How To Structure Your Case Study

In order to properly structure a case study you need to create a organized paper that is divided into different sections. These different questions are known as a problem, hypothesis, implementation and results. When you compose these different "sections" you must keep in mind what you are trying to achieve in order to keep the case study focused. Look at very specific examples and research to gather your evidence and sort the "details" out into these four sections so that the Case Study is properly formatted.

  • A.) The Problem
  • The problem is the question that you are trying to answer by completing the Case Study. In science and psychology the problem determines the experiment or research approach for example;

    Question: Is it possible to reverse memory loss in patients with brain trauma?

  • B.) The Hypothesis
  • Before conducting an experiment or accumulating published research the individual writing the case study is required to make a prediction based on what they already know about the case.

    Hypothesis: We believe that after the cellular function in the brain has been damaged enough to cause amnesia or memory loss the effects cannot be reversed. However with treatment some of the memory may return, as the brain is able to heal.

    Remember, that with your hypothesis there really is no right or wrong answer just an educated guess. It really depends on an individual’s pre-established knowledge of the topic whether or not their hypothesis will be deemed correct.

  • C.) Implementation/ Procedure
  • This is where we carefully lay out our intended procedure for answers the question/problem. Whether the writer is conducting an experiment or just conducting research based on another individual’s writings or findings on the topic. The implementation clarifies "How" we intend to complete the study.

  • D.) Conclusion
  • The conclusion and results can only be determined after the procedure is completed. Once you have done thorough research you can draw conclusions and state your observations. Although conclusive statements may vary depending on results, you want to be deductive based on "your unique findings". It is also a good idea to reflect upon you hypothesis and answer your question in your concluding remarks.