How to Prepare MAPC Case Study Report (Clinical / Counselling / I-O)

Preparing a good case study report is an important aspect in the IGNOU MAPC program. No matter what your area of expertise is Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Industrial & Organisational Psychology (I-O), case studies constitute a vital aspect of learning through practical. A majority of students experience stress because they do not know how to compose a case in a professional manner how to structure it, what they should write, and what level of detail is required. This guide will show you how to complete a clean, concise, and well-structured case study report for MAPC through step-bystep.

1. What is a Case Study Report in MAPC?

A case study provides a complete report of your interaction with a client, employee or researcher. It demonstrates how you can gather information to observe behavior, identify psychological issues as well as apply theory to real-life situations. IGNOU demands that students write case studies based on actual client experiences from their internships, practical tasks or in supervised sessions.

A complete case study outlines the background of the individual, their presenting issue, assessment tools that were used in the case study, observations, or counselling intervention, and the outcome.

2. How Many Case Studies Do You Need to Prepare?

This usually depends upon your expertise as well as your supervisor's directions. The most common method is:

If your college offers opportunities to you, you can write more, but quality matters more than quantity.

3. Before Writing the Case Study - Collect the Right Data

Do not begin writing immediately. In the beginning, you should gather and document information in a diary or notebook while working with your client.

The most important information to gather:

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  Personal details (name or code Age, gender, education and family background)
  

  
  
  
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  Observation notes
  
  

  
  
  
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  Conversation summary
  
  

  
  
  
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  Emotional and behavioral signs
  
  

  
  
  
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  Assessment and assessment tools. conclusions
  
  

  
  
  
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  Counseling or intervention method employed
  
  

  
  
  
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  Sessions progress
  
  

  
  
  

Make sure your notes are neat and up-to-date. This will allow you to prepare an organized final report.

4. Format of a MAPC Case Study Report

Here's an easy structure that can be used for counselling, clinical, and I-O cases. You can modify as needed based on your specialization.

A) Basic Information

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  Keys to the client's code or initials (Do not write full real name to maintain confidentiality)
  

  
  
  
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  Age, Gender, Education, Marital Status
  

  
  
  
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  Duration of sessions (Date of the session that began to last session)
  

  
  
  
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  Refused by (if the case is applicable)
  

  
  
  

B) Presenting Problem / Reason for Visit

Explain the main issue as it was stated by the customer. Write in simple words.
Example: "The client reported difficulty sleeping, constant worry, and loss of interest in daily work."

C) Background Information

Briefly describe your personal background which includes:

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  Family history
  

  
  
  
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  Education and learning
  

  
  
  
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  Social relations
  

  
  
  
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  Mental and physical history
  

  
  
  
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  Significant life experiences
  

  
  
  
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  The status of a student or employee (for I-O: includes the type of job and the workplace)
  

  
  
  

D) Behavioural Observations

Mention your observations during sessions:

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  Body language and tone of voice eye contact
  

  
  
  
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  Physical appearance
  

  
  
  
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  A state of emotional turmoil (sad, anxious, confused or irritated)
  

  
  
  
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  Participation with counsellors, interaction, motivation
  

  
  
  

E) Assessment Tools Used

Record the psychological tests or methods employed.
Examples:

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  Clinical/Counselling: MSE, BDI, HAM-A, 16PF, SCL-90, Family Environment Scale, etc.
  

  
  
  
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  I-O: Job Satisfaction Scale, Stress Scale, Workplace Motivation Scale, Interviews, Surveys
  

  
  
  

Include the purpose, scoring pattern and the results. Include results in a compact table if needed.

F) Case Formulation

This is the summary of your understanding and analysis of the situation.
It should be linked to:

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  Client's history
  

  
  
  
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  It was observed that the animal behaved
  

  
  
  
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  Test results
  

  
  
  
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  Psychological explanation
  

  
  
  

Write 2-4 paragraphs detailing how each piece is connected.

G) Intervention / Counselling Approach

Define what you learned in the sessions:

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  Model or type of therapy that is used (e.g., CBT, Person-Centred therapy, REBT Behavioural change, Career counselling, Relaxation-training, Group counselling, etc.)
  

