Case studies and experiments are two different things. These two research sources are important as they are both used to gather critical information.  A  case study is a research method where the researcher conducts deep research on the subject. A case study can be anything from a person, a special phenomenon, an area of significance, etc. 

Experiment, on the other hand,  is the research method whereby two variables are used to conduct a hypothesis test.  These two research methods are important when it comes to understanding phenomena even though they differ in their applications, approaches, and aims.  In this article you will get a deep understanding of case studies and experiments, you will explore the strengths, the unique information they have when dealing with quantitative data, and the limitations. 

What Does Case Study Mean?

A case study is a research method used to study the in-depth of a place of significance, an event, and also individuals.    This research helps provide a vital and detailed comprehensive analysis of the subject that is being researched.  

Most of these research methods include interviews, documents, archived recordings, and observation.  For example, if there is case study research on an individual, the researcher focuses on the history of the individual.  

This includes all the important information from, important days, special experiences of the individual, and also all the bad days.  Most of this research is applied in sociology, anthropology, education, business, psychology, and also in business to explore more complicated challenges, generate wealth, and understand unique situations and contextual insights.

Case study allows students to explore and understand intricacies of the real-world phenomena, and relationships, uncovering patterns and underlying factors in social sciences that are not visible through other research ways.  The case study offers the strongest matches and nuanced understanding of the subject being investigated. It also facilitates deeper interpretation and exploration of complex social and human phenomena.

What Does Experiment Mean in Research?

In the experiment, the researcher,  Investigates causes and effect relationships by manipulating one or more variables to observe the difference and effects of the other variables.  

During the experiment, the researcher focuses and establishes causal relationships between the subjects being manipulated and the outcomes of the subjects being measured.

Experiments are characterized by how they can be manipulated and their systematic approach. 

In other words, the experiment is characterized as quantitative research as it provides statistically correct data just like the object empirical approach.  The experiment approach is mostly used in natural science as it enables the scientists to control the subjects.  

However, in social sciences, this can be challenging as controlling variables can lead to faulty or inconclusive results.  An experiment is vital to scholars as it enables them to establish causal relationships between subjects with a lot of confidence thus providing accurate and valuable insights into the natural phenomena, social processes, and underlying mechanism behaviour.

Difference Between Case Study and Experiment 

Case study and Experiment characteristic features 

•  Hypothesis

Case study:  does not start with the particular hypothesis as scholars seek to generate hypotheses using the data they gathered while conducting research. 

Experiments: these are majorly conducted to investigate a specific hypothesis. Researchers gather hypotheses based on existing observations or theories. This experiment is structured to confirm this hypothesis. 

• Variables 

Experiments:  this involves the manipulation of one or more variables to observe their outcome or effects on other variables. Scholars can actively manipulate and control the variables to investigate the hypothesis and confirm the cause -and effect-relationships between the variables. 

Case study: In this part, the variables are not manipulated but they are keenly observed.  Students don’t control or manipulate the variables instead they examine how the naturally occurring variables interact within the case context. 

• Manipulation of variables 

In an experiment, the researcher can actively manipulate one or more independent variables to observe how they impact other variables.  This enables the researchers to confirm the relationship between the two variables. 

Variables are not manipulated in case studies as scholars are allowed to observe and analyze the natural occurrence of variables and how they affect the phenomenon of interest. 

•  Usage Of  data

The case study involves the collection of qualitative data from different or multiple sources such as interviews,  documents, journals, observation,  and archival records.  Researchers use this method as they can gather a lot of data that is detailed, and helps them to easily understand their subjects.

Experiments data collection involves collecting quantitative data using specific measures and processes. Scholars use statistical analysis to interpret and understand the subject data and establish the effect of the manipulated variables.

• Areas of implementation 

Experiments are mainly used In biology, medicine, psychology, and physics, where students seek to test hypotheses, recognise causal mechanisms, and confirm empirical evidence for theories through observation and controlled manipulation. 

Case studies are commonly used in psychology, anthropology, sociology, business, and education to explore complex problems,  understand unique challenges, and contextualize insights.

Some other research Methods 

• Qualitative and quantitative research:  this is where scholars conduct research through interviews, meetings, documents, perceptions, and content analysis. Quantitative research on the other hand is research analyzed through numerical data to investigate hypotheses or to identify the partners and relationships of variables. 
• Survey Method:  researchers collect data through questionnaires, and interviews to gather information about the opinions, behaviours, and  attitudes of a population 
• Observation method:  this is where the researcher observes any slight changes or behaviour, events, or phenomena of the subject as they naturally occur in real-life settings to identify the social interactions, naturalistic behaviour, and environmental factors.
•  Action research method:  this involves a collaboration of both scholars and practitioners to establish and confirm practical challenges within specific communities or organizations, intending to generate actionable knowledge to foster positive changes. 
• Archival records research method:  this is where scholars gather data from existing records, documents, historical books,  or organizational archives to investigate patterns, trends, and historical events. 

Bottom Line

Both Case studies and experiments are vital when it comes to research as they foster acquiring the correct data.  However, in experimental research, scholars need to be more careful as the manipulation can sometimes bring out faulty conclusions thus messing up the whole research.  Also, it depends on what subjects you are researching, as the type of experiment can alter your results. Peachy Essay Writing Services is the leading academic writer website, excelling in all your academic needs. Reach out today.