Case Study vs Descriptive Approach to Research
Case study and Descriptive approach are two different aspects of any research conducted in a given field. It is important to know that both these aspects differ in terms of their study and presentation.
A case study though is conducted in several fields it is quite commonly seen in the field of social science. It consists in a kind of deep investigation carried out in the behavior of a single group or individual or event for that matter. As a matter of fact a case study can be either descriptive or explanatory in character. Any single instance or an event is taken for study and it will be investigated for months by adhering to a protocol. Limited number of variables will be thoroughly examined too in the case of a case study.
On the other hand descriptive approach involves more statistical study than investigation. Descriptive approach is the foundation for conducting a survey investigation. It involves the use of averages, frequencies and other statistical calculations. The subject of mathematical statistics and probability play a vital role in the descriptive approach of research study. In short it can be said that descriptive approach deals with anything that can be counted and studied. This is the main difference between a case study and descriptive approach.
A case study is more of a research strategy whereas descriptive approach is not looked upon as a research strategy but as a part of research. Empirical inquiry is the backbone of a case study whereas statistical calculation is the backbone of descriptive approach. Case study contributes to qualitative research whereas descriptive approach contributes to quantitative research. Both the aspects of research should be conducted to bring out fruitful results to strengthen a given field. These are the differences between case study and descriptive approach.