analyzing the case and diagnosing core problems, while based on evidence, is a subjective process open to various avenues of interpretation. This means that you must consider alternative solutions or courses of action by critically examining strengths and weaknesses, risk factors, and the differences between short and long-term solutions. For each possible solution or course of action, consider the consequences they may have related to their implementation and how these recommendations might lead to new problems. Also, consider thinking about your recommended solutions or courses of action in relation to issues of fairness, equity, and inclusion.
• Decide on a final set of recommendations . The last stage in preparing to write a case analysis paper is to assert an opinion or viewpoint about the recommendations needed to help resolve the core problems as you see them and to make a persuasive argument for supporting this point of view. Prepare a clear rationale for your recommendations based on examining each element of your analysis. Anticipate possible obstacles that could derail their implementation. Consider any counter-arguments that could be made concerning the validity of your recommended actions. Finally, describe a set of criteria and measurable indicators that could be applied to evaluating the effectiveness of your implementation plan.

Use these steps as the framework for writing your paper. Remember that the more detailed you are in taking notes as you critically examine each element of the case, the more information you will have to draw from when you begin to write. This will save you time.

NOTE : If the process of preparing to write a case analysis paper is assigned as a student group project, consider having each member of the group analyze a specific element of the case, including drafting answers to the corresponding questions used by your professor to frame the analysis. This will help make the analytical process more efficient and ensure that the distribution of work is equitable. This can also facilitate who is responsible for drafting each part of the final case analysis paper and, if applicable, the in-class presentation.

Framework for Case Analysis . College of Management. University of Massachusetts; Hawes, Jon M. "Teaching is Not Telling: The Case Method as a Form of Interactive Learning." Journal for Advancement of Marketing Education 5 (Winter 2004): 47-54; Rasche, Christoph and Achim Seisreiner. Guidelines for Business Case Analysis . University of Potsdam; Writing a Case Study Analysis . University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center; Van Ness, Raymond K. A Guide to Case Analysis . School of Business. State University of New York, Albany; Writing a Case Analysis . Business School, University of New South Wales.

Structure and Writing Style

A case analysis paper should be detailed, concise, persuasive, clearly written, and professional in tone and in the use of language . As with other forms of college-level academic writing, declarative statements that convey information, provide a fact, or offer an explanation or any recommended courses of action should be based on evidence. If allowed by your professor, any external sources used to support your analysis, such as course readings, should be properly cited under a list of references. The organization and structure of case analysis papers can vary depending on your professor’s preferred format, but its structure generally follows the steps used for analyzing the case.

Introduction

The introduction should provide a succinct but thorough descriptive overview of the main facts, issues, and core problems of the case . The introduction should also include a brief summary of the most relevant details about the situation and organizational setting. This includes defining the theoretical framework or conceptual model on which any questions were used to frame your analysis.

Following the rules of most college-level research papers, the introduction should then inform the reader how the paper will be organized. This includes describing the major sections of the paper and the order in which they will be presented. Unless you are told to do so by your professor, you do not need to preview your final recommendations in the introduction. U nlike most college-level research papers , the introduction does not include a statement about the significance of your findings because a case analysis assignment does not involve contributing new knowledge about a research problem.

Background Analysis

Background analysis can vary depending on any guiding questions provided by your professor and the underlying concept or theory that the case is based upon. In general, however, this section of your paper should focus on:

• Providing an overarching analysis of problems identified from the case scenario, including identifying events that stakeholders find challenging or troublesome,
• Identifying assumptions made by each stakeholder and any apparent biases they may exhibit,
• Describing any demands or claims made by or forced upon key stakeholders, and
• Highlighting any issues of concern or complaints expressed by stakeholders in response to those demands or claims.

These aspects of the case are often in the form of behavioral responses expressed by individuals or groups within the organizational setting. However, note that problems in a case situation can also be reflected in data [or the lack thereof] and in the decision-making, operational, cultural, or institutional structure of the organization. Additionally, demands or claims can be either internal and external to the organization [e.g., a case analysis involving a president considering arms sales to Saudi Arabia could include managing internal demands from White House advisors as well as demands from members of Congress].

Throughout this section, present all relevant evidence from the case that supports your analysis. Do not simply claim there is a problem, an assumption, a demand, or a concern; tell the reader what part of the case informed how you identified these background elements.

Identification of Problems

In most case analysis assignments, there are problems, and then there are problems . Each problem can reflect a multitude of underlying symptoms that are detrimental to the interests of the organization. The purpose of identifying problems is to teach students how to differentiate between problems that vary in severity, impact, and relative importance. Given this, problems can be described in three general forms: those that must be addressed immediately, those that should be addressed but the impact is not severe, and those that do not require immediate attention and can be set aside for the time being.

All of the problems you identify from the case should be identified in this section of your paper, with a description based on evidence explaining the problem variances. If the assignment asks you to conduct research to further support your assessment of the problems, include this in your explanation. Remember to cite those sources in a list of references. Use specific evidence from the case and apply appropriate concepts, theories, and models discussed in class or in relevant course readings to highlight and explain the key problems [or problem] that you believe must be solved immediately and describe the underlying symptoms and why they are so critical.

Alternative Solutions

This section is where you provide specific, realistic, and evidence-based solutions to the problems you have identified and make recommendations about how to alleviate the underlying symptomatic conditions impacting the organizational setting. For each solution, you must explain why it was chosen and provide clear evidence to support your reasoning. This can include, for example, course readings and class discussions as well as research resources, such as, books, journal articles, research reports, or government documents. In some cases, your professor may encourage you to include personal, anecdotal experiences as evidence to support why you chose a particular solution or set of solutions. Using anecdotal evidence helps promote reflective thinking about the process of determining what qualifies as a core problem and relevant solution .

Throughout this part of the paper, keep in mind the entire array of problems that must be addressed and describe in detail the solutions that might be implemented to resolve these problems.

Recommended Courses of Action

In some case analysis assignments, your professor may ask you to combine the alternative solutions section with your recommended courses of action. However, it is important to know the difference between the two. A solution refers to the answer to a problem. A course of action refers to a procedure or deliberate sequence of activities adopted to proactively confront a situation, often in the context of accomplishing a goal. In this context, proposed courses of action are based on your analysis of alternative solutions. Your description and justification for pursuing each course of action should represent the overall plan for implementing your recommendations.

