Difference Between Study and Experiment

Study vs Experiment

Study and experiment are two interrelated concepts of great significance in higher studies. There are courses that are purely theory based, while there are others that require a lot of experiments to be carried out to prove a hypothesis. There may be similar objectives of both a study as well as an experiment, but methodologies of the two vary greatly. Those desirous of higher studies, often face a dilemma as to whether they should opt for a study or an experiment based course. This article attempts to highlight the features of both to enable students to choose between the two types of courses depending upon their aptitude.

Experiment is a vital part of studies and many courses make it mandatory for students to partake in experiments to complete the course. There are observational studies that demand recording events, as and when they happen, and drawing conclusions making an analysis of these observations. These studies require minimal human intervention in sharp contrast to experimental studies, where a more methodical approach is required to test an established hypothesis. Experimental methods also require researchers to make observations, but these observations are like readings that can be compared with earlier studies done in the field to draw comparisons.

Observational study has to be undertaken when the nature of the study is such when it does not fit into set parameters. When study is such that laboratory settings cannot do justice with the objectives of the study, it is better to stay away with experiment, and carry out the study through observation.