make a case study

How to Write a Case Study in Research? (with Examples) 

A case study is a powerful tool in research and education, offering deep insights into complex phenomena through the lens of a single subject or group. Case studies zoom in to the details of a specific situation, examining context, history, and behavior to reveal certain patterns and highlight practical applications of theories.   

A case study in research can be used when:  

• atypical or abnormal behavior or development is observed,  
• an unexplained outcome to treatment is found, or  
• an emerging disease or condition occurs.  

Thus, case studies enable researchers and practitioners to analyze specific instances, identify trends, and obtain learnings that can inform broader decision-making and problem-solving. In this post, you will learn all about case studies, including how to conduct a case study , limitations and benefits of a case study , and case study methods .  

What is a Case Study ?   

Case study definition : A case study is an in-depth or intensive study of a person, group, or event. Case studies involve deep analyses of an individual or group to identify patterns and are used across fields such as psychology and medicine to draw broad conclusions. They are descriptive studies based on qualitative data such as observations, interviews, questionnaires, clinical notes.  

Here are some historically significant case study examples:  

The curious case of Phineas Gage: This is arguably the most cited case study in psychology, which sheds light on how different areas of the brain affect personality and cognition. While working as a construction foreman on a railroad, Phineas Gage was involved in an accident in which a rod impaled his brain. Gage survived the physical trauma, but his personality and his ability to learn new skills were altered. This case report was crucial to research on brain function, memory, and personality.  

Anna O and the talking cure : Anna O (pseudonym) was a German woman who was one of the first patients to undergo psychoanalysis. Her case inspired many of the theories of Freud and other prominent psychologists of the time to mitigate the symptoms of depression through “talk therapy.” This case study is still cited as a reason psychologists believe that psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be helpful to many patients.  

When to Do a Case Study ?  

The case study design may be chosen by a researcher in the following situations:  

Need for deep understanding: When you require detailed insights about a specific situation, and you want to understand complex relationships and processes.  

Resource constraints: When you have limited time and finances available for research and/or limited access to large sample sizes.  

Research context: Certain real-world phenomena need to be studied in their natural context, especially when you cannot control variables.  

Accordingly, the types of research questions best suited for a case study are exploratory (e.g., when investigating a new or poorly understood phenomenon, emerging conditions, adverse reactions to treatments, new methods of treatment) or involve unique situations (e.g., rare or exceptional cases, atypical behavior, breakthrough events). See Table 1 for developing a case study from a research question.  

The case study design might be for a single case study, such as for unique cases or when studying a representative or typical case, or multiple case studies (a case series, comparative analysis, or to identify patterns across different contexts). Note that a case study is not recommended if you require statistical generalization or broad population-level insights.  

How Long Should a Case Study Be?  

Case studies are structured very differently from research articles (see “ How to write a case study in Research ” below and the case study template in Figure 1). However, as a general guideline, note that case studies might range from 500 to 1,500 words. The word count would depend on factors such as the target journal’s specifications, case type, and study discipline. Case reports also have a limit on the number of references to be cited. Remember, you must always check the target journal for word and reference limits before submission.  

How to Write a Case Study in Research  

Let’s delve into how to conduct a case study and write one. First, you need to understand how to create a case study .

Before writing

• On the basis of your research problem and research question , select the case that you want to study. 
• Perform an in-depth literature review to develop a relevant theoretical framework, wherein you aim to demonstrate, expand upon, or challenge an existing theory in your field. 
• Collect the data, which will typically be qualitative in nature. Data collection, therefore, will be collected by direct observations , interviews , or analysis of primary and secondary sources of information. Be as thorough as you can at this step.
• Analyze the case, highlighting key facts and problems, identify key problems and their causes and impacts, and explore potential solutions.

Drafting and writing your case study

The structure of the case report may vary—some follow the format of scientific papers, while others adopt a narrative style for a deeper exploration.  

