• Explanation of theory. If the case study is presented to demonstrate the application of a specific theory, the presenter often begins with a description of the theory.
  
  
• Description of facts. The presenter presents the actual facts of the case. He or she generally follows chronological order, although it is possible to group relevant facts.

• Application of the theory. Using what has already been presented, the instructor explains how the theory was used with the facts of the case to produce a desired result.
  
  
• Results. The presenter then relates the outcome of the case, along with possible reasons for the success or failure of the theory in that specific situation.
  
  
• Conclusions. The presenter generally concludes with a brief analysis of the theory as applied in this case and possible implications for the future. He or she may take questions from the audience.
   

What Should be Included in a Case Study?

A case study should present all the information relevant to the situation being discussed. For a case study in the tobacco field, this would likely include:

• Age
• Gender
  
• Ethnicity
  
• Tobacco-use amount and pattern
  
• Previous quit attempts
  
• Medical history
  
• Strengths, barriers, supports, and stressors
  
• The outcome, if available

Sample case study

Bob Smith is a 48-year old smoker. He began smoking in high school and moved up to a pack a day in college. His tobacco consumption has gone up and down since, but he currently averages about a pack a day. He smokes all day long, as his wife allows him to smoke in the house (although she doesn't like it) and he works outside. He tends to have his first cigarette with his morning coffee, about 20 minutes after he wakes up. He has another while driving to work, and generally smokes about every half hour throughout the day, often with his workers.

Bob has tried to quit before, at the urging of his family. His daughter has seen several presentations about tobacco in school, and each time, she has come home and asked her father to quit smoking. The first couple of times Bob tried to quit cold turkey, but had a cigarette before lunch at the urging of his coworkers. After those attempts, he quit trying. Last week, however, one of his coworkers (age 46) was hospitalized with chest pains and shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with COPD and the doctors said it was as a direct result of smoking.

Visiting his coworker in the hospital and hearing the diagnosis scared Bob. Other than a slight tendency to tire quickly during exercise, he has no physical symptoms. His daughter is thrilled that he's going to try and quit again. His wife is supportive and would like him to quit, but she's seen his previous attempts and is a little wary.