Survey vs Experiment: Know How Two Research Methods Differ from Each Other

Research methods are procedures that span the steps from nonspecific assumptions to detailed approaches of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. These are essentially well-planned, value-neutral and scientific. 

Generally, the research method includes experimental study, focus groups, survey method, numerical schemes, theoretical procedures, etc. However, each study domain demands a specific type of research method. 

For instance, for research that requires investigation of characteristics, opinions or behaviours of a group of people, survey method can be used. 

Whereas, research that demands explanation based on observations, collected facts, and measurements, the experiment research method is used. 

Know more about experiment and survey method  

• Experiment method 

Derived from Latin word ‘experior’ (meaning – attempt), experiment is a systematic approach that tests the hypothesis by performing a procedure under highly controlled conditions. This approach is based on a comparison between two or more variables and is ideal for studying the primary data. Experiment involves manipulating a certain independent variable and determining its effect on a dependent variable. 

For example, you can measure the impact of how water intake on people’s metabolism by letting the experimental group drink 6 glasses of  water per day while letting the controlled group to drink only 3 glasses of water. Their metabolism rates can then be compared after a couple of weeks, and statistical tests such as T-test can be used to validate the results. 

Typically, an experimental research method consists of three types of designs: pre-experimental, true- experimental, and quasi-experimental design.   

1. Pre-experimental design – In this approach, a group(s), is kept under observation after factors for cause & effect are considered.  
2. True-experimental design – Being the most accurate design, this method is used to establish a cause-effect relationship within a group(s). 
3. Quasi-experimental design – Here, the independent variable will be manipulated, but the members of a population are not randomly assigned.

Experimental research design includes key characteristics such as: 

1. Manipulating the independent variable
2. Determining the factors that cause effects
3. Comparison of two or more groups
4. Deciding the extent and nature of the treatment

Experiment research method offers several advantages such as – accurate results, control over variables, determination of cause & effect of a study hypothesis, and can be used in collaboration with other research designs. 

• Survey method 

Derived from Latin word ‘supervidere’ (meaning – to see), survey method, best suited for    descriptive research, studies the opinion, behaviours, attributes and feelings of an individual or a group of people. This process collection of numbered data and statistically analysing responses to the questions in order to test the hypothesis about the nature of relationships within a group. 

For instance, if you are intended to study the happiness levels among employees’ working in a specific organisation. Here the data will be collected through questionnaires, phone calls, Emails, etc. Upon collecting the data regarding the individuals’ perceived emotional states, statistical tests such as getting the weighted mean can be utilised to assess the responses. 

Based on the design, survey research method can be divided into three types of studies: cross-sectional, longitudinal and correlational study. 

1. Cross-sectional study – Defined as observational research type, this study evaluates data of variables gathered at a given point of time across a sample population.
2. Longitudinal study – This method uses repeated or continuous measures to follow certain individuals over an extended period of time ( more often years or decades).
3. Correlational study – This non-experimental design studies two different variables and runs a statistical analysis to determine the relation between the variables without the interference of external variables. 

The significant features of the survey research method include: 

1. Involvement in the process of sampling from a population 
2. Developing instrument for data collection process
3. Collecting data via interviews or questionnaires
4. Acquiring greater response rate

Survey method offers several benefits of which include – primary data collected is easy to analyse, data can be collected at a faster rate and easily, offers precise information, and is flexible. 

Key differences between experiment and survey method 

Choosing the right research method is vital for any research. Hence make sure you understand the requirements of your study and choose the research method accordingly.