• State the key problem and present a concise thesis under an “Introduction” or “Background” section. Provide background, facts, and evidence of research.
• Describe the specific case, group, or event.
• 3. Provide specific solutions, suggest strategies for implementing the solution and, if needed, additional
• Discuss the case, including the strengths and limitations of the study. Summarize the outcome of your analysis and highlight specific strategies for implementing the proposed solution. 

When describing and analyzing a case, be sure to include contextual details, link findings to existing literature and theory, and discuss broader implications. For medical case reports, follow the CARE guidelines (EQUATOR) to ensure completeness and transparency. Please also refer to the CARE Checklist of information to include when writing a case report. Finally, check the target journal requirements for word count and formatting guidelines. See Figure 1 for a case study template .  

Figure 1. Case study template

Table 1. From research question to case study : Some fictional examples  

Real case study examples (published):  

• Baker et al. (2024) Enhanced family-based treatment for an adolescent with binge-eating disorder: A case report. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice . 31(2), 272–282.  
• da Silva et al. (2024) Impacts of oil palm monocultures on freshwater ecosystems in the Amazon: a case study of dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata). Aquatic Science 87, 1.   
• Sakamoto et al. (2024) Online gaming reduces psychological distress in a patient with schizophrenia: A case report. PCN Reports. 3(3), e70015.  

What Are the Benefits of a Case Study ?  

On the topic of the case study , a quote by Ivy Mckenzie comes to mind: “The physician is concerned [unlike the naturalist]…with a single organism, the human subject, striving to preserve its identity in adverse circumstances .”   

A physician’s meticulous documentation of an unusual or rare condition might not only help the patient but also revolutionize current understanding of the disorder and lead to a revision of treatment protocols. In fact, clinicians and psychologists are often encouraged to publish more case studies documenting the methods they use.  

Let’s look at some more benefits of a case study :   

• They can be published quickly.  
• They are suitable under situations of time and budget crunches.  
• They are appropriate to study phenomena in their natural context  
• They allow detailed investigation into situations that would otherwise be impractical to perform using another study design.  
• They are sometimes used in therapy to guide the best course of treatment.   

What Are the Limitations of a Case Study ?  

Case studies provide critical information and galvanize further research; however, there are some caveats. The following are the limitations of a case study :  

• A case study is not definitive proof of a theory and cannot demonstrate cause and effect.  
• Case studies with insufficient or incorrect information or based on a flawed premise can harm future research.  
• Ethical issues may arise if the reported patients have not provided consent for publication of their case or are not treated with dignity and respect.  
• If a patient declines to provide consent, the case report cannot be written or published.  
• A case study cannot necessarily be generalized to the larger population.  
• A case study might be impossible or difficult to replicate.  
• Case reports can lead to bias.  

Key Takeaways  

• A case study in research is an in-depth or intensive study of a person, group, or event using qualitative data. It is used to examine complex phenomena through detailed analysis of specific instances. Case studies are particularly valuable in psychology, medicine, and other fields for drawing broader conclusions  
• Case study methods involve data collection through direct observations, interviews, and analyses of primary and secondary sources.  
• Case reports are typically 500–1,500 words long. You may develop single case studies (for unique cases) or multiple case studies (case series, for comparative analysis). Where applicable, be sure to follow specific guidelines (e.g., CARE guidelines for medical cases).  
• A case study design is best used when deep understanding is needed, time and resources are limited, and the natural context must be preserved. It is suited to studying exploratory research questions, unique situations, emerging conditions, and atypical behavior.  
• Writing case studies involves the following steps:  
• Pre-writing phase:

   – Select appropriate case based on research problem  

  – Conduct literature review  

   – Collect thorough qualitative data  

   – Analyze case to identify key problems  

• Writing phase:

  – State key problem and thesis in introduction  

   – Describe specific case/event  

   – Provide solutions and implementation strategies  

  – Discuss strengths and limitations  

   – Link findings to existing literature  

• The advantages of case studies are that they permit quick writing and publication, are cost-effective, are suitable for natural context study, and are extremely valuable for rare or unusual cases. The limitations of case studies, however, are that they cannot prove cause and effect, may not be generalizable, are difficult to replicate, are prone to bias, and require patient consent in medical cases.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

What is a case study in research, why are case studies important in research, what are the key components of a case study, what is the difference between case studies and case series.

