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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Case Study and Research?

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The main difference between a case study and research lies in the scope and focus of the investigation.

Case Study:

  • In-depth exploration of a specific phenomenon, group, event, organization, or situation.
  • Focuses on observing and analyzing a particular ongoing phenomenon.
  • Relies on qualitative data like interviews, observations, and documents.
  • Useful for analyzing data at a small level.
  • Researcher may be part of the case study.

Research:

  • Broader inquiry into a topic or question.
  • Aims to contribute to knowledge, address questions, solve problems, or enhance understanding in various fields.
  • Uses diverse methods, both qualitative and quantitative, such as experiments, surveys, and data analysis.
  • Establishes generalizable principles, patterns, or trends that can be applied beyond the specific context under investigation.

In summary, a case study provides a detailed exploration of specific circumstances or instances, while research is a broader inquiry into a topic or question, often encompassing diverse methodologies and contributing to a deeper understanding of a subject beyond the specific context under investigation.

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  • What is the Difference Between Case Study and Research?
  • Comparative Table: Case Study vs Research

    • Comparative Table: Case Study vs Research

    Here is a table comparing the differences between a case study and research:

    Feature Case Study Research
    Definition A research approach used to generate an in-depth, multi-faceted understanding of a complex issue in its real-life context. Systematic investigation or study to establish facts, principles, or generalizable knowledge.
    Focus In-depth understanding of a specific phenomenon within a particular context. Broad understanding of a topic, often involving multiple studies or experiments.
    Methodology Qualitative research methodology, sometimes with a collective case study design to study multiple cases simultaneously or sequentially. Can involve various research methods, such as quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches.
    Data Collection Rely on various data sources like observations, interviews, and document analysis. Can involve experimentation, surveys, or secondary data analysis, depending on the research methodology chosen.
    Generalizability Findings may not be easily transferable to other contexts, as case studies focus on specific instances.. Findings can be generalizable to a larger population or context, depending on the research methodology and sample size.
    Purpose Explore a phenomenon in-depth and understand its real-life context.. Establish facts, principles, or generalizable knowledge, often to advance a particular field or answer a specific research question.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.