How to Cite Case Studies

Citing sources is important ethically, so researchers get credit for the case studies they have done.

When writing a research paper for school or work, you must cite any sources you use in your research in a bibliography included at the end of your paper, including case studies. Case studies are research essays based on in-depth studies on individuals or groups. References are commonly sited using Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) style, and these styles are developed for consistency in research papers. MLA format is typically followed in English and other humanities courses while APA style is used in social sciences courses.

Instructions

MLA Style

1. Write the name of the author first when citing a case study in a bibliography. You must write the author's last name, followed by a comma, the author's first name and then a period. If there are multiple authors, list them in alphabetical order by last name, separating each name with a comma. After the first author, the subsequent authors' names should start with their first names followed by last. End the entire list of authors' names with a period.

2. Write the title of the case study after the authors' names, followed by a period. You do not have to place the study's title in quotation marks or format it in italics.

3. Write the city where the case study was published, followed by a colon and the name of the publisher. After the publisher's name, include a comma and then write the year the study was published, followed by a period. End the citation with the format of the study, for example "Print" or "Digital," and end the entry with a period.

APA Style

1. Write the name of the author first when citing a case study in a bibliography. You must write the author's last name, followed by a comma, the author's first initial and a period. If there are multiple authors, list them in alphabetical order by last name, following the same format and separating each name with a comma. End the list of authors' names with a period.

2. Write the year the study was published in parenthesis, followed by a period.

3. Write the title of the case study followed by a period, but do not format it in italics or place it in quotation marks.

4. Write the city the case study was published in, followed by a colon and the name of the publisher. Follow the entry with a period.

Tips & Warnings

• All of the information needed for a bibliography should be included in the case study's reference information page, located near the front of the study.

• Proper citation is an important way to prevent plagiarism. Plagiarizing can result in expulsion from school or a loss of your job.

References

• Bucknell University : MLA (Modern Language Association) Citation and Format Style Guide
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: General APA Guidelines
• EasyBib.com: How to Cite a Case Study?