Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Case Study and Experiment?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Case Study and Experiment?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main differences between a case study and an experiment lie in their purpose, scope, and methodology. Here are the key distinctions:

Case Study:

  • Focuses on a specific case or event, providing an in-depth analysis of the subject.
  • Can be about an individual, a special phenomenon, a place of specific significance, etc.
  • Does not involve manipulation of variables or control conditions.
  • Often used in fields such as business, education, law, and medicine.
  • Provides rich and detailed research about individuals and their behavior.

Experiment:

  • Focuses on manipulating variables to observe their effects.
  • Involves comparisons of variables under manipulated conditions.
  • Requires control conditions and often control groups.
  • Provides statistically significant data as it is categorized under quantitative research.
  • Often used in scientific disciplines.

In summary, case studies are research methods that explore a subject in depth, while experiments are research methods that involve manipulating variables to observe their effects. Case studies do not involve manipulation of variables or control conditions, whereas experiments do.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Case Study and Experiment?
  • Comparative Table: Case Study vs Experiment

    • Comparative Table: Case Study vs Experiment

    Based on the search results, the main differences between case studies and experiments can be organized into the following table:

    Aspect Case Study Experiment
    Definition A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. An experiment refers to a research method where there are two specific groups or variables that are manipulated.
    Group(s) Holistic approach, focusing on a single subject or a limited number of situations. Compares two groups or variables, often a control group and an experimental group.
    Variables No control over variables, with data gathered on a single subject or phenomenon. Involves manipulation of independent variables and observation of their effect on dependent variables.
    Data Collection Primarily qualitative data, sometimes using mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative). Can be quantitative or qualitative, often with a control group for comparison.
    Research Context Real-world settings, observing subjects in their natural environment. Controlled settings, manipulating variables to observe their effects.

    In summary, case studies and experiments are different research methods with distinct characteristics. Case studies focus on in-depth analysis of specific subjects in real-world contexts, while experiments involve manipulation of variables and control groups to observe their effects in controlled settings.

    Read more:

    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.