닐스 로고

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

In the preparation of a successful case study report is a crucial aspect of the IGNOU MAPC programme. It doesn't matter if your specialty is Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Industrial and Organisational Psychology (I-O), cases are an essential aspect of learning through practical. Students often feel overwhelmed because they're not sure how compose a case in a professional manner and what they should include and what level of detail is needed. This guide provides guidance on how to prepare a clear, neat and well-structured case study report for MAPC through step-bystep.

1. What is a Case Study Report in MAPC?

A case study is a thorough account of your interactions with an employee, client, or research participant. It is a demonstration of how you gather data as you observe behavior, recognize the psychological aspects and apply the theory to real life situations. IGNOU expects students to write case studies based upon actual encounters with clients during working in a practical setting or during supervised sessions.

A complete case study includes an individual's background, his/her presenting problems, assessment tools employed in the case study, observations, or counselling intervention provided, and results.

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

It is usually based on the field you are in and your supervisor's instructions. An accepted practice is:

If your school offers more opportunities, you could write more, but quality matters more than the quantity.

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

You shouldn't start writing as soon as you can. First, gather and record the information in a diary notebook as you work with the client.

The main information to gather:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Personal information (name or number age, gender education or family background)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Observation notes
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Conversation summary
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Emotional and behavioral signs
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Tools for assessment and findings
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Intervention or counselling method employed
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Sessions progress
  
  

  
  
  

Make sure your notes are neat and current. This will assist you in preparing your final report in a seamless manner.

4. Format of a MAPC Case Study Report

This is a straightforward structure that works for Counselling, Clinical and I-O cases. Edit as needed according to the field you specialize in.

A) Basic Information

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Client Code/Initials (Do not write full real name to ensure confidentiality)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Age, Gender, Education, Marital Status
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  The duration of sessions (Date from the beginning session to the end of the session)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Referred to by (if appropriate)
  

  
  
  

B) Presenting Problem / Reason for Visit

Write down the major concern indicated by the client. Use simple language.
Example: "The client reported difficulty sleeping, constant worry, and loss of interest in daily work."

C) Background Information

Include a brief biography in relation to:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Family background
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Schooling and childhood
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Social connections
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Medical and psychological history
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Significant life experiences
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Academic status or work (for I-O: that includes job role and work environment)
  

  
  
  

D) Behavioural Observations

Mention your observations during sessions:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Body language body language, tone of voice eye contact
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Physical appearance
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Emotional state (sad and anxious, confused angry, irritable, calm)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Participation with counsellors, interaction in motivation
  

  
  
  

E) Assessment Tools Used

Note the tests that are psychological or methods employed.
Examples:

• 
  
• 
  

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

  
  
  
• 
  

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

  
  
  

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

F) Case Formulation

It is a summary of your understanding and analysis of the issue.
It should contain the following hyperlink:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  The history of the client
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  It was observed that the animal behaved
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Test results
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Psychological explanation
  

  
  
  

Write 2-4 paragraphs detailing how all pieces connect.

G) Intervention / Counselling Approach

Write about the activities you took part in during the sessions:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Type of therapy or model utilized (e.g. CBT, Person-Centred or REBT and Behavioural Modification, Career counselling, Relaxation training, Group counselling, etc.)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Summary of the session: goals, activities as well as the response of the client
  

  
  
  

In the case of I-O, intervention can be:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Counselling for work stress
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Communication training
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Time management techniques
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Feedback sessions
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Changes in workplace behavior
  

  
  
  

H) Outcome and Progress

Define how the client has improved or changed after sessions:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Reduction in symptoms
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Better coping skills
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Better thinking or behavior
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Comments from clients
  

  
  
  

If there was limited progress make sure you mention it in a clear manner.

I) Summary & Future Plan

Create a short summary and provide suggestions for subsequent care or follow-up.

J) Self-Reflection (Optional but Very Useful)

Write down what you learned while an student:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Was it uncomfortable or difficult?
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  What skills did you develop?
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  What do you think you can improve the next time?
  

  
  
  

This section gives a personal touch to the work and gives an enhanced impression when reviewing.

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

Case Code C-01 Age/Gender: 22 years old Female. Presenting Problem: Lack of confidence, stress in the classroom, low self-esteem Assessment Tools: MSE, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Intervention: Person-Centred Counselling Homework assignments. The result: Better confidence in self-esteem, improved academic performance

Your entire case will be more detailed However, this example will help you understand the process.

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

7. Tips for Writing a Strong MAPC Case Study

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Use the simple language and use a clear, easy to understand
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Write in past present tense (as it's already happened)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Keep your information confidential (never write full real names)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Make sure that the sequence and headings are neat
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Beware of copying files from the internet or older files
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Do not use technical or fancy words when you're unable to explain them
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Note your honest observations. Do not exaggerate the progress.
  

  
  
  

8. What Not to Write in a Case Study

Students can add unnecessary or wrong content. Avoid:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Over-lengthy theories (write only what applies to your case)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  False test results or unrealistic improvements
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  The judge's comments on the client
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Using harsh labels or diagnosing without supervision
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Copy-paste sample files
  

  
  
  

Your supervisor could ask questions in the event that something appears to be fake.

9. Ethical Points to Keep in Mind

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Maintain client privacy and dignity
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  You must be given permission before you take tests or performing interventions
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Don't share the client's information outside of the training facility
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Mention only initials or code to establish identity
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Handle sensitive topics carefully
  

  
  
  

10. Presentation and Submission Tips

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Reports written in type look better, although handwritten notes are also acceptable when neat
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Use A4 paper and adhere pages in a proper manner
  

  
  
  
• 
  

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

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Use test proformas to attach samples only if it is permitted.
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Keep a backup copy for the purpose of recording
  

  
  
  

11. Benefits of Writing Case Studies Properly

Preparing case studies helps you:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Learn the real-world application of psychology
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Master the art of handling clients and communicating with them.
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Develop skills for counselling and assessment
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Prepare for MAPC Live!
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Get confidence to perform your job or through practice
  

  
  
  

Students often use these cases later as evidence of experience on applications to work programs.

Closing Thoughts

A well-written case study reflects your understanding, empathy and the process of learning as a student. If you stick to the format and write in a genuine manner creating MAPC case studies becomes easier and more valuable. Take each case as a learning experience rather than an obligation. Make sure you understand people, their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, and relate your education to real-world situations. This will not only help you score well but also improve your abilities as a future psychologist.