
Publications featuring educational research use a variety of style guides, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) is one of the most commonly accepted standards within the discipline.
The editorial "Delving the Hook
Sentence in Argumentative Essay: Finding the Writers’ Preferences of Catchy Sentence" highlights, 66.5% of educational journals use APA style. This widespread adoption stems from its focus on clarity, consistency, and credibility. APA format is particularly valued for its straightforward approach to citations, structured organization, and emphasis on ethical writing practices.
This blog provides a step-by-step guide to writing a case study paper in APA format, ensuring your work adheres to the highest standards of academic excellence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Case Study in APA Format

To write a case study paper in APA format, it's important to understand the key elements that structure your work. Below, we’ll walk through the essential components and provide a step-by-step approach to help you create a polished and professional case study.
Step 1: Define the Purpose
Before you start writing, identify why you’re conducting the case study.
- Are you solving a problem?
- Are you analyzing a specific situation?
- What insights will your research contribute to the field?
Clearly define your research question or hypothesis, as it will guide the structure and focus of your paper.
Step 2: Gather Data
Data collection is a critical part of any case study. Use multiple methods to ensure reliability and depth.
- Primary Sources: Interviews, surveys, experiments, or observations.
- Secondary Sources: Previous research, books, journal articles, or online resources.
Example: If studying workplace productivity, collect data through employee surveys and company performance reports.
Step 3: Format Your Title Page
APA requires a specific format for the title page. Include:
- Title of the case study: Concise and descriptive.
- Author’s name(s).
- Institutional affiliation.
- Course name and instructor: (if applicable).
- Submission date.
- A running head and page number.
- Header (Top of the Page):
- Running Head (for professional papers): At the top left of the page, include a shortened version of the title in all caps, up to 50 characters (e.g., "INTERACTIVE LEARNING").
- Page Number: Insert the page number in the top-right corner.
- For student papers: The running head is typically not required unless specified by the instructor.
- Use Times New Roman, 12-point font.
- Center the text on the page.
- Double-space all text.
Step 4: Write an Abstract
The abstract is a summary of your case study. Write it last but place it after the title page. It should include:
- The research question or problem.
- Methods used.
- Key findings and conclusions. Key findings and conclusions.
Example Abstract: This study investigates the effects of interactive learning strategies on student performance in high school settings. Using a sample of 120 students and observational data, results indicate a 20% improvement in test scores when interactive methods were implemented.
Step 5: Craft the Introduction
The introduction should provide context and state the problem clearly. Include:
- Background information.
- The significance of the study.
- Your research question or hypothesis. Key findings and conclusions.
Example Opening: Classroom engagement has long been a critical factor in academic success. Despite traditional teaching methods, many students fail to remain engaged. This study explores how interactive teaching can improve engagement and performanc
Step 6: Detail the Methods
Explain how you conducted the study. Be specific and transparent so others can replicate it. Include:
- Study design (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed).
- Participant details (sample size, demographics).
- Data collection methods (interviews, surveys, observations)
- Tools or instruments used.
Example Methods Section: A total of 120 high school students participated in this study. Data were collected through weekly quizzes and class observations over a 12-week period. The teaching methods alternated between traditional lectures and group discussions.
Method | Participants | Data Collected |
---|---|---|
Surveys | 50 students | Engagement levels |
Observations | 5 classrooms | Teacher-student dynamics |
Step 7: Present the Results
State your findings clearly, using tables, graphs, or charts where appropriate. Avoid interpretation in this section.
Teaching Method | Engagement Rate (%) | Test Score Improvement (%) |
---|---|---|
Lecture-based | 60% | 5% |
Interactive group | 81% | 15% |
Step 8: Discuss Your Findings
Interpret your results in the discussion section. Connect them to your research question and existing literature.
- What do the findings mean?
- Are they consistent with previous research?
- What are the implications?
The findings suggest that interactive teaching methods significantly improve student performance. This supports existing research on active learning and highlights the need for more widespread adoption in classrooms. Also Read: How Long Is A Case Study?
Step 9: Conclude Your Study
Summarize the key takeaways in the conclusion. Keep it concise and avoid repeating details. Include:
- The main findings.
- Recommendations for future research or practice.
Example Conclusion:
This study confirms the effectiveness of interactive teaching in enhancing student engagement and performance. Future research should explore its application in diverse educational settings.
Step 10: Cite Your Sources
APA format emphasizes proper citation to maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism. Include:
- In-text citations for quotes or data (e.g., Smith, 2023).
- A reference list at the end, formatted according to APA guidelines.
Example Reference:
Smith, J. (2023). Active learning strategies in education. Journal of Educational Research, 45(2), 123-135. https://doi.org/xxxx
Step 11: Add Appendices (If Needed)
Include additional materials in the appendices if they support your study, such as:
- Survey questionnaires.
- Raw data.
- Observation checklists.
Step 12: Proofread and Edit
Review your case study thoroughly. Check for:
- Formatting errors.
- Grammar and spelling mistakes.
- Consistency in citations and references.
By following these steps, you can create a polished and professional case study that adheres to APA standards. Each section has a clear purpose, ensuring your research is presented effectively and gains the attention it deserves.
Read More: How To Write A Case Study? | With Examples
Structure of a Case Study Report in APA Format

A well-structured case study report in APA format ensures that your research is organized, professional, and easy to follow. Below is the detailed structure to guide your writing:
1. Title Page
The title page introduces your report and follows strict APA formatting rules. It should include the title of your paper, your name, institutional affiliation, and any other required details, such as the course name, instructor, and submission date.
2. Abstract
The abstract provides a concise summary of your case study, typically ranging from 150 to 250 words. It should include the purpose of the study, the key problem or question being addressed, the methods used, and a brief summary of the findings and conclusions.
