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

The preparation of a quality case study report is an integral aspect in the IGNOU MAPC program. What you specialize in is Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I-O), case studies are a crucial part of the practical learning. Many students feel stressed due to the fact that they don't know how to complete the report in a proper manner or what to include and how much detail is needed. This guide will show you how to compose a clear, neat, and well-structured case study report for MAPC in a step-by-step manner.

1. What is a Case Study Report in MAPC?

A case study is a detailed report of your interaction with a person, client or research participant. It is a demonstration of how you can collect information as you observe behavior, recognize the psychology of people and apply theories in the real world. IGNOU requires students to create research papers based on their actual clients' experiences during working in a practical setting or under supervision.

A comprehensive case study contains the background of the individual, their presenting problem, assessment tools used as well as observations, counseling or interventions offered, and the results.

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

This usually depends on the field you are in and your supervisor's instructions. A typical practice is:

If your school offers many opportunities, it is possible to write more, but it is quality that 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 your diary or notebook when working with the client.

The most important information to gather:

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  Personal details (name or code (age, gender, education Family background)
  

  
  
  
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  Observation notes
  
  

  
  
  
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  Conversation summary
  
  

  
  
  
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  Behavioural and emotional indicators
  
  

  
  
  
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  Assessment and assessment tools. conclusions
  
  

  
  
  
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  Intervention or counselling method utilized
  
  

  
  
  
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  Sessions progress
  
  

  
  
  

Keep your notes neat and current. This will aid you in writing a your final report in a seamless manner.

4. Format of a MAPC Case Study Report

Here's a simple format that works for Clinical, Counselling, as well as I-O cases. It is possible to modify the data as required based on your specialization.

A) Basic Information

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  Keys to the client's code or initials (Do not write the full name to keep your information confidential)
  

  
  
  
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  Age, Gender, Education, Marital Status
  

  
  
  
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  Duration of sessions (Date of the first session until the end of the session)
  

  
  
  
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  Referenced by (if appropriate)
  

  
  
  

B) Presenting Problem / Reason for Visit

The main issue should be described as indicated by the client. Write the issue in 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:

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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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  Status of academic or work (for I-O: that 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 nervous, anxious, confused Irritated, angry, calm)
  

  
  
  
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  Contact with counsellor, participation in motivation
  

  
  
  

E) Assessment Tools Used

Write down the tests for psychological testing or the 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 goal, scoring pattern and the result. Provide results in a tiny table if necessary.

F) Case Formulation

This is the summation of your understanding and analysis of the situation.
It should connect to:

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  Client's background
  

  
  
  
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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 explaining how all pieces connect.

G) Intervention / Counselling Approach

Tell us about what you did during the sessions:

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  Model of therapy or treatment used (e.g., CBT, Person-Centred, ReBT Behavioural modification counselling, Relaxation training, Group counselling, etc.)
  

  
  
  
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  Short synopsis of each session, including goals, tasks and the client's response
  

  
  
  

Intervention for I-O cases could include:

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  Counselling for stress at work
  

  
  
  
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  Communication training
  

  
  
  
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  Time management techniques
  

  
  
  
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  Feedback sessions
  

  
  
  
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  Modification in workplace behavior
  

  
  
  

H) Outcome and Progress

Define how your client has transformed or improved after sessions:

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  A reduction in symptoms
  

  
  
  
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  Better coping skills
  

  
  
  
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  A better way of thinking or a more positive attitude
  

  
  
  
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  Comments from clients
  

  
  
  

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

I) Summary & Future Plan

Write a short summary of the conclusion with suggestions for future care or follow-up.

J) Self-Reflection (Optional but Very Useful)

Write what you learned as an undergraduate student:

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  Was it difficult or comfortable?
  

  
  
  
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  What skills did you develop?
  

  
  
  
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  What would you change next time?
  

  
  
  

This section gives a personal touch, and gives the best impression of evaluating.

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

Case Code C-01 Age/Gender: 22 years old Female. The issue is lack of confidence, academic stress, low self-esteem Assessment Tools: MSE, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Intervention: Person-Centred Therapy + homework assignments. Outcome: Improved self-confidence and academic performance.

The full report will be more comprehensive but this brief sample can help you understand process.

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 simple and easy language
  

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

  
  
  
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  Keep your information confidential (never write the full real name of a person)
  

  
  
  
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  Keep the headings and sequence neat
  

  
  
  
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  Avoid copying from the internet or other files
  

  
  
  
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  Beware of technical or fancy words for those who aren't able to explain them.
  

  
  
  
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  Be honest in your writing; do not exaggerate progress
  

  
  
  

8. What Not to Write in a Case Study

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

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  Theory that is too long (write only what applies to your specific case)
  

  
  
  
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  False test results or unrealistic improvements
  

  
  
  
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  Judgmental remarks about the client
  

  
  
  
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  Doing diagnostics or using harsh labels without supervision
  

  
  
  
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  Copy-paste files from sample files
  

  
  
  

Your supervisor can ask questions if something looks unreal.

9. Ethical Points to Keep in Mind

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  Keep the client's privacy and dignity
  

  
  
  
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  Take permission before taking tests or doing interventions.
  

  
  
  
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  Do not give client details in the outside world, unless it is part of your training.
  

  
  
  
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  Don't mention more than initials, or code to establish identity
  

  
  
  
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  Be careful when dealing with sensitive topics.
  

  
  
  

10. Presentation and Submission Tips

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  Written reports look cleaner although handwritten notes are also acceptable when neat
  

  
  
  
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  Use A4 paper and glue pages in a proper manner
  

  
  
  
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  Add supervisor's signature to each case
  

  
  
  
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  Proformas for testing or sample responses only if allowed
  

  
  
  
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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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  Learn the real-world application of psychology
  

  
  
  
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  Learn client handling and communication
  

  
  
  
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  Develop counselling and assessment skills
  

  
  
  
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  Make sure you are prepared for MAPC Live!
  

  
  
  
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  Increase confidence and comfort for the job you will be doing or by practicing
  

  
  
  

Many students later use these cases to show their experience in applications for employment or training programs.

Closing Thoughts

A well-written, informative case study showcases your knowledge, empathy and how you are learning as a student. If you stick to the format and write in a genuine manner and authentic, writing MAPC case studies becomes more straightforward and more valuable. Each case should be viewed as a learning experience rather than a formality. Try to understand people, their thoughts, emotions, or behavior, and link your academic knowledge to real-life situations. This will not just aid you in scoring well, but will also enhance your skills as a psychologist.