how to cite case study

3 min read 26-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to properly cite case studies in different citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago). This comprehensive guide provides examples and addresses common citation challenges. Master case study referencing today!

The proper way to cite a case study depends heavily on the citation style you're using. Different academic disciplines and publications have their own preferred styles, with APA, MLA, and Chicago being some of the most common. This guide will walk you through citing case studies in each of these styles, providing clear examples and addressing some common challenges. Understanding how to correctly cite your sources is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and demonstrating academic integrity.

Understanding Case Studies and Their Citations

A case study is an in-depth investigation of a single subject, such as a person, group, event, or phenomenon. They can be qualitative or quantitative, and they often involve detailed analysis and interpretation of data. Because case studies can vary in format and source, correctly citing them requires careful attention to detail. The key information you need to properly cite a case study includes the author(s), title, publication details (publisher, date, etc.), and sometimes a URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier).

How to Cite a Case Study in Different Styles

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

The APA style is commonly used in social sciences and psychology. The basic format for citing a case study in APA style often resembles that of a book or journal article, depending on how the case study was published.

Example 1: Case study published as a book chapter:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of case study. In B. B. Editor & C. C. Editor (Eds.), Title of book (pp. pages). Publisher.

Example 2: Case study published in a journal:

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

Example 3: Unpublished case study:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of case study [Unpublished case study]. University Name.

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style

The MLA style is frequently used in the humanities, particularly in literature and language studies. MLA style emphasizes the author and title of the work.

Example 1: Case study published as a book chapter:

Author, A. A. "Title of Case Study." Title of Book, edited by B. B. Editor and C. C. Editor, Publisher, Year, pages.

Example 2: Case study published in a journal:

Author, A. A. "Title of Case Study." Title of Journal, vol. volume, no. issue, Year, pages.

Example 3: Online Case Study:

Author, A. A. "Title of Case Study." Website Name, URL, Accessed Day Month Year.

Chicago Style (Notes and Bibliography)

The Chicago style is common in history, literature, and other fields. It uses footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations and a bibliography at the end.

Example 1: Case study in a book:

¹Author A. A., Title of Case Study (Publisher, Year), page number.

Bibliography entry:

Author, A. A. Title of Case Study. Publisher, Year.

Example 2: Case study in a journal:

²Author A. A., "Title of Case Study," Title of Journal volume, no. issue (Year): page numbers.

Bibliography entry:

Author, A. A. "Title of Case Study." Title of Journal volume, no. issue (Year): page numbers.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Unclear authorship: If the author is unclear, use the organization or institution responsible for the case study.
Missing publication information: If some information is missing, include what you do have and clearly indicate the missing information.
Online-only sources: Include the URL and access date for online case studies. If a DOI is available, use that instead of the URL.
Multiple authors: Follow the specific style guide's instructions for handling multiple authors.

Conclusion

Knowing how to properly cite case studies is a critical skill for any student or researcher. By following the guidelines provided above for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, you can ensure that your work is properly attributed and free of plagiarism. Always consult the specific style guide for the most up-to-date information and detailed instructions. Remember to always double-check your citations before submitting your work. Accurate citation demonstrates your academic integrity and strengthens the credibility of your research.