Study vs. Experiment — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 13, 2024
A study is a methodical investigation to gather and analyze information, often observational, whereas an experiment involves controlled testing of variables to establish cause and effect relationships.
Difference Between Study and Experiment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A study encompasses a broad range of research methods used to gather information about a subject. Studies can be descriptive, observational, or involve the synthesis of existing data to reach new conclusions. They are not necessarily experimental and often rely on observational or correlational data, such as in case studies or surveys. On the other hand, an experiment is a type of study that specifically involves manipulating variables to test hypotheses about cause and effect relationships. Experiments are characterized by the control and manipulation of variables, and the conditions under which observations are made.
Studies, especially those that are observational, can provide a wide overview of data and are excellent for identifying patterns and hypotheses but generally cannot definitively establish causality. Experiments, however, are designed to test specific hypotheses by creating controlled environments that can isolate the effects of variables on outcomes, thus providing stronger evidence for causality.
In a study, the researcher may observe natural occurrences and draw conclusions based on patterns seen in the data. For instance, a sociologist might analyze demographic data over several years to look at trends in employment. In contrast, an experiment involves an intervention or treatment, controlled conditions, and typically a comparison or control group. For example, a psychologist might perform an experiment where participants are assigned to either a group receiving therapy or a group not receiving therapy to see which group shows greater improvement in mental health.
The methods of data collection also differ: studies may use existing records, surveys, interviews, or observation, while experiments often require creating specific conditions and then measuring the results directly through various means like laboratory tasks, field manipulation, or controlled observations.
Both studies and experiments can be used across various fields such as psychology, medicine, social sciences, and natural sciences, experiments are particularly valued in fields that emphasize the need for precise controls to test theoretical propositions, such as in physics or chemistry.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Methodical investigation to gather and analyze information.
Controlled method to test hypotheses and establish cause-effect relationships.
Methodology
May be observational, correlational, or descriptive.
Involves manipulation and control of variables.
Data Collection
Surveys, interviews, observation of natural conditions.
Creation of controlled conditions and direct measurement of outcomes.
Purpose
To observe, describe, and understand patterns or behaviors.
To determine the impact of specific variables on outcomes.
Evidence
Generally provides associative or correlational data.
Provides causal evidence through controlled testing.
Compare with Definitions
Study
A research effort to gather information on a topic.
The demographic study provided insights into population aging trends.
Experiment
A research method testing hypotheses under controlled conditions.
The experiment tested the effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance.
Study
Can be observational or use existing data.
The longitudinal study tracked changes in education level over 50 years.
Experiment
Often uses a control group to strengthen conclusions.
The clinical trial used a placebo group to validate the drug's effectiveness.
Study
The devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge of an academic subject, especially by means of books
An application to continue full-time study
The study of English
Experiment
Primarily used in scientific fields to test theories.
They conducted an experiment to verify the physics theory under lab conditions.
Study
A detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or situation
The study of global problems
A study of a sample of 5,000 children
Experiment
Manipulates variables to determine specific effects.
By altering temperatures, scientists measured their impact on chemical reaction rates.
Study
A room used or designed for reading, writing, or academic work
The third bedroom was used as a study
Experiment
Can provide strong evidence for cause and effect.
The experiment conclusively demonstrated that increased sunlight boosted plant growth.
Study
A piece of work, especially a drawing, done for practice or as an experiment.
Experiment
An experiment is a procedure carried out to support or refute a hypothesis. Experiments provide insight into cause-and-effect by demonstrating what outcome occurs when a particular factor is manipulated.
Study
A thing or person that is an embodiment or good example of something
He perched on the edge of the bed, a study in confusion and misery
Experiment
A test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy of something previously untried.
Study
Devote time and attention to gaining knowledge of (an academic subject), especially by means of books
I studied classics at college
Experiment
The process of conducting such a test; experimentation.
Study
Look at closely in order to observe or read
She bent her head to study the plans
Experiment
An innovative act or procedure
"Democracy is only an experiment in government" (William Ralph Inge).
Study
Make an effort to achieve (a result) or take into account (a person or their wishes)
With no husband to study, housekeeping is mere play
Experiment
The result of experimentation
"We are not [nature's] only experiment" (R. Buckminster Fuller).
Study
The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research
The study of language has overturned many misconceptions.
Experiment
To conduct an experiment.
Study
An act or effort made in the pursuit of knowledge
Applied himself to his studies.
Experiment
To try something new, especially in order to gain experience
Experiment with new methods of teaching.
