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

The preparation of a quality case study report is an important aspect of the IGNOU MAPC program. It doesn't matter if your specialty is Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Industrial & Organisational Psychology (I-O), case studies are a crucial element of the learning process. Many students feel stressed due to the fact that they do not know how to complete the report in a proper manner as well as what information to include and what level of details are required. This guide explains how to compose 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 full document of your interactions with a customer, employee or researcher. It illustrates how you are able to gather information and observe behavior, grasp psychological issues as well as apply theory to the real world. IGNOU requires students to create cases studies based on real experience with clients in internship, practical work or supervision sessions.

An entire case study covers an individual's background, his/her presenting the issue, the assessment tools used as well as observations, counseling or interventions given, as well as the outcomes.

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

This typically depends on your field of expertise and supervisor's guidelines. It is a common practice to:

If your school offers greater opportunities, you might write more. However, quality matters more than quantity.

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

Be patient and don't start writing at once. First, gather and record details in a diary or notebook while working with the client.

The first information you should collect:

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  Personal information (name and 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 behavioural signs
  
  

  
  
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  Assessment and assessment tools. results
  
  

  
  
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  Method of intervention or counseling utilized
  
  

  
  
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  Sessions progress
  
  

  
  
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Keep your notes neat and up-to-date. This will aid you in writing a an easy final report.

4. Format of a MAPC Case Study Report

Here's a simple format that is suitable for Counselling, Clinical and I-O cases. You may edit as needed in accordance with your expertise.

A) Basic Information

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

  
  
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  Age, Gender, Education, Marital Status
  

  
  
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  Duration of sessions (Date of first session to the last session)
  

  
  
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  (if applicable) (if the case is applicable)
  

  
  
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B) Presenting Problem / Reason for Visit

Describe the main concern as described 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

Provide a brief personal history including:

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  Family history
  

  
  
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  Education and learning
  

  
  
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  Social relationships
  

  
  
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  The psychological and medical history
  

  
  
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  Significant life experiences
  

  
  
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  Academic or work-related status (for I-O, which includes job role and work environment)
  

  
  
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D) Behavioural Observations

Mention your observations during sessions:

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  Body language, tone of voice, eye contact
  

  
  
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  Physical appearance
  

  
  
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  A state of emotional turmoil (sad angry, confused, anxious Irritated, angry, calm)
  

  
  
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  Contact with counsellor, participation in motivation
  

  
  
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E) Assessment Tools Used

Write the psychological tests or methods used.
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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
  

  
  
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Include a purpose, scoring pattern and the result. Present results in a small tableau if necessary.

F) Case Formulation

This is the summary of your understanding and analysis of the issue.
It should link:

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  Client's history
  

  
  
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  The behavior observed
  

  
  
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  Test results
  

  
  
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  Psychological explanation
  

  
  
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Create 2-4 paragraphs of how all pieces connect.

G) Intervention / Counselling Approach

Describe what you did in the sessions:

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

  
  
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  Brief summary of each session: goals, activities and response from the client
  

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

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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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  Workplace behaviour modification
  

  
  
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H) Outcome and Progress

Define the way in which the client got better or changed after sessions:

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  Reduced 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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  Client feedback
  

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

I) Summary & Future Plan

Write a short summary of the conclusion and offer suggestions for the client's next care or follow-up.

J) Self-Reflection (Optional but Very Useful)

Record what you learned as an student:

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  Was it uncomfortable or uncomfortable?
  

  
  
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  What were the skills you worked on to improve?
  

  
  
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  What would you change next time?
  

  
  
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This section adds a personal touch and gives an overall impression of the evaluation.

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

Case Code C-01 Age/Gender: 21-year-old Female. Presenting issue: Lack of confidence, stress in the classroom Self-esteem assessment tools: MSE, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Intervention: Person-Centred Counselling and Homework assignments. The result: Better confidence in oneself, and improved academic performance.

The entire case will be more in-depth 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's already happened)
  

  
  
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  Protect your privacy (never ever write down your real names in full)
  

  
  
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  Keep the headings and sequence neat
  

  
  
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  Do not copy from the internet or other files
  

  
  
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  Avoid technical or fancy terms that are not understandable
  

  
  
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  Do not lie about your observations. Do not overstate your progress.
  

  
  
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8. What Not to Write in a Case Study

Students sometimes add unnecessary or untrue content. Avoid:

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  A long theory (write only what relates to your particular situation)
  

  
  
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  False test results or unrealistic improvements
  

  
  
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  Judgmental remarks about the client
  

  
  
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  Not using harsh labels or diagnosing without supervision
  

  
  
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  Copy-paste files from sample files
  

  
  
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Your supervisor might ask questions if something looks unreal.

9. Ethical Points to Keep in Mind

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  Respect the privacy of your client and maintain dignity
  

  
  
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  Get permission prior to testing or performing interventions
  

  
  
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  Don't share the client's information beyond the training environment.
  

  
  
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  Make sure to mention only initials or codes for identity
  

  
  
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  Carefully handle sensitive topics
  

  
  
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10. Presentation and Submission Tips

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  Typed reports look more professional, although handwritten notes are also acceptable when neat
  

  
  
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  Use A4 paper and adhere pages properly
  

  
  
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  The supervisor's signature should be included on each case
  

  
  
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  Proformas for testing or sample responses only if allowed
  

  
  
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  Keep a soft copy for recording purposes
  

  
  
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11. Benefits of Writing Case Studies Properly

Preparing case studies helps you:

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  Understand real application of psychology
  

  
  
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  Be aware of client handling and the importance of communication
  

  
  
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  Build assessment and counseling skills
  

  
  
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  Make sure you are prepared for MAPC in viva
  

  
  
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  Improve your confidence in a future job or through practice
  

  
  
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Many students later use these cases to show their experience when applying for jobs or training programs.

Closing Thoughts

A well-written and well-written case report demonstrates your understanding, empathy and growth as a student. If you follow the structure and write in a genuine manner creating MAPC case studies is easier and more meaningful. Consider each case as a process of learning rather than just a formality. Focus on understanding people, their thoughts, emotions and behavior, and apply your understanding of psychology to actual situations. This will not just help you score well but also help you develop your skills as a future psychologist.