Q: Can I collate 4 case studies as an original article?
Can a manuscript that covers 4 cases be regarded as an original article instead of a case report?
Thank you for writing to us. Per the criteria mentioned by most journals, an “original” research article is a detailed account of research activity performed to answer a research hypothesis or question. Original articles are categorized as primary literature. On the other hand, case reports are articles that describe and interpret individual and unique cases. While 4 case reports cannot be submitted as an original article, they can be submitted as case series. You may want to check with the target journal whether they accept case series and proceed accordingly. Please let us know in case you need added clarity in any regard. We would be happy to assist you.
Related reading:
This content belongs to the Conducting Research Stage