Study
A branch of knowledge or department of learning
The study of geography.
Graduate studies.
Experiment
A test under controlled conditions made to either demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy or likelihood of something previously untried.
Conduct an experiment
Carry out some experiments
Perform a scientific experiment
Study
Attentive examination or analysis
The new drug is still under study.
Experiment
(obsolete) Experience, practical familiarity with something.
Study
A detailed examination, analysis, or experiment investigating a subject or phenomenon
Conducted a study of children's reading habits.
Experiment
(intransitive) To conduct an experiment.
We're going to experiment on rats.
Study
A document or publication presenting the results of such an endeavor.
Experiment
To experience; to feel; to perceive; to detect.
Study
A literary work treating a particular subject or character
The novel is a study of Irish childhood.
Experiment
To test or ascertain by experiment; to try out; to make an experiment on.
Study
A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.
Experiment
A trial or special observation, made to confirm or disprove something uncertain; esp., one under controlled conditions determined by the experimenter; an act or operation undertaken in order to discover some unknown principle or effect, or to test, establish, or illustrate some hypothesis, theory, or known truth; practical test; proof.
A political experiment can not be made in a laboratory, nor determined in a few hours.
Study
(Medicine) A diagnostic test.
Experiment
Experience.
Adam, by sad experiment I knowHow little weight my words with thee can find.
Study
(Music) A composition intended as a technical exercise.
Experiment
To make experiment; to operate by test or trial; - often with on, upon, or in, referring to the subject of an experiment; with, referring to the instrument; and by, referring to the means; as, to experiment upon electricity; he experimented in plowing with ponies, or by steam power.
Study
A state of mental absorption
She is in a deep study.
Experiment
To try; to know, perceive, or prove, by trial or experience.
Study
A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.
Experiment
The act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
Study
A noteworthy or interesting example
He is a study in contradictions.
Experiment
The testing of an idea;
It was an experiment in living
Not all experimentation is done in laboratories
Study
To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).
Experiment
A venture at something new or different;
As an experiment he decided to grow a beard
Study
To take (a course) at a school.
Experiment
To conduct a test or investigation;
We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease
Study
To try to memorize
Studied the lines for her role in the play.
Experiment
Try something new, as in order to gain experience;
Students experiment sexually
The composer experimented with a new style
Study
To perform a study of; investigate
We need to study the problem further.
Study
To read or look at carefully
Studied the map.
Studied his expression.
Study
To give careful thought to; contemplate
Let's study our next move.
Study
(Medicine) To perform a diagnostic test on (a part of the body, for example).
Study
To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading
Studied for the exam.
Study
To pursue a course of study
Studied at Yale.
Study
To ponder; reflect.
Study
To review materials already learned in order to make sure one does not forget them, usually in preparation for an examination.
Students are expected to start studying for final exams in March.
I need to study my biology notes.
Study
(academic) To take a course or courses on a subject.
I study medicine at the university.
Study
To acquire knowledge on a subject with the intention of applying it in practice.
Biologists study living things.
Study
To look at minutely.
He studied the map in preparation for the hike.
Study
To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder.
Study
To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.
Study
Mental effort to acquire knowledge or learning.
The study of languages is fascinating.
Study
The act of studying or examining; examination.
I made a careful study of his sister.
Study
Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.
Study
A room in a house intended for reading and writing; traditionally the private room of the male head of household.
Father spends all his time in the study poring over manuscripts.
Study
An artwork made in order to practise or demonstrate a subject or technique.
A study of heads or of hands for a figure picture
Study
The human face, bearing an expression which the observer finds amusingly typical of a particular emotion or state of mind.
Geoffrey's face was a study.
Geoffrey's face was a study in amazement [or in bewilderment, irritation, distress etc.]
Study
(music) A piece for special practice; an étude.
Study
(academic) An academic publication.
That new study on noncommutative symmetries looks promising.
Study
One who commits a theatrical part to memory.
Study
(chess) An endgame problem composed for artistic merit, where one side is to play for a win or for a draw.
Study
(obsolete) A state of mental perplexity or worried thought.
Study
(archaic) Thought, as directed to a specific purpose; one's concern.
My study was to avoid disturbing her.
Study
A setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, arts, or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of acquiring knowledge.
Hammond . . . spent thirteen hours of the day in study.
Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace.
Study
Mental occupation; absorbed or thoughtful attention; meditation; contemplation.
