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

In the preparation of a successful case study report is an integral part of the IGNOU MAPC program. Whichever specialization you choose, Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Industrial & Organisational Psychology (I-O), case studies constitute a vital component of practical learning. Students are often stressed because they're not sure how write a good case study as well as what information to include and what level of detail they should include. This guide provides guidance on how to complete a clean, concise 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 comprehensive report of your interaction with an employee, client or research participant. It showcases how well you can gather information and observe behavior, grasp the psychology of people and apply your knowledge in real-world situations. IGNOU expects students to write case studies based on actual client exposure during working in a practical setting or during supervised sessions.

An entire case study covers the background of the individual, their presenting problem, assessment tools used in the case study, observations, or counselling intervention given, and outcomes.

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

This typically depends on the area you specialize in and your supervisor's instructions. A typical practice is:

If your college 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

Be patient and don't start writing at once. The first step is to gather and write down data in a journal or notebook while working with the client.

The main information to gather:

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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 instruments and findings
  
  

  
  
  
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  Method of intervention or counseling used
  
  

  
  
  
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  Progress in sessions
  
  

  
  
  

Notes should be neat and up-to-date. This will allow you to prepare a smooth final report.

4. Format of a MAPC Case Study Report

Here is a simple structure which is useful for Clinical, Counselling, or I-O cases. You are able to edit it as depending on your specificization.

A) Basic Information

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  The Client's ID/Code (Do not write full real name in order to protect your identity)
  

  
  
  
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  Age, Gender, Education, Marital Status
  

  
  
  
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  The duration of sessions (Date of the session that began to the end of session)
  

  
  
  
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  Referred by (if applicable)
  

  
  
  

B) Presenting Problem / Reason for Visit

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

C) Background Information

Please provide a short personal story with respect to:

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  Family background
  

  
  
  
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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 status (for I-O: including the nature of work and the environment in which it is performed)
  

  
  
  

D) Behavioural Observations

Mention your observations during sessions:

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  Body language or tone of voice eye contact
  

  
  
  
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  Physical appearance
  

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

  
  
  
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  Engagement with counsellors, participation and motivation
  

  
  
  

E) Assessment Tools Used

Record the psychological tests 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 a purpose, scoring pattern and the result. Display results in a small table, if required.

F) Case Formulation

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

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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 showing the way that all pieces link.

G) Intervention / Counselling Approach

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

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  The type of model or therapy used (e.g. CBT, Person-Centred therapy, REBT, Behavioural modification, Career counselling, Relaxation-training, Group counselling, etc.)
  

  
  
  
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  Short synopsis of each session: goals, activities and the client's reaction
  

  
  
  

In the case of I-O, intervention might include:

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  Counselling for stress and work
  

  
  
  
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  Training in communication
  

  
  
  
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  Time management techniques
  

  
  
  
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  Feedback sessions
  

  
  
  
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  Modification of workplace behaviour
  

  
  
  

H) Outcome and Progress

Define how your client has did or didn't change after sessions:

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  The 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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  Feedback from the client
  

  
  
  

If there were only minor progress, mention that honestly.

I) Summary & Future Plan

Write a concise summary of the visit and suggestions for the client's future follow-up or care.

J) Self-Reflection (Optional but Very Useful)

Write what you learned as you were a student:

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  Did it feel uncomfortable or hard?
  

  
  
  
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  What skills did you improve?
  

  
  
  
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  What can you do differently the next time?
  

  
  
  

This section provides a personal touch and provides more of an impression when evaluating.

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

Case Code C-01. Age/Gender: 22 year old Female. Presenting issue: 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

The complete report will be more in-depth but this brief sample helps 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 simple and clear language
  

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

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

  
  
  
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  Make sure that the sequence and headings are neat
  

  
  
  
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  Avoid copying from the internet or senior files
  

  
  
  
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  Do not use technical or fancy words if you cannot explain them
  

  
  
  
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  Note your honest observations. Do not overstate your progress.
  

  
  
  

8. What Not to Write in a Case Study

Students can add unnecessary or inappropriate content. Avoid:

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  Over-lengthy theory (write only what is relevant to your situation)
  

  
  
  
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  The results of fake tests or unrealistic improvements
  

  
  
  
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  Judgemental comments about the client
  

  
  
  
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  Not using harsh labels or diagnosing without supervision
  

  
  
  
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  Copy-paste the sample files
  

  
  
  

Your supervisor may ask questions if you notice something isn't real.

9. Ethical Points to Keep in Mind

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  Maintain client privacy and dignity
  

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

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

  
  
  
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  Do not mention any code or initials for identification
  

  
  
  
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  Be careful when dealing with sensitive topics.
  

  
  
  

10. Presentation and Submission Tips

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  Typed reports look cleaner, although handwritten notes are also acceptable when it is neat
  

  
  
  
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  Use A4 paper and attach pages securely
  

  
  
  
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  Include supervisor's signature on each case
  

  
  
  
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  Include test proformas or samples only if permitted.
  

  
  
  
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  Make a copy of your soft copy to the record
  

  
  
  

11. Benefits of Writing Case Studies Properly

Preparing case studies helps you:

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  Get the most out of the psychology
  

  
  
  
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  Learn about client handling and how to communicate with clients.
  

  
  
  
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  Develop counselling and assessment skills
  

  
  
  
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  Prepare for MAPC in viva
  

  
  
  
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  Develop confidence for a job in the future or through practice
  

  
  
  

Many students then use these cases to show their experience while applying to jobs and programmes.

Closing Thoughts

A well-written case study reflects your empathy, understanding, and how you are learning as a student. If you stick to the format and maintain your writing as authentic making MAPC cases becomes much easier and more valuable. Take each case as a educational experience, not an obligation. Make sure you understand people, their emotions, thoughts and behavior, and apply your education to real-world situations. This approach will not only improve your score but also develop your skills as a future psychologist.