For each course of action, you need to explain the rationale for your recommendation in a way that confronts challenges, explains risks, and anticipates any counter-arguments from stakeholders. Do this by considering the strengths and weaknesses of each course of action framed in relation to how the action is expected to resolve the core problems presented, the possible ways the action may affect remaining problems, and how the recommended action will be perceived by each stakeholder.

In addition, you should describe the criteria needed to measure how well the implementation of these actions is working and explain which individuals or groups are responsible for ensuring your recommendations are successful. In addition, always consider the law of unintended consequences. Outline difficulties that may arise in implementing each course of action and describe how implementing the proposed courses of action [either individually or collectively] may lead to new problems [both large and small].

Throughout this section, you must consider the costs and benefits of recommending your courses of action in relation to uncertainties or missing information and the negative consequences of success.

The conclusion should be brief and introspective. Unlike a research paper, the conclusion in a case analysis paper does not include a summary of key findings and their significance, a statement about how the study contributed to existing knowledge, or indicate opportunities for future research.

Begin by synthesizing the core problems presented in the case and the relevance of your recommended solutions. This can include an explanation of what you have learned about the case in the context of your answers to the questions provided by your professor. The conclusion is also where you link what you learned from analyzing the case with the course readings or class discussions. This can further demonstrate your understanding of the relationships between the practical case situation and the theoretical and abstract content of assigned readings and other course content.

Problems to Avoid

The literature on case analysis assignments often includes examples of difficulties students have with applying methods of critical analysis and effectively reporting the results of their assessment of the situation. A common reason cited by scholars is that the application of this type of teaching and learning method is limited to applied fields of social and behavioral sciences and, as a result, writing a case analysis paper can be unfamiliar to most students entering college.

After you have drafted your paper, proofread the narrative flow and revise any of these common errors:

• Unnecessary detail in the background section . The background section should highlight the essential elements of the case based on your analysis. Focus on summarizing the facts and highlighting the key factors that become relevant in the other sections of the paper by eliminating any unnecessary information.
• Analysis relies too much on opinion . Your analysis is interpretive, but the narrative must be connected clearly to evidence from the case and any models and theories discussed in class or in course readings. Any positions or arguments you make should be supported by evidence.
• Analysis does not focus on the most important elements of the case . Your paper should provide a thorough overview of the case. However, the analysis should focus on providing evidence about what you identify are the key events, stakeholders, issues, and problems. Emphasize what you identify as the most critical aspects of the case to be developed throughout your analysis. Be thorough but succinct.
• Writing is too descriptive . A paper with too much descriptive information detracts from your analysis of the complexities of the case situation. Questions about what happened, where, when, and by whom should only be included as essential information leading to your examination of questions related to why, how, and for what purpose.
• Inadequate definition of a core problem and associated symptoms . A common error found in case analysis papers is recommending a solution or course of action without adequately defining or demonstrating that you understand the problem. Make sure you have clearly described the problem and its impact and scope within the organizational setting. Ensure that you have adequately described the root causes w hen describing the symptoms of the problem.
• Recommendations lack specificity . Identify any use of vague statements and indeterminate terminology, such as, “A particular experience” or “a large increase to the budget.” These statements cannot be measured and, as a result, there is no way to evaluate their successful implementation. Provide specific data and use direct language in describing recommended actions.
• Unrealistic, exaggerated, or unattainable recommendations . Review your recommendations to ensure that they are based on the situational facts of the case. Your recommended solutions and courses of action must be based on realistic assumptions and fit within the constraints of the situation. Also note that the case scenario has already happened, therefore, any speculation or arguments about what could have occurred if the circumstances were different should be revised or eliminated.

Bee, Lian Song et al. "Business Students' Perspectives on Case Method Coaching for Problem-Based Learning: Impacts on Student Engagement and Learning Performance in Higher Education." Education & Training 64 (2022): 416-432; The Case Analysis . Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors. Grand Valley State University; Georgallis, Panikos and Kayleigh Bruijn. "Sustainability Teaching using Case-Based Debates." Journal of International Education in Business 15 (2022): 147-163; Hawes, Jon M. "Teaching is Not Telling: The Case Method as a Form of Interactive Learning." Journal for Advancement of Marketing Education 5 (Winter 2004): 47-54; Georgallis, Panikos, and Kayleigh Bruijn. "Sustainability Teaching Using Case-based Debates." Journal of International Education in Business 15 (2022): 147-163; .Dean,  Kathy Lund and Charles J. Fornaciari. "How to Create and Use Experiential Case-Based Exercises in a Management Classroom." Journal of Management Education 26 (October 2002): 586-603; Klebba, Joanne M. and Janet G. Hamilton. "Structured Case Analysis: Developing Critical Thinking Skills in a Marketing Case Course." Journal of Marketing Education 29 (August 2007): 132-137, 139; Klein, Norman. "The Case Discussion Method Revisited: Some Questions about Student Skills." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 30-32; Mukherjee, Arup. "Effective Use of In-Class Mini Case Analysis for Discovery Learning in an Undergraduate MIS Course." The Journal of Computer Information Systems 40 (Spring 2000): 15-23; Pessoa, Silviaet al. "Scaffolding the Case Analysis in an Organizational Behavior Course: Making Analytical Language Explicit." Journal of Management Education 46 (2022): 226-251: Ramsey, V. J. and L. D. Dodge. "Case Analysis: A Structured Approach." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 27-29; Schweitzer, Karen. "How to Write and Format a Business Case Study." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-write-and-format-a-business-case-study-466324 (accessed December 5, 2022); Reddy, C. D. "Teaching Research Methodology: Everything's a Case." Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods 18 (December 2020): 178-188; Volpe, Guglielmo. "Case Teaching in Economics: History, Practice and Evidence." Cogent Economics and Finance 3 (December 2015). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2015.1120977.

Writing Tip

Ca se Study and Case Analysis Are Not the Same!

Confusion often exists between what it means to write a paper that uses a case study research design and writing a paper that analyzes a case; they are two different types of approaches to learning in the social and behavioral sciences. Professors as well as educational researchers contribute to this confusion because they often use the term "case study" when describing the subject of analysis for a case analysis paper. But you are not studying a case for the purpose of generating a comprehensive, multi-faceted understanding of a research problem. R ather, you are critically analyzing a specific scenario to argue logically for recommended solutions and courses of action that lead to optimal outcomes applicable to professional practice.