Just men they seemed, and all their study bentTo worship God aright, and know his works.
Study
Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.
The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament, are her daily study.
The proper study of mankind is man.
Study
A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work.
Study
A representation or rendering of any object or scene intended, not for exhibition as an original work of art, but for the information, instruction, or assistance of the maker; as, a study of heads or of hands for a figure picture.
Study
A piece for special practice. See Etude.
Study
To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder.
I found a moral first, and then studied for a fable.
Study
To apply the mind to books or learning.
Study
To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.
Study
To apply the mind to; to read and examine for the purpose of learning and understanding; as, to study law or theology; to study languages.
Study
To consider attentively; to examine closely; as, to study the work of nature.
Study thyself; what rank or what degreeThe wise Creator has ordained for thee.
Study
To form or arrange by previous thought; to con over, as in committing to memory; as, to study a speech.
Study
To make an object of study; to aim at sedulously; to devote one's thoughts to; as, to study the welfare of others; to study variety in composition.
For their heart studieth destruction.
Study
A detailed critical inspection
Study
Applying the mind to learning and understanding a subject (especially by reading);
Mastering a second language requires a lot of work
No schools offer graduate study in interior design
Study
A written document describing the findings of some individual or group;
This accords with the recent study by Hill and Dale
Study
A state of deep mental absorption;
She is in a deep study
Study
A room used for reading and writing and studying;
He knocked lightly on the closed door of the study
Study
A branch of knowledge;
In what discipline is his doctorate?
Teachers should be well trained in their subject
Anthropology is the study of human beings
Study
Preliminary drawing for later elaboration;
He made several studies before starting to paint
Study
Attentive consideration and meditation;
After much cogitation he rejected the offer
Study
Someone who memorizes quickly and easily (as the lines for a part in a play);
He is a quick study
Study
A composition intended to develop one aspect of the performer's technique;
A study in spiccato bowing
Study
Consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning;
Analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare
Analyze the evidence in a criminal trial
Analyze your real motives
Study
Be a student; follow a course of study; be enrolled at an institute of learning
Study
Give careful consideration to;
Consider the possibility of moving
Study
Be a student of a certain subject;
She is reading for the bar exam
Study
Learn by reading books;
He is studying geology in his room
I have an exam next week; I must hit the books now
Study
Think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes;
He is meditating in his study
Study
Often employs surveys or existing records to collect data.
She conducted a study using health records to examine disease patterns.
Study
Used across many disciplines to understand phenomena.
Their study helped clarify the economic factors influencing market trends.
Study
Aims to establish a broad understanding or explore new areas.
The pilot study explored the feasibility of a larger research project.
Common Curiosities
Why are experiments considered more reliable for testing hypotheses?
Experiments control for extraneous variables, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of the study variables, thus providing a more reliable method for determining causality.
How does the setting differ between studies and experiments?
Studies can take place in natural settings and use naturally occurring data, whereas experiments often require artificial, controlled environments to manipulate variables effectively.
What skills are needed to conduct a study or an experiment?
Both require analytical and methodological skills, but experiments additionally require skills in experimental design, such as understanding how to control and manipulate variables, and often technical skills related to the tools and processes used.
What is the main difference between a study and an experiment?
The main difference is that a study may use various observational and analytical methods to gather data, while an experiment specifically involves controlled testing to establish cause and effect.
Can a study include an experiment?
Yes, a study can include experiments as part of its methodology to test specific hypotheses within the broader research framework.
What are some examples of study methods other than experiments?
Other methods include case studies, cohort studies, longitudinal studies, and cross-sectional surveys.
Is one method better than the other?
Not necessarily; the choice between a study and an experiment depends on the research question. Studies are better for exploring and identifying patterns, while experiments are more suited for testing specific cause-effect hypotheses.
How does data analysis differ between studies and experiments?
Data analysis in studies often involves statistical methods to identify trends and relationships in observational data, while experiments typically use statistical tests to determine the significance of differences or changes due to the manipulated variables.
What ethical considerations are common in experiments that might not apply to other types of studies?
Experiments, especially those involving human participants, often face more stringent ethical considerations, including informed consent, minimization of harm, and ensuring the privacy and dignity of participants. Observational studies may involve fewer direct interventions, thereby reducing certain ethical concerns.
How are the results of studies and experiments communicated differently?
Results from studies are often presented with qualifications about the limitations of observational or correlational data. In contrast, experimental results are typically presented with claims about causality, supported by evidence from controlled conditions.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
