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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Case Study and Survey?

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The main difference between a case study and a survey lies in the scope and type of data collected. Here are the key differences between the two research methods:

Case Study:

  • Focuses on an in-depth examination of a specific individual, group, or situation.
  • Uses qualitative data, often collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis.
  • Aims to understand the complexities of the subject matter, explore its context and environment, and highlight the unique aspects of the situation.
  • Provides rich, descriptive data.
  • Has a relatively long duration.

Survey:

  • Involves collecting and analyzing data from a sample of respondents, typically representing a larger population.
  • Uses quantitative data, often collected through questionnaires or interviews with structured questions.
  • Aims to gather information on a larger population by selecting a representative sample.
  • Provides statistically significant data.
  • Can be conducted with a larger sample size, making it more generalizable.

In summary, a case study focuses on a specific subject or situation and collects qualitative data to provide a detailed understanding of that subject, while a survey study gathers data from a larger sample and uses quantitative methods to analyze the data and find patterns or relationships.

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

    • Comparative Table: Case Study vs Survey

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

    Feature Case Study Survey
    Definition A case study is an in-depth investigation of a particular person, group, or situation. A survey is a method of collecting data by asking a series of questions to a sample of individuals.
    Purpose Case studies are used to provide detailed insights into a particular phenomenon, often with the aim of understanding complex issues or exploring the context in which the phenomenon occurs. Surveys are used to gather opinions, demographic information, and other data from a larger population, often to identify patterns and trends.
    Research Approach Qualitative, involving methods such as interviews, observations, and analysis of secondary data. Quantitative, involving the collection of numerical data that can be analyzed statistically.
    Sample Size Case studies often focus on a single case or a small number of cases. Surveys typically involve a larger sample size to represent a broader population.
    Data Collection Data collection is more concentrated and in-depth, often involving multiple data sources. Data collection is more standardized and widespread, often using structured questionnaires or online surveys.
    Data Analysis Data analysis involves interpreting and understanding the meaning behind the collected data, often using methods such as thematic analysis or narrative analysis. Data analysis involves statistical techniques to identify patterns and relationships among the collected data.
    Limitations Case studies may not be generalizable to a larger population and may be influenced by researcher biases. Surveys may be subject to response biases, sampling errors, and non-response errors. Surveys may not provide the same level of detail or insight as case studies and may require a larger sample size to achieve sufficient accuracy.

    In summary, case studies and surveys are both research methods, but they differ in their purpose, approach, sample size, data collection, data analysis, and limitations. Case studies are more qualitative and in-depth, focusing on a specific case or cases, while surveys are more quantitative and widespread, gathering data from a larger population.

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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.