Case Study vs. Survey — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 17, 2024
A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or event, while a survey is a method of gathering information from a large number of respondents.
Difference Between Case Study and Survey
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Case Studies involve a detailed, in-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases. They are often used in social, educational, clinical, and business research to explore complex issues in real-world settings. Case studies provide detailed insights into the particular characteristics of the subject being studied. Surveys, in contrast, are used to collect data from a larger sample of respondents. They are designed to gather information about people's opinions, behaviors, or characteristics across a wider population.
A Case Study typically employs qualitative methods like interviews, observations, and document analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the case. It is useful for generating hypotheses and building theories. A Survey, on the other hand, is more quantitative, using structured questionnaires or interviews to collect data that can be statistically analyzed. Surveys are valuable for testing hypotheses and measuring trends or attitudes across a group.
Case Studies can provide a deep, contextual, multi-faceted understanding of a complex issue in its real-life context. However, their findings are often not generalizable to wider populations. Surveys are advantageous for their ability to generalize findings to a larger population, but they may lack the depth and detail that case studies provide.
In terms of methodology, Case Studies are more flexible and adapt to the dynamics of the case being studied. They are time-intensive and focus on the quality of data. Surveys, however, require careful planning to ensure questions are unbiased and representative, and they can efficiently gather data from many respondents in a relatively short period.
The choice between a Case Study and a Survey depends on the research objectives. Case studies are suitable for an in-depth understanding of a particular case, while surveys are ideal for gathering broad quantitative data from a large group.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
In-depth analysis of a specific case
Gathering information from a large population
Methodology
Qualitative methods like interviews, observations
Structured questionnaires or interviews
Data Depth
Detailed, contextual understanding
Broad, generalizable data
Sample Size
Small, specific cases
Large number of respondents
Outcome
Generates hypotheses, theories
Tests hypotheses, measures trends
Compare with Definitions
Case Study
Focuses on a detailed, contextual understanding.
The school implemented a case study approach to improve teaching methods.
Survey
Uses questionnaires or structured interviews.
A customer satisfaction survey was conducted to gauge consumer opinions.
Case Study
Provides in-depth information about a particular case.
The case study on urban development offered unique perspectives on city planning.
Survey
Aims to gather broad, generalizable data.
The survey provided statistical insights into voting trends.
Case Study
Often used in social sciences and business research.
The company used a case study to analyze consumer behavior.
Survey
To look over the parts, features, or contents of; view broadly
Surveyed the neighborhood from a rooftop.
Surveyed the shelves in the pantry.
Case Study
A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or event.
The case study on the local business provided valuable insights into small business challenges.
Survey
To look at or examine carefully and appraise
Surveyed the storm damage. ].
Case Study
Employs qualitative research methods.
A case study of a patient with a rare disorder helped understand its progression.
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view.
Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of a particular group of items, in order to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality.
A survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the Earth's surface.
Survey
A measured plan and description of any portion of country.
The owners of the adjoining plots had conflicting surveys.
Survey
An examination of the opinions of a group of people.
The local council conducted a survey of its residents to help it decide whether to go ahead with the roadside waste collection service.
Survey
A questionnaire or similar instrument used for examining the opinions of a group of people.
I just filled out that survey on roadside waste pick-up.
Survey
(historical) An auction at which a farm is let for a lease for lives.
Survey
(US) A district for the collection of customs under a particular officer.
Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook
He stood on a hill, and surveyed the surrounding country.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of
It was his job to survey buildings in order to determine their value and risks.
Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry
To survey land or a coast
Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
Survey
To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.
Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook; as, to stand on a hill, and survey the surrounding country.
Round he surveys and well might, where he stood,So high above.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
With such altered looks, . . . All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round.
Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey a building in order to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire.
Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurments, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry; as, to survey land or a coast.
Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view, as from above.
Under his proud survey the city lies.
Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of all the parts or particulars of a thing, with a design to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality; as, a survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of, as any part of the earth's surface, whether land or water; also, a measured plan and description of any portion of country, or of a road or line through it.
Survey
A detailed critical inspection
Survey
Short descriptive summary (of events)
Survey
The act of looking or seeing or observing;
He tried to get a better view of it
His survey of the battlefield was limited
Survey
Consider in a comprehensive way;
He appraised the situation carefully before acting
Survey
Look over in a comprehensively, inspect;
He surveyed his new classmates
Survey
Keep under surveillance;
The police had been following him for weeks but they could not prove his involvement in the bombing
Survey
Hold a review (of troops)
Survey
Make a survey of; for statistical purposes
Survey
Plot a map of (land)
Survey
A survey is a method of collecting data from a large group of people.
The national health survey collected data from thousands of respondents.
Survey
Efficient for collecting data from many respondents.
The online survey quickly gathered opinions from a diverse audience.
Survey
Commonly used in market research and social science.
The survey helped researchers understand public attitudes toward environmental policies.
Common Curiosities
What is the main advantage of surveys?
Surveys are efficient for collecting data from a large population and are useful for generalizing findings.
What is a survey?
A survey is a research method used to collect data and opinions from a large group of people.
What is a case study?
A case study is an in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or event to explore complex issues.
How long does it take to conduct a survey?
Survey durations vary but can be conducted relatively quickly, especially online surveys.
Is a case study subjective?
Case studies can be subjective, as they often rely on detailed descriptions and personal perspectives.
How do researchers ensure validity in case studies?
Researchers ensure validity in case studies through thorough data collection, triangulation, and analysis.
What are common uses for surveys?
Surveys are commonly used in market research, public opinion polling, and social sciences.
When should I use a case study?
Use a case study when you need detailed, contextual insights into a specific case or issue.
Can case studies be generalized?
Case studies offer in-depth insights but are often not generalizable to larger populations.
Are case studies qualitative or quantitative?
Case studies are primarily qualitative, focusing on in-depth, descriptive data.
What sample size is typical for surveys?
Surveys usually involve a large number of respondents to ensure representativeness.
Can a case study include quantitative data?
Yes, while primarily qualitative, case studies can also incorporate quantitative data.
What types of questions are used in surveys?
Surveys typically use structured questions, either open-ended or multiple-choice.
Can one research include both a case study and a survey?
Yes, combining both methods can provide comprehensive insights, with the case study offering depth and the survey providing breadth.
Are online surveys reliable?
Online surveys can be reliable if they are well-designed and reach a representative sample.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