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How to Write a Case Study: Bookmarkable Guide & Template

Updated: July 18, 2024

Published: June 13, 2012

Earning the trust of prospective customers can be a major challenge. Before you can expect to earn their business, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to deliver on the promises of your product or service. The best way to win new business is with cold, hard proof.

A great way to prove your worth is through a compelling case study. HubSpot’s 2024 State of Marketing report found that case studies are so captivating that they were the fifth most commonly used type of content that marketers relied on.

That statistic still holds true in Forbes Advisor’s 2024 study, which adds that 78% of B2B businesses report using case studies and customer stories because they are “ crucial for demonstrating real-world value. ”

Having written these ever more frequently over the past ten years, I hope to serve as your guide through a process that can feel daunting, but I promise is worth the effort. Below, I'll walk you through what a case study is, how to prepare for writing one, what to include in it, and how it can be an effective tactic.

Table of Contents

Case Study Definition

• Why Write a Case Study?
• How Long Should a Case Study Be?

Case Study Templates

How to write a case study, case study format, business case study examples.

Free Case Study Templates

Showcase your company's success using these three free case study templates.

• Data-Driven Case Study Template
• Product-Specific Case Study Template
• General Case Study Template

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A case study is coverage of a specific challenge a business has faced, and the solution they've chosen to solve it. Case studies can vary greatly in length and focus on several details related to the initial challenge and applied solution, and can be presented in various forms like a video, white paper, blog post, etc.

In professional settings, it‘s common for a case study to tell the story of a successful business partnership between a vendor and a client.

Perhaps the success you’re highlighting is in the number of leads your client generated, customers closed, or revenue gained. Any one of these key performance indicators (KPIs) are examples of your company's services in action.

When done correctly, these examples of your work can chronicle the positive impact your business has on existing or previous customers, helping you attract new clients.

Why write a case study?

I know, it sounds like a huge endeavor — is it really worth it?

The truth is that while case studies are a huge undertaking, they are powerful marketing tools that allow you to demonstrate the value of your product to potential customers using real-world examples.

Here are a few reasons why you should write case studies.

1. Explain complex topics or concepts.

Case studies give you the space to break down complex concepts, ideas, and strategies, showing how they can be applied in a practical way.

You can use real-world examples, like an existing client, and use their story to create a compelling narrative that demonstrates how your product solved their issue. Most importantly, it explains how those strategies can be repeated to help other customers get similar, successful results.

2. Show expertise.

Case studies are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise on a given topic or industry. This is where you get the opportunity to show off your problem-solving skills and how you’ve generated successful outcomes for clients you’ve worked with.

3. Build trust and credibility.

In addition to showing off the attributes above, case studies are an excellent way to build credibility. They’re often filled with data and thoroughly researched, which shows readers you’ve done your homework.

A robust case study instills confidence in the solutions you present because the reader has now vicariously experienced the problem — and they followed, step-by-step, what it took to solve it. These elements work together, enabling you to build trust with potential customers.

4. Create social proof.

Using existing clients that have seen success working with your brand builds social proof .

People are more likely to choose your brand if they know that others have found success working with you. Case studies do just that — put your success on display for potential customers to see.

All of these attributes play together like an orchestra to help you gain more clients. Afterward, the case study acts as a reference. You can pull quotes from customers that were featured in these studies to repurpose them in other marketing content.

How long should a case study be?

Now that you’re more acquainted with the benefits of producing a case study, let’s explore how long these documents should be.

The length of a case study will vary depending on the complexity of the project or topic discussed. However, as a general guideline, case studies typically range from 500 to 1,500 words.

Whatever length you choose, it should provide a clear understanding of the challenge, the solution you implemented, and the results achieved.