To avoid any confusion, here are twelve characteristics that delineate the differences between writing a paper using the case study research method and writing a case analysis paper:

• Case study is a method of in-depth research and rigorous inquiry ; case analysis is a reliable method of teaching and learning . A case study is a modality of research that investigates a phenomenon for the purpose of creating new knowledge, solving a problem, or testing a hypothesis using empirical evidence derived from the case being studied. Often, the results are used to generalize about a larger population or within a wider context. The writing adheres to the traditional standards of a scholarly research study. A case analysis is a pedagogical tool used to teach students how to reflect and think critically about a practical, real-life problem in an organizational setting.
• The researcher is responsible for identifying the case to study; a case analysis is assigned by your professor . As the researcher, you choose the case study to investigate in support of obtaining new knowledge and understanding about the research problem. The case in a case analysis assignment is almost always provided, and sometimes written, by your professor and either given to every student in class to analyze individually or to a small group of students, or students select a case to analyze from a predetermined list.
• A case study is indeterminate and boundless; a case analysis is predetermined and confined . A case study can be almost anything [see item 9 below] as long as it relates directly to examining the research problem. This relationship is the only limit to what a researcher can choose as the subject of their case study. The content of a case analysis is determined by your professor and its parameters are well-defined and limited to elucidating insights of practical value applied to practice.
• Case study is fact-based and describes actual events or situations; case analysis can be entirely fictional or adapted from an actual situation . The entire content of a case study must be grounded in reality to be a valid subject of investigation in an empirical research study. A case analysis only needs to set the stage for critically examining a situation in practice and, therefore, can be entirely fictional or adapted, all or in-part, from an actual situation.
• Research using a case study method must adhere to principles of intellectual honesty and academic integrity; a case analysis scenario can include misleading or false information . A case study paper must report research objectively and factually to ensure that any findings are understood to be logically correct and trustworthy. A case analysis scenario may include misleading or false information intended to deliberately distract from the central issues of the case. The purpose is to teach students how to sort through conflicting or useless information in order to come up with the preferred solution. Any use of misleading or false information in academic research is considered unethical.
• Case study is linked to a research problem; case analysis is linked to a practical situation or scenario . In the social sciences, the subject of an investigation is most often framed as a problem that must be researched in order to generate new knowledge leading to a solution. Case analysis narratives are grounded in real life scenarios for the purpose of examining the realities of decision-making behavior and processes within organizational settings. A case analysis assignments include a problem or set of problems to be analyzed. However, the goal is centered around the act of identifying and evaluating courses of action leading to best possible outcomes.
• The purpose of a case study is to create new knowledge through research; the purpose of a case analysis is to teach new understanding . Case studies are a choice of methodological design intended to create new knowledge about resolving a research problem. A case analysis is a mode of teaching and learning intended to create new understanding and an awareness of uncertainty applied to practice through acts of critical thinking and reflection.
• A case study seeks to identify the best possible solution to a research problem; case analysis can have an indeterminate set of solutions or outcomes . Your role in studying a case is to discover the most logical, evidence-based ways to address a research problem. A case analysis assignment rarely has a single correct answer because one of the goals is to force students to confront the real life dynamics of uncertainly, ambiguity, and missing or conflicting information within professional practice. Under these conditions, a perfect outcome or solution almost never exists.
• Case study is unbounded and relies on gathering external information; case analysis is a self-contained subject of analysis . The scope of a case study chosen as a method of research is bounded. However, the researcher is free to gather whatever information and data is necessary to investigate its relevance to understanding the research problem. For a case analysis assignment, your professor will often ask you to examine solutions or recommended courses of action based solely on facts and information from the case.
• Case study can be a person, place, object, issue, event, condition, or phenomenon; a case analysis is a carefully constructed synopsis of events, situations, and behaviors . The research problem dictates the type of case being studied and, therefore, the design can encompass almost anything tangible as long as it fulfills the objective of generating new knowledge and understanding. A case analysis is in the form of a narrative containing descriptions of facts, situations, processes, rules, and behaviors within a particular setting and under a specific set of circumstances.
• Case study can represent an open-ended subject of inquiry; a case analysis is a narrative about something that has happened in the past . A case study is not restricted by time and can encompass an event or issue with no temporal limit or end. For example, the current war in Ukraine can be used as a case study of how medical personnel help civilians during a large military conflict, even though circumstances around this event are still evolving. A case analysis can be used to elicit critical thinking about current or future situations in practice, but the case itself is a narrative about something finite and that has taken place in the past.
• Multiple case studies can be used in a research study; case analysis involves examining a single scenario . Case study research can use two or more cases to examine a problem, often for the purpose of conducting a comparative investigation intended to discover hidden relationships, document emerging trends, or determine variations among different examples. A case analysis assignment typically describes a stand-alone, self-contained situation and any comparisons among cases are conducted during in-class discussions and/or student presentations.

The Case Analysis . Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors. Grand Valley State University; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Ramsey, V. J. and L. D. Dodge. "Case Analysis: A Structured Approach." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 27-29; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods . 6th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2017; Crowe, Sarah et al. “The Case Study Approach.” BMC Medical Research Methodology 11 (2011):  doi: 10.1186/1471-2288-11-100; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods . 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing; 1994.

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Step-by-step guide how to write a case study assignment.

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the process of writing a case study assignment, providing essential steps and valuable tips to assist students in creating high-quality and well-researched case studies. Whether you are a novice or an experienced writer, this guide will provide valuable insights into how to meet your instructors’ expectations and showcase your understanding of the subject matter.

Understanding the Concept of a Case Study

A case study is a research method that involves conducting an in-depth examination of a specific subject or phenomenon, such as an individual, group, organization, or event. It is commonly employed in various disciplines, including business, marketing, law, healthcare, and social sciences, among others. The primary purpose of a case study is to analyze and comprehend the subject under study, identify any challenges or issues, and provide practical solutions or recommendations based on the findings.

Case studies typically entail collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, surveys, and documents. The data is then examined to identify patterns, themes, and trends that can be used to draw conclusions and develop recommendations. Case studies can be exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory, depending on the research questions and objectives.

