When completing a thesis, students are often required to write both case studies and research papers, but many students have difficulty differentiating between the two. Understanding the differences in writing styles and content is crucial, as it can ultimately impact the grades they receive from their teachers.
Case Study
A case study focuses on a specific subject, such as a person, company, product, or event. When writing about a company, for example, it is important to provide an engaging introduction by including a few paragraphs about the company’s history and growth. After presenting the company from various perspectives, the focus should shift to the specific problem being addressed, as well as the reasons for choosing this issue. Finally, a case study should conclude with suggestions and recommendations for addressing the selected problems.
Research Paper
A research paper, on the other hand, requires students to explore various perspectives on a particular subject, developing their own views through extensive reading and analysis. This process typically involves referencing other research studies and citing the works of other authors, which is an important component of a research paper.
Key Takeaways
- The main difference between a case study and research is that a case study does not require a review of previous studies on the subject, while a research paper does.
- A case study focuses solely on the specific subject being presented, whereas a research paper includes generalizations and multiple perspectives.
- A research paper requires proper citations and references to other works, while a case study does not.
