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

The preparation of a quality case study report is an essential element in the IGNOU MAPC program. No matter what your area of expertise is Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I-O), case studies form a key component of practical learning. A majority of students experience stress because they're not sure how prepare the case correctly, what to include, and what level of specificity is required. This guide will teach you how to make a neat, clear and well-structured report for MAPC with step-by-step instructions.

1. What is a Case Study Report in MAPC?

A Case study is a full detail of the interaction you had with a client, employee, or research participant. It shows how well you collect information, observe behaviour, understand the psychology of people and apply the theory to real-life situations. IGNOU requires students to create cases studies based on real experience with clients in internship, practical work or sessions with a supervisor.

A comprehensive case study contains the background of the individual, their presenting problems, assessment tools employed and observations, as well as counselling or interventions provided, and their results.

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

This typically depends on your field of expertise and supervisor's directions. A typical practice is:

Specialization

Recommended No. of Case Studies

Clinical Psychology

3 to 5 cases

Counselling Psychology

3-4 cases

Industrial & Organisational Psychology

2-3 individual cases plus 1 case for organisation

If your workplace offers more opportunities, you may write more, but the quality of your work is more than quantity.

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

Do not start writing immediately. The first step is to gather and write down data in a journal or notebook when working with the client.

The fundamental information you need to collect:

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

Observation notes

Conversation summary

Behavioural signs and emotional signals

Tools for assessment and findings

Method of intervention or counseling utilized

Progression in sessions

Make sure your notes are neat and dated. This will help you write your final report in a seamless manner.

4. Format of a MAPC Case Study Report

Here's a simple format that can be used in counseling, clinical, or I-O cases. Edit as needed according to your area of expertise.

A) Basic Information

The Client's ID/Code (Do not write full real name to keep your information confidential)

Age, Gender, Education, Marital Status

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

Refused by (if applicable)

B) Presenting Problem / Reason for Visit

Define the primary concern 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

Include a brief biography covering:

Family background

Childhood and schooling

Social connections

Medical and psychological history

Significant life experiences

Academic or work-related status (for I-O: includes the type of job and the workplace)

D) Behavioural Observations

Mention your observations during sessions:

Body language, tone of voice, eye contact

Physical appearance

State of mind (sad angry, confused, anxious (irritated, sad,)

Communication with counsellors, participation in motivation

E) Assessment Tools Used

Write down the psychological tests or techniques used.
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 a purpose, scoring pattern and results. Display results in a small table if needed.

F) Case Formulation

The summary is your understanding and analysis of the situation.
It should link:

Client's background

It was observed that the animal behaved

Test results

Psychological explanation

Write 2-4 paragraphs detailing how each piece is connected.

G) Intervention / Counselling Approach

Define what you learned in the sessions:

Model of therapy or treatment employed (e.g. CBT, Person-Centred therapy, REBT, Behavioural modification, Career Counselling, Relaxation training Group counselling, etc.)

Short summary of each session - goals, activities, and client's response

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

Counselling for stress in the workplace

Training in communication

Time management techniques

Feedback sessions

Modification of workplace behaviour

H) Outcome and Progress

Define how the client has transformed or improved after sessions:

Reduction of symptoms

Better coping skills

Improved thinking or behaviour

Customer feedback

If there was limited progress be sure to mention it honestly.

I) Summary & Future Plan

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

J) Self-Reflection (Optional but Very Useful)

Write about what you have learned as you studied:

Did you find it uncomfortable or difficult?

Which skills did you work on?

What do you think you can improve next time?

This section provides a personal touch that gives a better impression in evaluation.

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

Case Code C-01 Age/Gender: 22-year-old Female. Presenting Problem: Lack of confidence, academic stress Self-esteem assessment tools: MSE, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Intervention: Person-Centred Counselling and Homework assignments. Results: Increased self-confidence, better academic performance

Your full case will be more detailed but this brief sample can help you understand process.

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

Feature

Clinical

Counselling

I-O

Type of Cases

Mental health issues or psychological disorders

Social, emotional, family Academic, career and other issues

Performance, work environment, team issues

Tools Used

Clinical scales, diagnostic tests

Scales of counseling, self-report and self-report tools

Job satisfaction, stress Motivation, motivation tools for HR

Setting

Hospitals, clinics, mental health centres

Schools, NGOs, counseling centres

Offices, offices, companies department for HR

Focus

Treatment, symptoms, diagnosis

Help with coping, guidance, emotional support

Performance, work-life balance Employee wellbeing, productivity

Case Format

More diagnostic details

Further counselling sessions, summary

A more contextualised organisational context and interventions

7. Tips for Writing a Strong MAPC Case Study

Use simple, clear language

Write in the past present tense (as it was already happening)

Keep your information confidential (never use your real name in full)

Keep your headings and sequence neat

Do not copy from the internet or other files

Avoid fancy or technical words in case you're not able to explain them

Make honest notes; do not overstate your progress.

8. What Not to Write in a Case Study

Students often add irrelevant or untrue content. Avoid:

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

Test results that are fake or unrealistic improvement

Judgements about the client

Doing diagnostics or using harsh labels without supervision

Copy-paste from sample files

Your supervisor might ask questions if something looks unreal.

9. Ethical Points to Keep in Mind

Be sure to respect the privacy of your clients and keep them in good spirits.

Check with your doctor before taking tests or doing interventions.

Don't divulge client information with anyone outside of the training area.

Only mention initials or a code for identity

Be careful when dealing with sensitive topics.

10. Presentation and Submission Tips

Typed reports look cleaner, however, handwritten reports can be accepted when neat

Use A4 papers and connect pages properly

The supervisor's signature should be included on each case

Use test proformas to attach samples of responses only if you are allowed to do so.

Keep a copy of the soft copy to recording purposes

11. Benefits of Writing Case Studies Properly

Preparing case studies helps you:

Real-time application of psychology

Learn client handling and communication

Develop skills for counselling and assessment

Get ready for MAPC live

Improve your confidence in a future job or through practice

Students often use these cases later as evidence of experience when applying for jobs or training programmes.

Closing Thoughts

A well-written, informative case study showcases your ability to comprehend, empathy and knowledge as a psychology student. If you follow the rules and make sure your writing is genuine creating MAPC case studies is easier and more meaningful. Think of each case as an learning experience instead of a formality. Focus on understanding people, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and then apply your academic knowledge to real-life situations. This approach will not only improve your score but also help you develop your skills as a future psychologist.