how to cite a case study

Daniel Parker

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06-02-2025

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Meta Description: Learn how to properly cite case studies in different citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago). This comprehensive guide provides clear examples and addresses common citation challenges. Master case study citations for academic papers and reports. Avoid plagiarism and boost your credibility!

Case studies are in-depth analyses of specific situations or individuals. They are valuable research tools, offering rich insights. However, properly citing them is crucial to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity. This guide will walk you through citing case studies in various common citation styles.

Understanding Case Study Citations

Before delving into specific citation styles, it’s vital to understand the core components of a case study citation. Generally, you'll need to include:

• Author(s): The individual(s) who conducted and wrote the case study.
• Date: The year the case study was published or presented.
• Title: The full title of the case study.
• Source: Where the case study was published (e.g., journal, book, website, report). This often includes publisher information as well.
• URL (if applicable): The web address if the case study is online.

Citing Case Studies in Different Styles

Here’s how to cite case studies in three popular citation styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago.

APA Style (American Psychological Association)

APA style is commonly used in the social sciences. The basic format for citing a case study in APA style varies depending on the source.

Example 1: Case study published in a journal

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of case study. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), pages. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/yyyy

Example:

Smith, J. (2023). The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Self-Esteem: A Case Study. Journal of Adolescent Psychology, 15(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1234/jap.12345

Example 2: Case study from a book

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of case study. In B. B. Editor (Ed.), Title of Book (pp. pages). Publisher.

Example:

Jones, M. (2022). A Longitudinal Study of Employee Burnout. In R. Brown (Ed.), Workplace Stress and Resilience (pp. 215-240). Oxford University Press.

Example 3: Case Study from a Website

Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of case study. [Website Name]. URL

Example:

Miller, K. (2024, January 15). The Effectiveness of a New Marketing Strategy. [ABC Company Website]. https://www.abccompany.com/casestudy

MLA Style (Modern Language Association)

MLA style is often used in the humanities. The basic format for an MLA case study citation is as follows:

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Case Study." Title of Container, Other Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication Date, Location.

Example:

Smith, John. "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Self-Esteem: A Case Study." Journal of Adolescent Psychology, vol. 15, no. 2, 2023, pp. 123-145.

Chicago Style (Chicago Manual of Style)

Chicago style has different formats for notes and bibliography. Below is an example of a bibliography entry.

Example:

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Title of Case Study." Title of Journal Volume (Year): pages.

Example:

Smith, John. "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Self-Esteem: A Case Study." Journal of Adolescent Psychology 15 (2023): 123-45.

How to Cite Case Studies from Unconventional Sources

Citing case studies from sources like presentations, internal company documents, or unpublished works requires adapting the basic formats. Always include as much relevant information as possible: author(s), date, title, and source description. If you are unsure how to cite a specific source, consult the relevant style guide’s documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Inconsistent formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your citations.
• Missing information: Ensure all required information is included.
• Incorrect punctuation: Pay close attention to punctuation.
• Improper URL formatting: If citing online sources, use the correct URL formatting.
• Plagiarism: Always cite your sources correctly to avoid plagiarism.

Conclusion

Mastering how to cite case studies correctly is essential for academic integrity and proper research practices. By following the guidelines provided, you can ensure your work is well-cited and free from plagiarism. Remember to always double-check your citations against the specific requirements of your chosen citation style. If you're still uncertain, consulting your instructor or a librarian is always a good idea.