3. Introduction
The introduction sets the stage for your case study. In this section, clearly state the problem or issue at hand, provide relevant background information and context, and explain the significance of the study. You should also present your research question or hypothesis.
4. Methods
The methods section explains how you conducted your study. This part must be transparent and detailed enough for replication. Describe the design of your study, whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. Include information about how data were collected, such as interviews, surveys, or observations. Additionally, provide details about the participants, including demographics and sample size, and describe any tools or instruments used for data gathering.
5. Results
In the results section, present your findings clearly without offering interpretation. Organize the data logically and use visuals like tables, charts, or graphs to make your results easier to understand. Highlight key findings, such as percentages, averages, or trends, to support your conclusions.
6. Discussion
The discussion section interprets your results in the context of the research question. Explain what the results mean in relation to the problem at hand, how they compare to previous research, and what implications they may have for practice or future research. Address any limitations of your study.
7. Conclusion
The conclusion summarizes the main findings of your study and their significance. Focus on the study’s contribution to the field and any practical applications or recommendations. End with a closing thought or a call for further research.
8. References
The references section includes a complete list of all sources cited in your paper. Each reference should follow APA formatting rules, using a hanging indent. The references should be alphabetized by the author’s last name.
9. Appendices (If Needed)
If applicable, include any supplementary materials that support your study in the appendices. This may include raw data, survey questionnaires, detailed observation notes, or other relevant documents.
10. Format for Levels of Heading in APA Journals
Formatting for heading levels in APA (7th edition) is given as:
Heading Level | Format |
---|---|
Level 1 | Centered, Bold, Title Case Heading. Text starts a new paragraph. |
Level 2 | Left-Aligned, Bold, Title Case Heading. Text starts a new paragraph. |
Level 3 | Left-Aligned, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading. Text starts a new paragraph. |
Level 4 | Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period. Text continues on the same line. |
Level 5 | Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period. Text continues on the same line. |
Recent Updates in APA Style (7th Edition): Key Changes and Implications
Adapting to the latest updates in the APA Publication Manual (7th Edition) is essential for academic writers and researchers. The 7th edition, released in 2019, introduced several modifications. Below are the key changes for scholarly writing:
Inclusive Language Guidelines
- Use of singular "they" as a gender-neutral pronoun.
- Encouragement to use specific descriptors for age, gender, and race, such as "individuals aged 18–25" instead of "young adults."
- Replacing outdated terms like "mentally ill" with person-first language, such as "individual with a mental health condition."
Simplified Formatting for Student Papers
- Student papers no longer require a running head.
- Simplified title pages with fewer elements (e.g., no author note required).
- Use of accessible fonts like 11-point Calibri or 12-point Times New Roman.
Expanded Citation Examples
- Simplified DOIs and URLs: Now presented as hyperlinks without the "DOI:" label.
- New guidelines for citing social media, podcasts, and videos (e.g., citing a Tweet or a TED Talk).
- Clearer guidance on avoiding indirect citations unless necessary.
Improved Guidelines for Tables and Figures
- Boldface titles for tables and figures.
- Notes placed directly below the table or figure to improve readability.
- Simplified guidelines for data visualization to enhance clarity.
Focus on Accessibility
- Requirement for descriptive alt text for images, tables, and figures to aid visually impaired readers.
- Improved contrast and font guidelines to ensure readability for all users.
Sample Paper
Here is an example of a sample case study paper:
APA style paper Case Study
Doc Scribe’s APA Style Lite [PDF]
Useful Tips for Using APA Style
- Double-Spaced Text: Ensure that all text throughout your manuscript is double-spaced.
- Font and Alignment: Use a serif type font and left-align your text.
- Avoid Hyphens and Extra Spaces: Do not use hyphens at the ends of lines and only use a single space after periods ending sentences.
- In-Text Citations and Reference List: Pay close attention to spaces and punctuation in in-text citations and reference lists. Ensure accuracy of details.
- Direct Quotations: Cite direct quotations in-text with the page number (e.g., Smith, 2020, pp. 100-101).
- "Et al." Usage: Do not use a comma before "et al." For a series, place a comma before “and” in the second to last entry (e.g., Johnson et al., 2020).
- Referencing Tables and Figures: Always refer to all tables and figures within the body of your article.
- APA Levels of Headings: Strictly follow the APA levels of headings.
- Use of Figures: Use Arabic numerals for numbers representing time, dates, ages, sample sizes, participants, scores, points on a scale, and exact sums of money.
- Acronyms and Abbreviations: Spell out the full term the first time it is mentioned, with the acronym or abbreviation in parentheses. Use the acronym/abbreviation in subsequent mentions.
- Prefixes: Avoid hyphens with most prefixes (e.g., pretest, posttest, preoperative, postoperative).
- Bibliography Maker: Utilize an online bibliography maker to become familiar with APA-style citations.
- APA Stylebook: Obtain access to the latest edition of the APA stylebook, "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition," to stay updated on scientific writing rules.
Professional Case Study Assistance from WriteEssayToday
The APA format for a case study paper may seem challenging at first, but with diligence and attention to detail, you can excel. Following the guidelines ensures your work is clear, professional, and adheres to academic standards.
For additional support or if you need a professionally designed case study, reach out to the experts at WriteEssayToday. Our Case Study Service is here to help you achieve your academic goals and succeed in your writing projects.
The APA format for a case study paper may seem challenging at first, but with diligence and attention to detail, you can excel. Following the guidelines ensures your work is clear, professional, and adheres to academic standards.
For additional support or if you need a professionally designed case study, reach out to the experts at WriteEssayToday. Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve your academic goals and succeed in your writing projects.