This may be easier said than done, but it‘s important to strike a balance between providing enough detail to make the case study informative and concise enough to keep the reader’s interest.

The primary goal here is to effectively communicate the key points and takeaways of the case study. It’s worth noting that this shouldn’t be a wall of text. Make it attractive to dive into by using headings, subheadings, bullet points, charts, and other graphics to break up the content and make it more scannable for readers.

I’ve also seen more and more brands incorporate video elements into case studies listed on their site for a more engaging experience, which is highly recommended given that video is currently the best performing marketing content format.

Case Study Release Form

This document can vary, depending on factors like the size of your business, the nature of your work, and what you intend to do with the case study once it is completed.

You’ll need permission to use any brand names and to share the project information publicly.

You should typically aim to include the following in your Case Study Release Form:

• A clear explanation of why you are creating this case study and how it will be used.
• A statement defining the information and potentially trademarked information you expect to be able to include about the company — things like names, logos, job titles, and pictures.
• An explanation of what you would expect from the participant beyond the completion of the case study. For example, is this customer willing to act as a reference or share feedback? Do you have permission to pass contact information along for these purposes?
• A note about compensation.

Success Story Letter

This document serves as an outline for the entire case study process so your subject better understands the entire process they would be opting into.

You'll want to be sure to define the details outlined in your Case Study Release Form within your Success Story Letter. There are many details you’ll need to think about so that you can clearly explain what the process will be like.

7. Define the process you want to follow with the client.

Before you can begin the case study, you have to have a clear outline of the case study process with your client. An example of an effective outline would include the following information.

The Acceptance

First, you‘ll need to receive internal approval from the company’s marketing team.

Once approved, the Release Form should be signed and returned to you. It's also a good time to determine a timeline that meets the needs and capabilities of both teams.

The Questionnaire

To ensure that you have a productive interview — which is one of the best ways to collect information for the case study — you'll want to ask the participant to complete a questionnaire before this conversation.

That will provide your team with the necessary foundation to organize the interview, and get the most out of it.

The Interview

Once the questionnaire is completed, someone on your team should reach out to the participant to schedule a 30- to 60-minute interview.

This should include a series of custom questions related to the customer's experience with your product or service.

The Draft Review

After the case study is composed, you'll want to send a draft to the customer, allowing an opportunity to give you feedback and edits.

The Final Approval

Once any necessary edits are completed, send a revised copy of the case study to the customer for final approval.

Once the case study goes live — on your website or elsewhere — it‘s best to contact the customer with a link to the page where the case study lives.

Don’t be afraid to ask your participants to share these links with their own networks, as it not only demonstrates your ability to deliver positive results and impressive growth, as well.

8. Download a case study email template.

You’ve gathered your resources, and soon your candidate will get to explore the exciting details of participating in your case study.

The case study release form communicates what you'll need from your chosen subject, and your success story letter outlines the process in its entirety.

Hopefully by now they’ve replied that they are interested in working with you on a customer success story. It’s time to send your case study email!

To give you an idea of what that might look like, check out this sample email.

In terms of the interview structure, I recommend categorizing the questions in a way that the answers flow into six specific sections that will mirror a successful case study format. Combined, they'll allow you to gather enough information to put together a rich, comprehensive study.

Open with the customer's business.

The goal of this section is to generate a better understanding of the company's current challenges and goals, plus how they fit into the landscape of their industry. Sample questions might include:

• How long have you been in business?
• How many employees do you have?
• What are some of the objectives of your department at this time?

Cite a problem or pain point.

To tell a compelling story, you need context that helps match the customer's needs with your solution. Sample questions might include:

• What challenges and objectives led you to look for a solution?
• What might have happened if you did not identify a solution?
• Did you explore other solutions before this that did not work out? If so, what happened?

Discuss the decision process.

Exploring how the customer decided to work with you helps to guide potential customers through their own decision-making processes.

Sample questions might include:

• How did you hear about our product or service?
• Who was involved in the selection process?
• What was most important to you when evaluating your options?

Explain how a solution was implemented.

