Case Study vs Experiment: Which One Will Skyrocket Your Research Success?

Case studies and experiments are two indispensable research methods that are used for every type of research field. According to the researchgate, case studies and experiments are two valuable approaches to effective learning. While the case study discusses the real-life scenario, the experiment uncovers the relationship between the variables under controlled manipulation.

However, choosing the best research method among them is a hard decision for students. Are you also in the midst of your research project and thinking about which method is the best for it? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share the key difference between case study and experiment so you can choose the best one that can take your research endeavours to the next level.

What is a Case Study?

Monash University defines the case study as “It is a real-life event, organisation, individual, or issue that is being observed.” This research method is based on the thorough examination of an event, individual, or group in a real-life context.

In other words, in case studies, the researchers explore the life history of an individual or the reasons behind the happening of an event. Additionally, through this research method, the scholarly students identify the subjective experiences of a particular individual regarding their research topic. With the help of case study research, the researcher explores the intricacies of the real world, uncovers patterns, and reveals the factors behind an event.

This research method is generally used in the following subject matter.

• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Psychology
• Education
• Business

Students with these majors write their dissertations based on the case study research that they have conducted on their topic. However, sometimes students struggle while compiling the results of this research design in their dissertations, which leads them to poor academic performance. To tackle this situation, they can acquire help from a dissertation writing service to ensure their success, as these experts know how to craft a winning document.

What is an Experiment?

According to Cambridge University, “An experiment is a test done to learn something or discover unknown theories under controlled conditions.” Unlike the case study, an experiment is based on the cause-and-effect relationship between two variables. This relationship is observed under the controlled manipulation of these variables.

During this research method, students observe the effects on the dependent variables by changing the independent variable. Experiments are known for their systematic approach and controlled variables. This is one of the best ways for students to minimise bias and ensure the authenticity of the results.

Generally, for the following subjects, the experiment research method is used:

•   Biology
• Physics
•  Medicine
• Psychology
• Biochemistry

Case Study Vs Experiment: Which is Best for Your Research?

Case studies and experiments are completely diverse things; however, both methods are important to gather important information related to a specific topic. To choose the best from them, you must know the features of these research methods.

Have a look at what they are:

1.    Hypothesis

 It is a tentative presumption that is designed to conclude and check the empirical results of a specific event.

Case Study: It does not begin with a specific hypothesis as these hypotheses are constructed on the data that is collected during the in-depth research.

Experiment: The students gathered various hypotheses based on the existing theories. After gathering information about all the existing variables, students conducted research. You can say that this research method is structured on the hypothesis.

2.    Manipulation of Variables

Manipulation of variables means changing the variables under controlled conditions to gather desired results.

Case Study: In a case study, variables are not allowed to be manipulated. In this research method, researchers are only allowed to observe and analyse the natural variation and occurrence in the variables.

Experiment: If we talk about the manipulation of variables in the experimental research method, then it is not wrong to say that this approach is solely based on the variation of the variables. In the experiment, you have two variables: one is dependent, and the other is independent. The researcher confirms the relationship between these two variables.

3.    Areas of Implementation

Both research methods are used for different areas of study. Therefore, you must know the areas of implementation where you can use these methods.

Case Studies: The case study research design is best suitable for social science research areas, including sociology, psychology, business, anthropology, and education. The researcher explores complex issues, tackles unique situations, and gets insights.

Experiment: This experiment research method is basically used in natural science subjects such as physics, medicine, physics, chemistry, psychology, and more. The purpose of this research method is to confirm the empirical evidence for the theories.

4.    Variables

A variable is something that is being examined and observed during the experiment. Whatever the research method, these variables are the keys.

Case Study: In this research method, the variable is not changed; they are just being observed. Students only examine the naturally occurring variables and observe the changes that come in them due to natural reasons. Additionally, it is not possible to control the variables in this method.

Experiment: The experiment is based on the manipulation of certain variables to investigate the results of this manipulation. Researchers control the variables to investigate the hypothesis and the cause-and-effect relationship between them.

5.    Usage of Data

The data usage and collection for each of the research methods is different; therefore, you must know the usage of data that is collected from both types of research methods.

Case Study: The students collect qualitative data for the case study research method from different sources, including interviews, journals, archival records, documents, and observations. The prime purpose of using this method is to gather a wide collection of data that is detailed and helps readers understand the topic.

Experiment: In the experimental research method, the students collect quantitative data from different research methods. For the collection of statistical data, students use quantitative research methods and do statistical analysis to interpret the data.

Now that you have explored the key differences between case studies and experiments, we hope that you can easily choose the best method and write a winning dissertation. If you are still confused about choosing the right research design, then you can reach out to trustworthy dissertation-writing agencies which can assist you with a selection of the research method to submit your paper.

Besides, you can explore other research methods that you can use for your thesis.

Some Other Research Methods

Have a look at some of the most commonly used research methods for your dissertation.

• Observation Method: In this method, the researchers observe the behaviours, phenomena, and events that are occurring in real life. The prime purpose of this method is to identify social interaction, environmental factors, and other natural behaviours.
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research: In the qualitative research method, the students collect the data from interviews, perceptions, and meetings. On the other hand, in the quantitative research method, researchers collect numeric data to investigate the hypothesis.
•   Action Research Method: The action research method is based on the collaboration between researchers and practitioners to test a potential challenge under specific conditions.
•   Survey Methods: In this research design, the scholars collect the data through interviews and questionnaires to collect reliable information about the behaviours, attitudes, and opinions of a specific group.

Conclusion

Both experiments and case studies are equally important when it comes to collecting reliable information. However, in the experiment, you have to be more careful about manipulating variables in order to acquire authentic data. On the other hand, you only observe the naturally occurring changes in the case study without controlling them.

The selection of the research method is solely based on which method best fits your research question, what type of data you require for your dissertation, and the subject you are researching. We hope that after knowing the differences between these research designs, you will be able to choose the best one which can enhance your overall research experience.