Difference Between Study and Experiment

Study vs Experiment

The words “study” and “experiment” are often misused by students. The reason for such is because “study” had been synonymous to any endeavor where intelligence, observation, and several other practices were involved. To this, experiments have been regarded as another form of study.

Study is the search for more knowledge. One can study by just reading any piece of material bearing some useful information. You can also study by memorizing, using direct observation, and doing some research, examination, and investigation for the more meticulous types of studies. In the academic field, when one mentions the term “study,” it is often interpreted to be the same as thesis, research, or any other literary work for a particular subject. Studies have many types namely; observational, plainly theoretical, and even experimental.

Observational studies are easier because you just collect data; record everything that you’ve observed, and draw out your conclusion through your collected data. The most confusing of which is the experimental study because it already shares some characteristics of an actual experiment.

Although a fairly different concept, an experiment is not totally independent of a study. It is because when experimenting, you are also doing a form of study but in a more profound way. In an experiment, there should be controlled conditions because you’ll try to check if your hypotheses are valid or not. In this sense, experiments are closer to scientific tests than academic or observational studies.

You experiment by trying out something new like inserting an experimental variable into your formula or experimental design. An example is when a scientist is experimenting on the most efficient mixture of bio-fuel by adding some components like an unknown substance. This will then be branded as the experimental variable.

Like studies, experiments still need intelligence and careful observation. This time, however, observation is taken to a higher level by examining the possible changes effected by your experimental variable. Because of this, experiments are obviously more costly than traditional studies. It is not a surprise that most experiments are done inside laboratories because you have to ensure that there’s a very controlled environment. You also have to weigh in the concepts of ethics; do more human intervention throughout the entire experimental process, and do some of the toughest tasks that may seem impractical if made through a plain study.

Summary:

1.Studies usually don’t require much human intervention. If there is, it is only very little.
2.Experiments include an experimental variable in the process wherein you introduce something new or you effect change.
3.Experiments tend to be costlier and tougher than traditional studies.

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