Experiment vs. Tests — What's the Difference?

Experiments are typically conducted in scientific research to investigate a hypothesis or theory. They are generally designed to discover new information or to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Tests, in contrast, are often employed to measure specific qualities or abilities, like proficiency in a subject matter, without necessarily seeking to uncover new knowledge.

In an experiment, variables are deliberately manipulated to observe their effect on a particular outcome. The focus is often on exploring unknown aspects or verifying theoretical concepts. In tests, the variables are usually already known, and the goal is to quantify or qualify these known variables. For example, standardized tests measure a student’s proficiency in a given subject based on a known curriculum.

Experiments often require a more rigorous setup, including control groups, and are usually intended to be replicable by others. They seek to establish generalizable findings that contribute to a broader understanding of a field. Tests are generally more focused on specific instances or individuals, without necessarily aiming for broader applicability. A driver’s test, for instance, evaluates individual driving skills and does not aim to make general statements about driving.

In medicine, the term "clinical trials" often bridges the gap between experiments and tests. Clinical trials are a form of experiment designed to test the efficacy of new treatments on human subjects. However, once the treatment becomes standard, medical tests are then conducted to determine if it is the right treatment for specific individual cases. In this way, experiments can lead to tests, showing the complementary relationship between the two.