In summary, a case study is a research method that involves a thorough investigation of a specific subject or phenomenon, with the aim of understanding it better and offering practical solutions or recommendations. It serves as a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners across various disciplines, providing insights into real-life situations and informing decision-making processes.

Types of Case Studies

Several types of case studies exist, each with unique characteristics and purposes. The following are some of the most common types:

• Exploratory Case Study: This type is used when researchers aim to gain preliminary insights into a new or complex issue. It involves in-depth exploration of a topic, often with limited prior knowledge or existing research.
• Descriptive Case Study: A descriptive case study aims to provide a detailed description of a situation or phenomenon. It involves collecting data on various aspects of the case and presenting a comprehensive overview.
• Explanatory Case Study: An explanatory case study seeks to explain why a particular phenomenon occurred. It typically involves identifying the causes and effects of the issue and developing hypotheses to explain their relationships. Obtaining assistance with your case studies is possible by Pay for online assignment services for a fee.
• Instrumental Case Study: An instrumental case study focuses on a specific problem or issue, aiming to provide practical solutions or recommendations. It is commonly employed in business and management studies.
• Collective Case Study: This type involves analyzing multiple cases that share similar characteristics or themes. It allows researchers to compare and contrast different cases to identify common patterns and trends.
• Intrinsic Case Study: An intrinsic case study is undertaken to gain a deep understanding of a particular case that is unique or unusual in some way. It is often employed in social science and humanities research.
• Developing Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Case studies require students to analyze and evaluate complex situations, identify key issues, and develop practical solutions or recommendations. This process helps in the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in academic and professional settings.
• Enhancing Research Skills: Case studies necessitate thorough research, data collection, and analysis from various sources. This process helps students improve their research skills and learn how to apply research methodologies to real-world situations or how to write a literature review
• Demonstrating Practical Application of Knowledge: Writing a case study assignment allows students to apply theoretical concepts and knowledge to real-life situations. It helps them demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter and its practical application.
• Improving Communication Skills: Engaging in case study writing necessitates students to proficiently convey their findings, analysis, and recommendations. This undertaking assists in honing their skills in written and verbal communication, which hold paramount importance in academic and professional environments.
• Preparing for Future Careers Case studies find extensive usage in various professional fields, including business, healthcare, law, marketing, and more. Engaging in case study assignments equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required for their prospective careers.
• Determining the Length of a Case Study Assignment The length of a case study assignment is subject to the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the instructor or professor. Typically, a standard case study assignment may range from 500 to 1500 words, although the length may vary for different assignments. It is crucial to adhere to the provided guidelines and instructions to ensure that the assignment meets the expected standards and requirements.
• Steps and Format for Writing a Case Study Assignment Outlined below is an overview of the steps and format to follow when writing a case study assignment:
• Understand the Assignment Requirements Before commencing the case study assignment It is vital to thoroughly comprehend the assignment requirements, including the format, length, and specific instructions provided by the instructor or professor. This understanding will assist in maintaining focus and ensuring that the assignment aligns with the expected standards.
• Select a Relevant Case Study Choose a case study that pertains to the subject matter of your assignment. Option for a case study that is engaging, informative, and exemplifies the key concepts or issues you intend to explore in your assignment.

The choice of case study type depends on the research question, the study’s purpose, and the characteristics of the case being examined.

Importance of Writing a Case Study Assignment Writing a case study assignment offers several benefits for students, including:

Conducting Research

Thoroughly conduct research to gather relevant information and data pertaining to the case study. This process may involve examining academic journals, books, and other credible sources of information. Take meticulous notes and organize your research material to facilitate easy reference while writing your assignment.

Analyzing the Case Study

Engage in a detailed analysis of the case study, identifying key issues, challenges, and opportunities. Consider the contextual factors surrounding the case study, the stakeholders involved, and the potential outcomes and implications of various decisions and actions.

Developing a Thesis Statement Based on your analysis of the case study

Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that distinctly outlines the main argument or focus of your assignment. Ensure that your thesis statement centers around the key issues and concepts you intend to explore.

Writing the Introduction

Compose an introduction that furnishes background information on the case study and establishes the context for your analysis. Provide a brief summary of the case study, present the primary research question or thesis statement, and provide an overview of the key issues and concepts that will be addressed in your assignment. If needed, Professional Assignment Help can assist you in crafting a perfect introduction.

Writing the Body Structure

The body of your assignment into sections that concentrate on different aspects of the case study. Each section should commence with a clear topic sentence that outlines the main point or argument it addresses. Utilize evidence and data derived from your research to substantiate your analysis and arguments.

Write the Conclusion

Compose a conclusion that succinctly summarizes the key findings and arguments presented in your assignment. Restate your thesis statement to reinforce its significance. Additionally, provide recommendations or suggestions for future research or action based on the insights gained from the case study.

Edit and Proofread

Thoroughly review and revise your assignment, paying close attention to spelling and grammar errors, ensuring consistency in formatting and style, and enhancing overall clarity and coherence.

Format A typical case study assignment should follow the following format:

• Title page: Include the assignment’s title, your name, course name and number, and the date.
• Abstract: Offer a concise summary of the case study, highlighting the main findings and conclusions.
• Introduction: Provide background information on the case study and establish the context for your analysis.
• Literature Review: Present an overview of pertinent literature and previous research relevant to the case study.
• Methodology: Explain the research methods and techniques employed in your analysis.
• Results: Conduct a detailed analysis of the case study, delving into key issues, challenges, and opportunities.
• Discussion: Engage in a comprehensive discussion of the primary findings and conclusions, emphasizing their implications.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key findings and arguments, restate the thesis statement, and offer recommendations for future research or action.
• References: Include a list of all sources cited in your assignment, appropriately formatted according to the designated citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
• Appendices (if necessary): Supplement your analysis with additional materials or data, such as charts, graphs, or tables.

By adhering to these steps and following the prescribed format, you can develop a well-structured and informative case study assignment that meets the expectations and requirements set by your instructor or professor.

In conclusion, writing a case study assignment can be a challenging yet rewarding undertaking for students. It affords them an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios and cultivate analytical and problem-solving skills. To produce an effective case study assignment, it is crucial to adopt a structured approach, encompassing the identification of the research question, research conduct, data analysis, and the presentation of findings in a clear and concise manner. By following the steps and adhering to the format outlined in this guide, students can create high-quality case study assignments that showcase their comprehension of the subject matter and ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.

