Question

C?ompare and contrast the similarities and differences between survey, field, and experimental research

Answer 1

• Survey refers to a technique of gathering information regarding a variable under study, from the respondents of the population.
• Survey follows structured form of data collection, in which a formal questionnaire is prepared, and the questions are asked in a predefined order.
• Informants are asked questions concerning their behaviour, attitude, motivation, demographic, lifestyle characteristics, etc. through observation, direct communication with them over telephone/mail or personal interview. Questions are asked verbally to the respondents, i.e. in writing or by way of computer. The answer of the respondents is obtained in the same form.
• Experiment implies a scientific procedure wherein the factor under study is isolated to test hypothesis.
• Surveys are performed when the research is of descriptive nature, whereas in the case of experiments are conducted in experimental research.
• The survey samples are large as the response rate is low, especially when the survey is conducted through mailed questionnaire. On the other hand, samples required in the case of experiments is relatively small.
• Surveys are considered suitable for social and behavioural science. As against this, experiments are an important characteristic of physical and natural sciences.
• Field research refers to the research conducted outside the laboratory or workplace. Surveys are the best example of field research. On the contrary, Experiment is an example of laboratory research. A laboratory research is nothing but research carried on inside the room equipped with scientific tools and equipment.
• Field research is a research conducted in the real world or a natural setting. It tends to observe, analyze, and describe what exists rather than manipulating a factor under study
• Participants in a field research may or may not know that they are being studied.
• In surveys, the data collection methods employed can either be observation, interview, questionnaire, or case study. As opposed to experiment, the data is obtained through several readings of the experiment.