What is the Difference Between Case Study and Case History?

The main difference between a case study and a case history lies in their definitions and the scope of their investigation.

A case study refers to a research method used to investigate an individual, a group of people, or a particular phenomenon. Case studies are conducted in various sciences, such as sociology, psychology, and political science, and allow researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic. They typically involve the collection of data from multiple sources, such as observations, interviews, and questionnaires.

A case history, on the other hand, refers to a record of data that contributes to a case study. It is a narrative that describes a sequence of events, allowing the researcher to look at an event in retrospect. Case histories are often used in clinical medicine and psychology to study an individual's personal history.

In summary:

• A case study is a research method that investigates an individual, group, or phenomenon in depth.
• A case history is a record of data that contributes to a case study, narrating a sequence of events.

Comparative Table: Case Study vs Case History

A case study is an in-depth, multi-faceted exploration of a complex issue in its real-life setting, while a case history is a record of clinical practices of a profession, providing valuable teaching material and demonstrating both classical and unusual presentations that may confront a practitioner. Here is a table highlighting the differences between a case study and a case history:

In summary, case studies are used to explore complex issues in depth and provide insights that can be applied to other contexts, while case histories are records of clinical practices, focusing on teaching and demonstrating various presentations and management approaches.