Formal Research vs. Informal Research — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 29, 2023
Formal Research includes structured, systematic investigation, often academic or scientific. Informal Research include casual, unsystematic information gathering, often personal or exploratory.
Difference Between Formal Research and Informal Research
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Formal Research is characterized by a structured methodology, typically following specific rules or guidelines. Informal Research is more relaxed and does not adhere to a strict set of procedures.
In Formal Research, data collection is systematic and often involves tools like surveys or experiments. Informal Research may involve casual observation or conversations.
The results of Formal Research are usually documented in reports or academic papers. Informal Research findings might not be formally documented and are often used for personal understanding.
Formal Research often requires approval from ethical boards or institutions, especially when involving human subjects. Informal Research usually doesn’t require such approvals.
While Formal Research contributes to the wider body of knowledge in a field, Informal Research typically serves immediate, practical needs or personal curiosity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Structure
Highly structured
Unstructured
Methodology
Systematic, follows guidelines
Unsystematic, casual
Documentation
Detailed reports, academic papers
Often undocumented or informal notes
Purpose
Contributes to academic or scientific knowledge
Serves immediate needs or curiosity
Data Collection
Surveys, experiments, formal tools
Observations, conversations, casual sources
Compare with Definitions
Formal Research
Their formal research was published in a scientific journal.
Informal Research
She gathered insights through informal research while traveling.
Formal Research
Formal research requires a rigorous methodology.
Informal Research
The informal research findings weren’t formally documented.
Formal Research
The formal research underwent peer review before publication.
Informal Research
He used informal research to quickly solve a practical problem.
Formal Research
Their formal research received approval from the ethics committee.
Informal Research
His informal research involved browsing the internet for information.
Formal Research
Data in formal research is analyzed statistically.
Informal Research
She conducted informal research by asking friends for recommendations.
Common Curiosities
What is formal research?
It’s a structured, systematic investigation often used in academic or scientific contexts.
What is informal research?
It's a casual, unsystematic way of gathering information, usually for personal use.
Do I need special tools for formal research?
Often, formal research requires specific tools like surveys or statistical software.
Is informal research reliable?
It can be, but it's generally not as reliable as formal research due to its casual nature.
Are formal research findings always published?
Often, but not always. Some findings might not be published due to various reasons.
Can formal research be done without funding?
Yes, though funding often helps, especially for larger, resource-intensive studies.
Can informal research lead to formal research?
Yes, informal findings can sometimes spark more structured, formal investigations.
Can informal research become formal?
Yes, if informal findings lead to a structured study, it can transition to formal research.
Is informal research quick?
It can be, as it doesn't involve rigorous methodologies and procedures.
Do universities teach formal research methods?
Yes, universities often teach formal research methods, especially in graduate programs.
Does informal research involve data analysis?
Not usually in a structured way. It’s often based on general observations or conversations.
Is ethical approval needed for informal research?
Typically, no. Ethical approval is usually for formal research, especially involving humans.
Is formal research always quantitative?
No, it can be quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both.
Can I use informal research for academic purposes?
It's generally not suitable for academic work, which usually requires formal research.
Can formal research be subjective?
It aims to be objective, but some subjectivity can exist, depending on the research design.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Central Time vs. Eastern Time
Next Comparison
LRT vs. MRTAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