Case Study Assignment Help from AcademicExpert.uk 

Case study assignment Help are an integral part of academic coursework across various disciplines. These assignments require students to analyze real-life scenarios, apply theoretical concepts, and provide practical solutions or recommendations based on their findings. However, tackling a case study assignment Help can be a challenging task for many students due to its complexity and the need for in-depth research and critical thinking.

To alleviate the difficulties faced by students, case study assignment help services have emerged as a valuable resource. These services provide professional assistance to students who seek guidance and support in completing their case study assignment Help . By opting for case study assignment help , students can benefit in several ways.

Firstly, expert writers with subject-specific knowledge and expertise in conducting case study research are assigned to assist students. These writers possess a deep understanding of the subject matter and are skilled in analyzing complex scenarios.

Secondly, case study assignment help services offer customized solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the students’ instructors or professors. This ensures that the assignments are well-aligned with the expected standards and expectations.

Additionally, these services save students’ time and effort by conducting thorough research, analyzing data, and structuring the assignment in a coherent and logical manner. This allows students to focus on other important academic commitments or engage in extracurricular activities.

Furthermore, case study assignment help services often provide timely delivery of assignments, enabling students to meet their submission deadlines without compromising on quality.

In conclusion, case study assignment help services play a crucial role in supporting students with their academic workload. By availing these services, students can receive expert guidance, improve their understanding of the subject matter, and submit high-quality assignments that demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving skills.

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How to write a case study — examples, templates, and tools

It’s a marketer’s job to communicate the effectiveness of a product or service to potential and current customers to convince them to buy and keep business moving. One of the best methods for doing this is to share success stories that are relatable to prospects and customers based on their pain points, experiences, and overall needs.

That’s where case studies come in. Case studies are an essential part of a content marketing plan. These in-depth stories of customer experiences are some of the most effective at demonstrating the value of a product or service. Yet many marketers don’t use them, whether because of their regimented formats or the process of customer involvement and approval.

A case study is a powerful tool for showcasing your hard work and the success your customer achieved. But writing a great case study can be difficult if you’ve never done it before or if it’s been a while. This guide will show you how to write an effective case study and provide real-world examples and templates that will keep readers engaged and support your business.

In this article, you’ll learn:

What is a case study?

How to write a case study, case study templates, case study examples, case study tools.

A case study is the detailed story of a customer’s experience with a product or service that demonstrates their success and often includes measurable outcomes. Case studies are used in a range of fields and for various reasons, from business to academic research. They’re especially impactful in marketing as brands work to convince and convert consumers with relatable, real-world stories of actual customer experiences.

The best case studies tell the story of a customer’s success, including the steps they took, the results they achieved, and the support they received from a brand along the way. To write a great case study, you need to:

• Celebrate the customer and make them — not a product or service — the star of the story.
• Craft the story with specific audiences or target segments in mind so that the story of one customer will be viewed as relatable and actionable for another customer.
• Write copy that is easy to read and engaging so that readers will gain the insights and messages intended.
• Follow a standardized format that includes all of the essentials a potential customer would find interesting and useful.
• Support all of the claims for success made in the story with data in the forms of hard numbers and customer statements.

Case studies are a type of review but more in depth, aiming to show — rather than just tell — the positive experiences that customers have with a brand. Notably, 89% of consumers read reviews before deciding to buy, and 79% view case study content as part of their purchasing process. When it comes to B2B sales, 52% of buyers rank case studies as an important part of their evaluation process.

Telling a brand story through the experience of a tried-and-true customer matters. The story is relatable to potential new customers as they imagine themselves in the shoes of the company or individual featured in the case study. Showcasing previous customers can help new ones see themselves engaging with your brand in the ways that are most meaningful to them.

Besides sharing the perspective of another customer, case studies stand out from other content marketing forms because they are based on evidence. Whether pulling from client testimonials or data-driven results, case studies tend to have more impact on new business because the story contains information that is both objective (data) and subjective (customer experience) — and the brand doesn’t sound too self-promotional.

Case studies are unique in that there’s a fairly standardized format for telling a customer’s story. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for creativity. It’s all about making sure that teams are clear on the goals for the case study — along with strategies for supporting content and channels — and understanding how the story fits within the framework of the company’s overall marketing goals.

Here are the basic steps to writing a good case study.

1. Identify your goal

Start by defining exactly who your case study will be designed to help. Case studies are about specific instances where a company works with a customer to achieve a goal. Identify which customers are likely to have these goals, as well as other needs the story should cover to appeal to them.

The answer is often found in one of the buyer personas that have been constructed as part of your larger marketing strategy. This can include anything from new leads generated by the marketing team to long-term customers that are being pressed for cross-sell opportunities. In all of these cases, demonstrating value through a relatable customer success story can be part of the solution to conversion.

2. Choose your client or subject

Who you highlight matters. Case studies tie brands together that might otherwise not cross paths. A writer will want to ensure that the highlighted customer aligns with their own company’s brand identity and offerings. Look for a customer with positive name recognition who has had great success with a product or service and is willing to be an advocate.

The client should also match up with the identified target audience. Whichever company or individual is selected should be a reflection of other potential customers who can see themselves in similar circumstances, having the same problems and possible solutions.

Some of the most compelling case studies feature customers who:

• Switch from one product or service to another while naming competitors that missed the mark.
• Experience measurable results that are relatable to others in a specific industry.
• Represent well-known brands and recognizable names that are likely to compel action.
• Advocate for a product or service as a champion and are well-versed in its advantages.

Whoever or whatever customer is selected, marketers must ensure they have the permission of the company involved before getting started. Some brands have strict review and approval procedures for any official marketing or promotional materials that include their name. Acquiring those approvals in advance will prevent any miscommunication or wasted effort if there is an issue with their legal or compliance teams.

3. Conduct research and compile data

Substantiating the claims made in a case study — either by the marketing team or customers themselves — adds validity to the story. To do this, include data and feedback from the client that defines what success looks like. This can be anything from demonstrating return on investment (ROI) to a specific metric the customer was striving to improve. Case studies should prove how an outcome was achieved and show tangible results that indicate to the customer that your solution is the right one.

