Case Study vs Scientific Research Students pursuing their thesis are often required to conduct research and feel

perplexed because of different methodologies available. While a scientific research is preferred by most as it is based upon observation and experimentation that can be easily verified, there is also a method called case study that is becoming popular among research students. There are some similarities in both approaches and there are scientific researches being conducted through case studies. However, there are differences between a case study and scientific research that need to be highlighted for the benefit of research students. Case study Case study as a technique of research is commonly employed in social sciences such as psychology, anthropology, sociology and economics. Time tested theories are used while observing a particular situation, event, or a group. Theoretical models can be easily tested in real life situations through case studies. In the last few decades, case studies are even being applied in scientific disciplines to analyze specific situations. Case studies produce only observations, and no quantitative data. This however, does not hamper a research project as the data obtained through a case study serves as input in many related research projects. Case study serves to narrow down the focus of the researcher and brings out results that are natural and spontaneous. Scientific research This is a type of research that allows researchers to come to conclusions that are definitive in nature and easily verifiable through experiments that can be repeated by anyone interested in the research. Scientific research is also characterized by neutrality as there is no bias and the researcher has set guidelines and uses a method of presentation that is transparent and can be interpreted easily. Scientific research utilizes data collection through observation and experimentation and then testing hypotheses that are theories that have stood the test of time. One benefit of scientific research is that it has practical applications. Scientific research is mostly confined to natural phenomenon and health and ailments. Most of the drugs are a result of scientific research only. In brief: Case Study vs Scientific Research Case study as a method of research is used mostly in social sciences whereas scientific research, as the name indicates is a popular mode of research in life sciences. Case study produces qualitative data while scientific research produces quantitative data. Case study is longer in duration. On the other hand scientific research requires precise measurement and analysis of data collected. Scientific research is sometime considered guilty of being a slave of theories and laws whereas case study is freer in comparison and studies specific cases to make generalizations.

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