The focus here should be placed on the customer's experience during the onboarding process. Sample questions might include:

• How long did it take to get up and running?
• Did that meet your expectations?
• Who was involved in the process?

Explain how the solution works.

The goal of this section is to better understand how the customer is using your product or service. Sample questions might include:

• Is there a particular aspect of the product or service that you rely on most?
• Who is using the product or service?

End with the results.

In this section, you want to uncover impressive measurable outcomes — the more numbers, the better. Sample questions might include:

• How is the product or service helping you save time and increase productivity?
• In what ways does that enhance your competitive advantage?
• How much have you increased metrics X, Y, and Z?

It’s a smart idea to send a copy of your interview questions to your subject ahead of time so they can prepare strong answers and collect the numerical data you need from them.

10. Lay out your case study format.

When it comes time to take all of the information you‘ve collected and actually turn it into something useful, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I always do, but I also know that it works out in the end, so I just jump on in and work it through.

So where should you start? What should you include? What's the best way to structure it?

It‘s important to first understand that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the ways you can present a case study.

They can be very visual, which you’ll see in some of the examples we've included below, and can sometimes be communicated through video or photos with a bit of accompanying text.

Here are the sections I’d suggest, and I'll cover these in more detail after #11 below:

• Title. Keep it short. Develop a succinct but interesting project name you can give the work you did with your subject.
• Subtitle. Use this copy to briefly elaborate on the accomplishment. What was done? The case study itself will explain how you got there.
• Executive Summary . A 2-4 sentence summary of the entire story. You'll want to follow it with 2-3 bullet points that display metrics showcasing success.
• About the Subject. An introduction to the person or company you served, which can be pulled from a LinkedIn Business profile or client website.
• Challenges and Objectives. A 2-3 paragraph description of the customer's challenges, before using your product or service. This section should also include the goals or objectives the customer set out to achieve.
• How Product/Service Helped. A 2-3 paragraph section that describes how your product or service provided a solution to their problem.
• Results. A 2-3 paragraph testimonial that proves how your product or service specifically benefited the person or company and helped achieve its goals. Include numbers to quantify your contributions.
• Supporting Visuals or Quotes. Pick one or two powerful quotes that you would feature at the bottom of the sections above, as well as a visual that supports the story you are telling.
• Future Plans. Everyone likes an epilogue. Comment on what's ahead for your case study subject, whether or not those plans involve you.
• Call-to-Action (CTA). Not every case study needs a CTA, but putting a passive one at the end of your case study can encourage your readers to take an action on your website after learning about the work you've done.

When laying out your case study, focus on conveying the information you've gathered in the most clear and concise way possible.

Make it easy to scan and comprehend, and be sure to provide an attractive call-to-action at the bottom — that should provide readers an opportunity to learn more about your product or service.

11. Publish and promote your case study.

Once you‘ve completed your case study, it’s time to publish and promote it.

Some case study formats have pretty obvious promotional outlets — a video case study can go on YouTube, just as an infographic case study can go on Pinterest.

But there are still other ways to publish and promote your case study. Here are a couple of ideas.

Lead Gen in a Blog Post

As stated earlier, written case studies make terrific lead-generators if you convert them into a downloadable format, like a PDF.

To generate leads from your case study, consider writing a blog post that tells an abbreviated story of your client‘s success and asking readers to fill out a form with their name and email address if they’d like to read the rest in your PDF.

Then, promote this blog post on social media, through a Facebook post or a tweet.

Published as a Page on Your Website

As a growing business, you might need to display your case study out in the open to gain the trust of your target audience.

Rather than gating it behind a landing page, publish your case study to its own page on your website, and direct people to it from your homepage with a “Case Studies” or “Testimonials” button along your homepage's top navigation bar.

The traditional case study format includes the following parts: a title and subtitle, a client profile, a summary of the customer’s challenges and objectives, an account of how your solution helped, and a description of the results. You might also want to include supporting visuals and quotes, future plans, and calls-to-action.

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Showcase your company's success using these free case study templates.

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