This step could also include customer interviews. Make sure that the people being interviewed are key stakeholders in the purchase decision or deployment and use of the product or service that is being highlighted. Content writers should work off a set list of questions prepared in advance. It can be helpful to share these with the interviewees beforehand so they have time to consider and craft their responses. One of the best interview tactics to keep in mind is to ask questions where yes and no are not natural answers. This way, your subject will provide more open-ended responses that produce more meaningful content.

4. Choose the right format

There are a number of different ways to format a case study. Depending on what you hope to achieve, one style will be better than another. However, there are some common elements to include, such as:

• An engaging headline
• A subject and customer introduction
• The unique challenge or challenges the customer faced
• The solution the customer used to solve the problem
• The results achieved
• Data and statistics to back up claims of success
• A strong call to action (CTA) to engage with the vendor

It’s also important to note that while case studies are traditionally written as stories, they don’t have to be in a written format. Some companies choose to get more creative with their case studies and produce multimedia content, depending on their audience and objectives. Case study formats can include traditional print stories, interactive web or social content, data-heavy infographics, professionally shot videos, podcasts, and more.

5. Write your case study

We’ll go into more detail later about how exactly to write a case study, including templates and examples. Generally speaking, though, there are a few things to keep in mind when writing your case study.

• Be clear and concise. Readers want to get to the point of the story quickly and easily, and they’ll be looking to see themselves reflected in the story right from the start.
• Provide a big picture. Always make sure to explain who the client is, their goals, and how they achieved success in a short introduction to engage the reader.
• Construct a clear narrative. Stick to the story from the perspective of the customer and what they needed to solve instead of just listing product features or benefits.
• Leverage graphics. Incorporating infographics, charts, and sidebars can be a more engaging and eye-catching way to share key statistics and data in readable ways.
• Offer the right amount of detail. Most case studies are one or two pages with clear sections that a reader can skim to find the information most important to them.
• Include data to support claims. Show real results — both facts and figures and customer quotes — to demonstrate credibility and prove the solution works.

6. Promote your story

Marketers have a number of options for distribution of a freshly minted case study. Many brands choose to publish case studies on their website and post them on social media. This can help support SEO and organic content strategies while also boosting company credibility and trust as visitors see that other businesses have used the product or service.

Marketers are always looking for quality content they can use for lead generation. Consider offering a case study as gated content behind a form on a landing page or as an offer in an email message. One great way to do this is to summarize the content and tease the full story available for download after the user takes an action.

Sales teams can also leverage case studies, so be sure they are aware that the assets exist once they’re published. Especially when it comes to larger B2B sales, companies often ask for examples of similar customer challenges that have been solved.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about case studies and what they should include, you may be wondering how to start creating great customer story content. Here are a couple of templates you can use to structure your case study.

Template 1 — Challenge-solution-result format

• Start with an engaging title. This should be fewer than 70 characters long for SEO best practices. One of the best ways to approach the title is to include the customer’s name and a hint at the challenge they overcame in the end.
• Create an introduction. Lead with an explanation as to who the customer is, the need they had, and the opportunity they found with a specific product or solution. Writers can also suggest the success the customer experienced with the solution they chose.
• Present the challenge. This should be several paragraphs long and explain the problem the customer faced and the issues they were trying to solve. Details should tie into the company’s products and services naturally. This section needs to be the most relatable to the reader so they can picture themselves in a similar situation.
• Share the solution. Explain which product or service offered was the ideal fit for the customer and why. Feel free to delve into their experience setting up, purchasing, and onboarding the solution.
• Explain the results. Demonstrate the impact of the solution they chose by backing up their positive experience with data. Fill in with customer quotes and tangible, measurable results that show the effect of their choice.
• Ask for action. Include a CTA at the end of the case study that invites readers to reach out for more information, try a demo, or learn more — to nurture them further in the marketing pipeline. What you ask of the reader should tie directly into the goals that were established for the case study in the first place.

Template 2 — Data-driven format

• Start with an engaging title. Be sure to include a statistic or data point in the first 70 characters. Again, it’s best to include the customer’s name as part of the title.
• Create an overview. Share the customer’s background and a short version of the challenge they faced. Present the reason a particular product or service was chosen, and feel free to include quotes from the customer about their selection process.
• Present data point 1. Isolate the first metric that the customer used to define success and explain how the product or solution helped to achieve this goal. Provide data points and quotes to substantiate the claim that success was achieved.
• Present data point 2. Isolate the second metric that the customer used to define success and explain what the product or solution did to achieve this goal. Provide data points and quotes to substantiate the claim that success was achieved.
• Present data point 3. Isolate the final metric that the customer used to define success and explain what the product or solution did to achieve this goal. Provide data points and quotes to substantiate the claim that success was achieved.
• Summarize the results. Reiterate the fact that the customer was able to achieve success thanks to a specific product or service. Include quotes and statements that reflect customer satisfaction and suggest they plan to continue using the solution.
• Ask for action. Include a CTA at the end of the case study that asks readers to reach out for more information, try a demo, or learn more — to further nurture them in the marketing pipeline. Again, remember that this is where marketers can look to convert their content into action with the customer.

While templates are helpful, seeing a case study in action can also be a great way to learn. Here are some examples of how Adobe customers have experienced success.

Juniper Networks

One example is the Adobe and Juniper Networks case study , which puts the reader in the customer’s shoes. The beginning of the story quickly orients the reader so that they know exactly who the article is about and what they were trying to achieve. Solutions are outlined in a way that shows Adobe Experience Manager is the best choice and a natural fit for the customer. Along the way, quotes from the client are incorporated to help add validity to the statements. The results in the case study are conveyed with clear evidence of scale and volume using tangible data.

The story of Lenovo’s journey with Adobe is one that spans years of planning, implementation, and rollout. The Lenovo case study does a great job of consolidating all of this into a relatable journey that other enterprise organizations can see themselves taking, despite the project size. This case study also features descriptive headers and compelling visual elements that engage the reader and strengthen the content.

Tata Consulting

When it comes to using data to show customer results, this case study does an excellent job of conveying details and numbers in an easy-to-digest manner. Bullet points at the start break up the content while also helping the reader understand exactly what the case study will be about. Tata Consulting used Adobe to deliver elevated, engaging content experiences for a large telecommunications client of its own — an objective that’s relatable for a lot of companies.