  
  
  
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  Brief summary of each session: objectives, activities and the client's reaction
  

  
  
  

In I-O cases, intervention can include:

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  Counselling for stress in the workplace
  

  
  
  
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  Communication training
  

  
  
  
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  Time management techniques
  

  
  
  
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  Feedback sessions
  

  
  
  
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  Workplace behaviour modification
  

  
  
  

H) Outcome and Progress

You should describe how the client improved or changed following sessions:

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  The reduction in symptoms
  

  
  
  
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  Better coping skills
  

  
  
  
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  Increased thinking or behavior
  

  
  
  
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  Customer feedback
  

  
  
  

If there was a lack of progress be sure to mention it honestly.

I) Summary & Future Plan

Write a brief summary of the session as well as suggestions for next care or follow-up.

J) Self-Reflection (Optional but Very Useful)

Write what you learned as you were a student:

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  Was it uncomfortable or difficult?
  

  
  
  
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  What skills did it take to get better at?
  

  
  
  
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  What can you do differently the next time?
  

  
  
  

This section gives it a personal touch, and gives an improved impression of evaluation.

5. Sample Outline of One Case Study (Short View)

Case Code: C-01 Age/Gender: 22-year-old Female. Problem: Lack of confidence, academic stress Low self-esteem Assessment Tools: MSE, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Intervention: Person-Centred Counselling and Homework Assignments. Results: Improved self-confidence and academic performance.

Your entire case will be more precise however this tiny example will help you understand the flow.

6. Important Differences Between Case Studies in Clinical, Counselling, and I-O

7. Tips for Writing a Strong MAPC Case Study

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  Use an easy and simple language
  

  
  
  
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  Write in the past present tense (as it had already happened)
  

  
  
  
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  Be sure to keep your identity private (never write your full names)
  

  
  
  
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  Keep sequence and headings neat
  

  
  
  
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  Avoid copying from websites or files that are older
  

  
  
  
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  Avoid technical and fancy terms in case you're not able to explain them
  

  
  
  
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  Write honest observations; do not exaggerate the progress.
  

  
  
  

8. What Not to Write in a Case Study

Students are sometimes tempted to add unnecessary or untrue content. Avoid:

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  Theorems that are too long (write only what pertains to your situation)
  

  
  
  
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  False test results, or a flims improvement
  

  
  
  
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  Judgmental remarks about the client
  

  
  
  
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  Utilizing harsh labels or diagnosing without supervision
  

  
  
  
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  Copy-paste sample files
  

  
  
  

Your supervisor might ask questions when you see something that appears fake.

9. Ethical Points to Keep in Mind

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  Be sure to respect the privacy of your clients and keep them in good spirits.
  

  
  
  
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  Check with your doctor before taking tests or making interventions
  

  
  
  
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  Do not give client details outside the training environment
  

  
  
  
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  Make sure to mention only initials or codes for identity
  

  
  
  
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  Be aware of sensitive subjects.
  

  
  
  

10. Presentation and Submission Tips

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  The reports written by hand look more professional, although handwritten notes are also acceptable when it is neat
  

  
  
  
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  Use A4-sized paper and attach pages correctly
  

  
  
  
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  Make sure to include the signature of the supervisor on each case
  

  
  
  
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  Include test proformas or response samples only when permitted.
  

  
  
  
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  Make a copy of your soft copy to records
  

  
  
  

11. Benefits of Writing Case Studies Properly

Preparing case studies helps you:

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  Be aware of the actual application of psychology
  

  
  
  
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  Learn client handling and communication
  

  
  
  
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  Develop skills for counselling and assessment
  

  
  
  
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  Prepare for MAPC viva
  

  
  
  
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  Gain confidence for future job or through practice
  

  
  
  

Many students use these examples as evidence of their experiences during applications for job opportunities or programs.

Closing Thoughts

A well-written case study will show your knowledge, empathy and the process of learning as a student. If you follow the structure and keep your writing genuine, preparing MAPC case studies becomes more straightforward and more valuable. Take each case as a process of learning rather than just an obligation. Try to understand people, their thoughts, emotions as well as their behavior. You should also apply your educational knowledge to actual situations. This approach will not only aid you in scoring well, but will also shape the skills you will need as a psychologist.