Study vs. Experiment: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 16, 2023
A study is a detailed investigation or analysis, while an experiment is a controlled test to discover or demonstrate something.
Key Differences
A study involves the systematic investigation or analysis of a subject, phenomenon, or problem to gain understanding or knowledge. An experiment, however, is a carefully designed and controlled test conducted to discover, prove, or test a hypothesis or principle.
Studies can take various forms, including observational, theoretical, or analytical approaches, often using existing data. Experiments involve manipulating variables under controlled conditions to observe effects and establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Studies may encompass a broader range of methods and approaches, not necessarily involving direct intervention or manipulation. Experiments are characterized by their use of controlled environments and deliberate manipulation of variables to test a specific hypothesis.
While studies can be qualitative, focusing on in-depth understanding of a subject, experiments are typically quantitative, providing measurable and testable results. Both studies and experiments are fundamental in research but serve different purposes and methodologies.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Detailed investigation or analysis.
Controlled test to discover or demonstrate something.
ADVERTISEMENT
Approach
Observational, theoretical, or analytical.
Controlled manipulation of variables.
Purpose
To gain understanding or knowledge.
To test hypotheses or principles.
Methodology
Can be qualitative or quantitative.
Typically quantitative.
Nature
Broader range of methods, may not involve intervention.
Involves direct intervention and controlled conditions
Study and Experiment Definitions
Study
An act of devoting time and attention to acquiring knowledge.
His study of biology paid off during the exam.
ADVERTISEMENT
Experiment
An act or instance of trying or testing something new.
The chef's experiment with new flavors was a success.
Study
A room used for reading, writing, or academic work.
He spent hours in his study, working on his thesis.
Experiment
To perform a scientific test to discover something.
She decided to experiment with different chemicals.
Study
To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading.
She decided to study law at the university.
Experiment
A scientific test under controlled conditions.
They conducted an experiment to test the new drug.
Study
The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research
The study of language has overturned many misconceptions.
Experiment
To try out new ideas or methods.
The company will experiment with remote working arrangements.
Study
An act or effort made in the pursuit of knowledge
Applied himself to his studies.
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
A branch of knowledge or department of learning
The study of geography.
Graduate studies.
Experiment
The process of conducting such a test; experimentation.
Study
Attentive examination or analysis
The new drug is still under study.
Experiment
An innovative act or procedure
"Democracy is only an experiment in government" (William Ralph Inge).
Study
A detailed examination, analysis, or experiment investigating a subject or phenomenon
Conducted a study of children's reading habits.
Experiment
The result of experimentation
"We are not [nature's] only experiment" (R. Buckminster Fuller).
Study
A document or publication presenting the results of such an endeavor.
Experiment
To conduct an experiment.
Study
A literary work treating a particular subject or character
The novel is a study of Irish childhood.
Experiment
To try something new, especially in order to gain experience
Experiment with new methods of teaching.
Study
A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.
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
(Medicine) A diagnostic test.
Experiment
(obsolete) Experience, practical familiarity with something.
Study
(Music) A composition intended as a technical exercise.
Experiment
(intransitive) To conduct an experiment.
We're going to experiment on rats.
Study
A state of mental absorption
She is in a deep study.
Experiment
To experience; to feel; to perceive; to detect.
Study
A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.
Experiment
To test or ascertain by experiment; to try out; to make an experiment on.
Study
A noteworthy or interesting example
He is a study in contradictions.
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
To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).
Experiment
Experience.
Adam, by sad experiment I knowHow little weight my words with thee can find.
Study
To take (a course) at a school.
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
To try to memorize
Studied the lines for her role in the play.
Experiment
To try; to know, perceive, or prove, by trial or experience.
Study
To perform a study of; investigate
We need to study the problem further.
Experiment
The act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
Study
To read or look at carefully
Studied the map.
Studied his expression.
Experiment
The testing of an idea;
It was an experiment in living
Not all experimentation is done in laboratories
Study
To give careful thought to; contemplate
Let's study our next move.
Experiment
A venture at something new or different;
As an experiment he decided to grow a beard
Study
(Medicine) To perform a diagnostic test on (a part of the body, for example).
Experiment
To conduct a test or investigation;
We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease
Study
To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading
Studied for the exam.
Experiment
Try something new, as in order to gain experience;
Students experiment sexually
The composer experimented with a new style
Study
To pursue a course of study
Studied at Yale.
Experiment
A trial or test to prove or disprove a hypothesis.
His experiment provided evidence for the theory.
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
An investigation or analysis of a subject or problem.
She conducted a study on consumer behavior.
Study
A detailed drawing or painting done in preparation for a finished piece.
The artist's study for the mural was impressive.
FAQs
What is a study?
A study is an in-depth investigation or analysis of a subject or problem.
Can a study involve experiments?
Yes, a study can include experiments as part of its methodology.
What defines an experiment?
An experiment is a controlled test to discover, prove, or test a hypothesis.
Is an experiment always part of a study?
Not always; experiments can be standalone or part of broader studies.
What are observational studies?
Observational studies involve observing subjects without intervention.
How do studies and experiments contribute to research?
They provide understanding, test theories, and generate new knowledge.
What’s a controlled experiment?
A controlled experiment manipulates variables in a controlled environment.
Do experiments need a hypothesis?
Typically, yes, experiments are designed to test specific hypotheses.
Do all studies require data collection?
Most studies involve some form of data collection or analysis.
Can a study be qualitative?
Yes, studies can be qualitative, focusing on in-depth understanding.
Are experiments more precise than studies?
Experiments often provide more measurable and specific results.
Can experiments have multiple variables?
Yes, but controlled experiments often focus on one variable at a time.
Are experiments always scientific?
Generally, yes, but the term can also refer to trying anything new.
Do studies always follow a standard format?
While there are common methods, studies can vary widely in approach.
Can studies be purely theoretical?
Yes, some studies are theoretical, involving no practical experiments.
Can studies lead to experiments?
Yes, studies often identify areas needing experimental investigation.
Can experiments fail?
Yes, but even failed experiments provide valuable information.
Can anyone conduct an experiment?
Yes, but proper knowledge and sometimes specialized equipment are needed.
Are studies limited to academic research?
No, studies can be conducted in various fields and contexts.
What's the importance of replicating experiments?
Replication confirms results and enhances the reliability of findings.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
