Survey vs. Experiment: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 31, 2023
A survey collects data by asking questions to a group of people, while an experiment involves conducting a controlled test to observe outcomes.
Key Differences
Surveys involve collecting data through questionnaires or interviews from a sample of individuals, focusing on their opinions, behaviors, or characteristics. Experiments, in contrast, involve manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable, typically under controlled conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
The primary purpose of a survey is to gather descriptive or explanatory data about a specific population, relying on self-reported information. Experiments aim to establish cause-and-effect relationships by testing hypotheses in a controlled environment.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
Surveys can be conducted in various forms, such as online, telephone, or face-to-face, and are often used in social sciences, market research, and demographics. Experiments, however, are more common in scientific research, psychology, and medicine, where control over variables is essential.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
In surveys, the researcher does not manipulate the environment or conditions but rather collects data in a respondent's natural setting. Experiments require the deliberate manipulation of variables, often in a laboratory setting, to test a theory or hypothesis.
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Dec 31, 2023
The data from surveys is typically quantitative, gathered from a large number of respondents to generalize findings to a larger population. Experiments often use both quantitative and qualitative data and are conducted in a more controlled but less natural environment.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 31, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Collects descriptive or explanatory data
Establishes cause-and-effect relationships
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Typical Usage
Social sciences, market research
Scientific research, psychology
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Data Collection Environment
Natural settings, no manipulation
Controlled settings with variable manipulation
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Dec 31, 2023
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Survey and Experiment Definitions
Survey
Gathering of information about individuals' opinions, behaviors, or characteristics.
The survey revealed trends in consumer habits.
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Experiment
A controlled test to study the effect of manipulated variables.
The experiment tested the effectiveness of the new drug.
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Survey
To look over the parts, features, or contents of; view broadly
Surveyed the neighborhood from a rooftop.
Surveyed the shelves in the pantry.
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Dec 13, 2023
Experiment
A method to establish cause-and-effect relationships in a controlled setting.
The experiment in the lab confirmed the chemical reaction theory.
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Survey
To look at or examine carefully and appraise
Surveyed the storm damage. ].
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Experiment
A practical trial or test to investigate a scientific hypothesis.
The field experiment studied the behavior of wildlife in their natural habitat.
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Experiment
Scientific procedure to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions.
The experiment was designed to explore the law of physics.
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Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of a particular group of items, in order to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality.
A survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
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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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the Earth's surface.
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Survey
A measured plan and description of any portion of country.
The owners of the adjoining plots had conflicting surveys.
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Experiment
An innovative act or procedure
"Democracy is only an experiment in government" (William Ralph Inge).
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Survey
An examination of the opinions of a group of people.
The local council conducted a survey of its residents to help it decide whether to go ahead with the roadside waste collection service.
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Experiment
The result of experimentation
"We are not [nature's] only experiment" (R. Buckminster Fuller).
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Survey
A questionnaire or similar instrument used for examining the opinions of a group of people.
I just filled out that survey on roadside waste pick-up.
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Survey
(historical) An auction at which a farm is let for a lease for lives.
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Experiment
To try something new, especially in order to gain experience
Experiment with new methods of teaching.
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Survey
(US) A district for the collection of customs under a particular officer.
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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
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Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook
He stood on a hill, and surveyed the surrounding country.
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Experiment
(intransitive) To conduct an experiment.
We're going to experiment on rats.
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Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of
It was his job to survey buildings in order to determine their value and risks.
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Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry
To survey land or a coast
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Experiment
To test or ascertain by experiment; to try out; to make an experiment on.
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Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
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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.
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Survey
To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.
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Experiment
Experience.
Adam, by sad experiment I knowHow little weight my words with thee can find.
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Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook; as, to stand on a hill, and survey the surrounding country.
Round he surveys and well might, where he stood,So high above.
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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.
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Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
With such altered looks, . . . All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round.
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Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey a building in order to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire.
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Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurments, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry; as, to survey land or a coast.
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Experiment
The testing of an idea;
It was an experiment in living
Not all experimentation is done in laboratories
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Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
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Experiment
A venture at something new or different;
As an experiment he decided to grow a beard
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Survey
The act of surveying; a general view, as from above.
Under his proud survey the city lies.
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Experiment
To conduct a test or investigation;
We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease
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Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of all the parts or particulars of a thing, with a design to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality; as, a survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
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Dec 13, 2023
Experiment
Try something new, as in order to gain experience;
Students experiment sexually
The composer experimented with a new style
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Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of, as any part of the earth's surface, whether land or water; also, a measured plan and description of any portion of country, or of a road or line through it.
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Dec 13, 2023
Experiment
Manipulation of one variable to observe its effect on another.
The psychology experiment examined the impact of stress on memory.
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Survey
The act of looking or seeing or observing;
He tried to get a better view of it
His survey of the battlefield was limited
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Survey
Consider in a comprehensive way;
He appraised the situation carefully before acting
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Survey
Look over in a comprehensively, inspect;
He surveyed his new classmates
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Survey
Keep under surveillance;
The police had been following him for weeks but they could not prove his involvement in the bombing
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Survey
A method of collecting data by asking questions to a group of people.
The company conducted a survey to understand customer satisfaction.
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Survey
A research tool for systematically collecting data from a sample population.
The health survey provided insights into public health trends.
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Survey
A method for descriptive or exploratory analysis based on self-reported data.
The survey on political views helped identify shifts in public opinion.
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Survey
Collection of data through structured questionnaires or interviews.
The employee survey was used to gauge workplace satisfaction.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is an Experiment?
A controlled test to study the cause-and-effect relationship between variables.
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Dec 31, 2023
When is an Experiment appropriate?
When testing a hypothesis under controlled conditions to understand causal relationships.
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What is a key feature of a Survey?
Its ability to gather data from a large sample quickly and efficiently.
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What distinguishes an Experiment from other research methods?
Its focus on controlling variables to establish cause and effect.
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Dec 31, 2023
What is a Survey?
A method for collecting data from individuals about their opinions, behaviors, or characteristics.
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Dec 31, 2023
How does bias affect Surveys?
Bias in survey questions or respondent selection can skew results.
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How do you select participants for a Survey?
Participants can be randomly selected or based on specific criteria.
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When should I use a Survey?
When you need to gather descriptive data about a population's beliefs, habits, or preferences.
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Dec 31, 2023
Do Experiments always require a laboratory?
Not always; field experiments are conducted in natural settings.
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Are control groups necessary in Experiments?
Typically, yes, to provide a baseline for comparison.
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What is a variable in an Experiment?
A variable is any factor that can be controlled, changed, or measured in an experiment.
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Dec 31, 2023
Can Surveys be anonymous?
Yes, surveys can be conducted anonymously to encourage honest responses.
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Dec 31, 2023
Can Experiments have ethical considerations?
Yes, especially when involving human or animal subjects.
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How are Survey results typically analyzed?
Often through statistical methods to identify patterns and trends.
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Dec 31, 2023
Can Surveys be conducted online?
Yes, online surveys are common and efficient.
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Dec 31, 2023
Why are randomized trials important in Experiments?
They reduce bias and improve the reliability of the results.
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What types of questions are used in Surveys?
Both open-ended and closed-ended questions.
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Dec 31, 2023
What's the difference between field and laboratory Experiments?
Field experiments occur in natural settings, while laboratory experiments occur in controlled environments.
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Dec 31, 2023
Can a Survey include qualitative questions?
Yes, surveys can include both qualitative and quantitative questions.
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Dec 31, 2023
What is a hypothesis in an Experiment?
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence, tested through experimentation.
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Dec 31, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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