Case studies are a vital tool for any marketing team as they enable you to demonstrate the value of your company’s products and services to others. They help marketers do their job and add credibility to a brand trying to promote its solutions by using the experiences and stories of real customers.

When you’re ready to get started with a case study:

• Think about a few goals you’d like to accomplish with your content.
• Make a list of successful clients that would be strong candidates for a case study.
• Reach out to the client to get their approval and conduct an interview.
• Gather the data to present an engaging and effective customer story.

Adobe can help

There are several Adobe products that can help you craft compelling case studies. Adobe Experience Platform helps you collect data and deliver great customer experiences across every channel. Once you’ve created your case studies, Experience Platform will help you deliver the right information to the right customer at the right time for maximum impact.

To learn more, watch the Adobe Experience Platform story .

Keep in mind that the best case studies are backed by data. That’s where Adobe Real-Time Customer Data Platform and Adobe Analytics come into play. With Real-Time CDP, you can gather the data you need to build a great case study and target specific customers to deliver the content to the right audience at the perfect moment.

Watch the Real-Time CDP overview video to learn more.

Finally, Adobe Analytics turns real-time data into real-time insights. It helps your business collect and synthesize data from multiple platforms to make more informed decisions and create the best case study possible.

Request a demo to learn more about Adobe Analytics.

https://business.adobe.com/blog/perspectives/b2b-ecommerce-10-case-studies-inspire-you

https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/business-case

https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/what-is-real-time-analytics

Writing A Case Study

Case Study Format

Simple Case Study Format for Students to Follow

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A Complete Case Study Writing Guide With Examples

Understand the Types of Case Study Here

Brilliant Case Study Examples and Templates For Your Help

Having trouble making your case studies stand out? Finding it hard to organise your story? You're not alone! 

Many students struggle with case study writing !

Imagine spending a lot of time on your case studies, but they don't grab your reader's interest.  But don't worry! 

In this guide, we will go step by step through case study formatting, along with practical tips to make your research stand out from the rest! By following our step-by-step approach, you can understand how to write a case study assignment well. 

So, let’s get started!

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• 1. How to Format a Case Study 
• 2. Case Study Format Template
• 3. Case Study Format Examples

How to Format a Case Study 

When it comes to crafting a compelling case study, understanding how to write case study format is key to presenting your research effectively. 

If you are wondering how to make case study format, here are the elements to include in your case study paper format.

Create an interesting title for your work. Keep it simple and short.

Here you need to briefly elaborate on the accomplishment. What you have done and how you got there.

Write about the entire story in one paragraph followed by 2-3 bullet points to display the case study contents.

An introduction about what the case study is all about.

Describe the challenges of the customer prior to using your product or service. Explain the long-term goals or objectives that the customer set out to achieve.

In this 2-3 paragraph section describe how your product or service specifically benefited and helped achieve the goals. You can also use percentages to show your contributions.

In the relevant section of your case study, add 1-2 quotes and visuals to support the story you are telling. You can also use icons to summarise information and highlight areas of your research.

Figure out what a study means and look at where else we can learn more are really important for making academic work have a bigger impact.

Call to action is optional but adding one can encourage your readers to take some action after learning your work.

Case Study Formatting Guidelines 

Effective case study formatting is essential to convey your insights clearly and engage your audience. Follow these guidelines to ensure your case study is well-organised and impactful:

• Opt for easily readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Maintain a consistent font size, typically 12 points for the body text.
• Set line spacing to double-spaced for the entire document.
• Use bullet points for concise and scannable information presentation.
• Employ numbered lists for sequences of steps or chronological order of events.
• Bold or italicize key phrases to draw attention to critical points; use underline sparingly.
• Choose left, center, or justified alignment based on your overall design.
• Make your headings clear and organized so readers know what's important.

If you need further assistance, check our case study format for students pdf here:

How To Write A Case Study Pdf

Case Study Format Template

Case studies can be used for different purposes. In social sciences, it can help you understand the problems of other people.

In businesses, it can help you earn the trust of potential customers. But do you even know what are the different  types of case study  and how to write one?

Refer to this case study format pdf before you start writing your own document. This student case study format sample contains all the information you might need when gathering information for your case study.

Case Study Format Examples

Case study examples are the best way to learn the basic techniques for writing a great case study on your own. 

Explore these short case study sample pdfs to gain insights into presenting your research cohesively:

For your help, we have also compiled real-life  case study examples  along with a format that you can refer to while writing your own.

APA Case Study Format

If you are asked to write a case study in APA format, keep in mind there are some specific requirements that you need to adhere to.

Here is a case study APA format example for you to learn how to format a case study.

Business Case Study Format

Business case studies can help businesses sell products or services to prospects. Here is a perfect example for you to learn how to write an impressive business case study.

Case Study Format For MBA Students

Case Study Format Nursing

Writing a great nursing case study can be tough. That’s why we have provided a case study format for nursing students to use as a guide in creating their work. 

Refer to this family case study format example if you are writing a nursing case study for the first time.

Nursing Case Study Format

Harvard Business School Case Study Format

Looking for HBS style business case study? Here is one for you to read and take hints and ideas to prepare this type of case study like a professional.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Medical Case Study Format

Writing medical case studies is helpful in medical practices as it gives a lot of information about different diseases. Look at this example and learn how to write a detailed medical case study.

Case Study Format Psychology 

To study how the human mind works, you need a clear and organised method. Follow this easy psychology case study format to explore the details of psychological research:

Case Study Format Psychology

To sum it up, getting good at writing case studies means combining a clear structure, good storytelling, and smart presentation. If you follow the tips I've shared in this blog, you're on your way to making interesting stories that grab people's attention.

If your case study is causing problems, consider getting professional help. 

Our custom paper writing service aims to help you secure top grades by meeting the criteria set by professors. 

Our skilled writers are here to assist with any type of assignment you may have. Explore our case study writing service to relieve your stress and excel academically.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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BONUS: Using Navigate to plan for Full: Client Case Study with Michelle Espino Academic Writing Amplified

Michelle Espino is an alumna of our Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® 12-week program. On today's episode, Michelle shares her experience in the Navigate!  More about Michelle: Dr. Michelle M. Espino (she/ella) is a first-generation college student and an associate professor in the Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy program at the University of Maryland. She investigates factors influencing educational attainment for racially and ethnically minoritized communities, with a focus on Latine students, faculty, and administrators.  Using critical perspectives, Dr. Espino's work exposes the social inequities that undermine individual motivations to study and work in colleges and universities. She is also the creator of the Latinx Intelligentsia podcast, dedicated to empowering Latine communities in higher education. X: @‌laprofesora08 and @‌latinxuplift IG: @‌laprofesora08 and @‌latinxuplift   Check out the Navigate program details and start your application process here.   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Our 12-week Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap® program helps tenure-track womxn and nonbinary professors to publish their backlog of papers so that their voice can have the impact they know is possible. Apply here! Cathy’s book, Making Time to Write: How to Resist the Patriarchy and Take Control of Your Academic Career Through Writing is available in print! Learn how to build your career around your writing practice while shattering the myths of writing every day, accountability, and motivation, doing mindset work that’s going to reshape your writing, and changing academic culture one womxn and nonbinary professor at a time. Get your print copy today or order it for a friend here! Want to train with us for free on your campus? Now you can when you recommend our Scholar’s Voice™ Faculty Retreats to a decision-maker on your campus! Download the brochure with the retreat curriculum and both in-person and online retreat options here. If you would like to hear more from Cathy for free, please subscribe to the weekly newsletter, In the Pipeline, at scholarsvoice.org. It’s a newsletter that she personally writes that goes out once a week with writing and publication tips, strategies, inspiration, book reviews and more.   FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:  LinkedIn Facebook YouTube  

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Case study definition

Case study, a term which some of you may know from the "Case Study of Vanitas" anime and manga, is a thorough examination of a particular subject, such as a person, group, location, occasion, establishment, phenomena, etc. They are most frequently utilized in research of business, medicine, education and social behaviour. There are a different types of case studies that researchers might use:

• Collective case studies

• Descriptive case studies

• Explanatory case studies

• Exploratory case studies

• Instrumental case studies

• Intrinsic case studies

Case studies are usually much more sophisticated and professional than regular essays and courseworks, as they require a lot of verified data, are research-oriented and not necessarily designed to be read by the general public.

How to write a case study?

It very much depends on the topic of your case study, as a medical case study and a coffee business case study have completely different sources, outlines, target demographics, etc. But just for this example, let's outline a coffee roaster case study. Firstly, it's likely going to be a problem-solving case study, like most in the business and economics field are. Here are some tips for these types of case studies:

• Your case scenario should be precisely defined in terms of your unique assessment criteria.

• Determine the primary issues by analyzing the scenario. Think about how they connect to the main ideas and theories in your piece.

• Find and investigate any theories or methods that might be relevant to your case.

• Keep your audience in mind. Exactly who are your stakeholder(s)? If writing a case study on coffee roasters, it's probably gonna be suppliers, landlords, investors, customers, etc.

• Indicate the best solution(s) and how they should be implemented. Make sure your suggestions are grounded in pertinent theories and useful resources, as well as being realistic, practical, and attainable.

• Carefully proofread your case study. Keep in mind these four principles when editing: clarity, honesty, reality and relevance.

Are there any online services that could write a case study for me?

Luckily, there are!

We completely understand and have been ourselves in a position, where we couldn't wrap our head around how to write an effective and useful case study, but don't fear - our service is here.

We are a group that specializes in writing all kinds of case studies and other projects for academic customers and business clients who require assistance with its creation. We require our writers to have a degree in your topic and carefully interview them before they can join our team, as we try to ensure quality above all. We cover a great range of topics, offer perfect quality work, always deliver on time and aim to leave our customers completely satisfied with what they ordered.

The ordering process is fully online, and it goes as follows:

• Select the topic and the deadline of your case study.

• Provide us with any details, requirements, statements that should be emphasized or particular parts of the writing process you struggle with.

• Leave the email address, where your completed order will be sent to.

• Select your payment type, sit back and relax!

With lots of experience on the market, professionally degreed writers, online 24/7 customer support and incredibly low prices, you won't find a service offering a better deal than ours.

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Academic literacy: The importance and impact of writing across the curriculum–a case study

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Desiree Scholtz

Abstract Lecturers’ teaching practices often leave indelible impressions on students’ learning development. Students tend to respond to expectations that lecturers set, which might limit or extend the boundaries of learning. Given that not all students might access higher education with the requisite level of academic readiness to respond to the academic demands of first-year studies, lecturers’ academic literacy requirements and practices contribute to setting the tone for reading and writing in higher education. This article draws on lecturers’ expectations of writing practices for the first-year subjects they teach to explore how academic literacy development for higher education might be supported or limited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with lecturers to gain insight into writing skills and practices required for their respective subjects. Written summative assessments were analysed to determine whether lecturers’ perspectives of writing aligned with assessment expectations. This study provides support for the contention that lecturers’ play a significant role in nurturing or limiting students’ academic writing development. The findings suggest that academic writing practices that lecturers espouse have ramifications for how students access and articulate knowledge not only at first-year level, but for vertical progression through the years of study. Keywords: Academic literacy; academic writing; lecturer expectations; summative assessments

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Throughout the history of language teaching and learning, the teaching of writing has been the subject of focus for many teachers and applied linguists. As the pendulum swung from an approach to another, teaching writing skills has been either prioritized or neglected. More specifically, with the rise of the communicative movement, different teachers started to direct their practices mostly to speaking and communicative skills. However, with the increased focus on the learner and with the search for a holistic approach to language teaching which integrates all the major skills, the writing component has become an integrative skill that needs to be fit into any language teaching programme. At the university level, writing occupies a major component; every year, several academic writing textbooks are designed and published throughout the world incorporating different approaches and activities, all of which with a unifying purpose of developing academic writing skills among university students. The present essay endeavors to explore some of the main approaches and techniques used in the teaching of academic writing. First, it is initiated by a discussion of the notion of writing and its relevance to language teaching and learning. Then, the second section will be devoted to explore some of the main approaches that have been adopted in the teaching of academic writing. Afterwards, the third section will be concerned with some practical activities that are used in the teaching of academic writing.

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AI vs Human Writing: The Enduring Value of…

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Ai vs human writing: the enduring value of human quality.

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