Research vs. Feasibility — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 27, 2024
Research involves systematic investigation to discover facts or principles, while feasibility assesses the practicality of a proposed plan or project.
Difference Between Research and Feasibility
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Research is a comprehensive process aimed at gaining knowledge, understanding phenomena, or developing new applications using systematic methodologies. It's broad in scope, encompassing various fields such as science, humanities, and technology, and it can be exploratory, descriptive, or experimental in nature. On the other hand, feasibility studies are conducted to evaluate the viability of a project or plan. This assessment considers various factors, including technical, economic, legal, and scheduling aspects, to determine whether the proposed project is achievable, if the risks are manageable, and if it should proceed.
While research focuses on generating new knowledge or insights, feasibility studies are practical assessments aimed at decision-making. Research can be a part of a feasibility study, especially when it involves collecting and analyzing data to inform the feasibility of a project. However, a feasibility study is more focused on the applicability and practicality of implementing a specific project or solution, including cost-benefit analyses, resource availability, and potential barriers to success.
Research methodologies might include surveys, experiments, observational studies, and theoretical analyses, depending on the discipline and objectives. The outcomes of research can contribute to the body of knowledge in a field, lead to innovations, or inform policy and practice. Feasibility studies, however, employ a mix of research techniques, market analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment to provide a grounded evaluation of a project's likelihood of success.
The role of research is to uncover truths, expand understanding, and explore possibilities without the immediate concern for application or implementation feasibility. In contrast, the essence of a feasibility study is its orientation towards practicality, focusing on whether a project can be done effectively and within constraints like budget, time, and existing technology.
The distinction between research and feasibility becomes crucial in project planning and development. Research can identify potential solutions or breakthroughs, while feasibility studies determine whether those solutions can be realistically applied or integrated into existing systems or processes. This difference underscores the complementary nature of research and feasibility studies in advancing knowledge and achieving practical outcomes.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Systematic investigation to discover facts or principles
Assessment of the practicality of a proposed plan or project
Purpose
Generate knowledge, understand phenomena, solve problems
Determine viability and practicality of projects
Focus
Knowledge, innovation, theory
Application, implementation, practicality
Methodologies
Surveys, experiments, observational studies
Market analysis, financial modeling, risk assessment
Outcome
Contributions to knowledge, policy, innovation
Decision-making on project viability
Scope
Broad, across various fields
Specific to project or plan feasibility
Considerations
Theoretical significance, experimental results
Technical, economic, legal, scheduling constraints
Compare with Definitions
Research
Systematic investigation.
The research aimed at understanding the effects of climate change on polar bear populations.
Feasibility
Practicality assessment.
The feasibility study evaluated the potential for a new public transportation system in the city.
Research
Exploratory study.
Early-stage research explored potential materials for sustainable packaging.
Feasibility
Project planning assessment.
The feasibility of the construction project was assessed, considering environmental impacts and costs.
Research
Descriptive analysis.
The research provided a comprehensive overview of demographic changes in urban areas.
Feasibility
Viability evaluation.
Before launching, the product's market feasibility was thoroughly analyzed.
Research
Theoretical analysis.
The study involved theoretical analysis of economic models under different market conditions.
Feasibility
Implementation analysis.
A feasibility study was conducted to determine the practicality of implementing a new IT system.
Research
Experimental research.
Researchers conducted experiments to test a new vaccine's efficacy.
Feasibility
Economic and legal assessment.
The project's feasibility included an analysis of economic benefits and compliance with legal regulations.
Research
Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection, organization, and analysis of information to increase understanding of a topic or issue.
Feasibility
Capable of being accomplished or brought about; possible
A feasible plan.
Research
The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions
He prefaces his study with a useful summary of his own researches
Medical research
The group carries out research in geochemistry
Feasibility
Capable of being used or dealt with successfully
Feasible new sources of energy.
Research
Investigate systematically
The team have been researching into flora and fauna
She has spent the last five years researching her people's history
Feasibility
Logical; likely
A feasible explanation.
Research
Careful study of a given subject, field, or problem, undertaken to discover facts or principles.
Feasibility
The state of being feasible or possible.
Research
An act or period of such study
Her researches of medieval parish records.
Feasibility
The quality of being feasible; practicability; also, that which is feasible; as, before we adopt a plan, let us consider its feasibility.
Men often swallow falsities for truths, dubiosities for certainties, possibilities for feasibilities.
Research
To engage in or perform research.
Feasibility
The quality of being doable
Research
To study (something) thoroughly so as to present in a detailed, accurate manner
Researching the effects of acid rain.
Research
To do research for
Research a magazine article.
Research
Diligent inquiry or examination to seek or revise facts, principles, theories, applications, etc.; laborious or continued search after truth.
The research station that houses Wang and his team is outside Lijiang, a city of about 1.2 million people. File:The research station that houses Wang and his team is outside Lijiang.ogg
Research
A particular instance or piece of research.
Research
(transitive) To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.
Research
(intransitive) To make an extensive investigation into.
Research
(transitive) To search again.
Research
Diligent inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles; laborious or continued search after truth; as, researches of human wisdom; to research a topic in the library; medical research.
The dearest interests of parties have frequently been staked on the results of the researches of antiquaries.
Research
Systematic observation of phenomena for the purpose of learning new facts or testing the application of theories to known facts; - also called scientific research. This is the research part of the phrase "research and development" (R&D).
Research
To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.
Research
Systematic investigation to establish facts
Research
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Research
Inquire into
Research
Attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner;
The student researched the history of that word
Common Curiosities
Are feasibility studies only conducted for business projects?
While common in business, feasibility studies are also conducted in various sectors, including public projects, technology development, and infrastructure planning, to assess practicality and viability.
How do the outcomes of research and feasibility studies differ?
Research outcomes contribute to knowledge and may lead to innovations or theoretical advancements, whereas feasibility study outcomes guide decision-making on whether a project should proceed based on its viability.
Why is research important?
Research is fundamental for advancing knowledge, informing policy, fostering innovation, and solving complex problems across various fields.
Is a feasibility study always conclusive?
A feasibility study aims to provide a thorough assessment, but its conclusions depend on the quality of data and analysis. Some studies may recommend further investigation or modifications to the proposed plan.
Why might a project be deemed infeasible?
A project might be deemed infeasible due to factors like high costs, insufficient resources, technological limitations, regulatory hurdles, or low market demand, among others.
What makes a feasibility study critical before starting a project?
A feasibility study is crucial as it helps to avoid investing in projects that are not viable, saving time, resources, and effort by assessing practicality upfront.
Can research be a part of a feasibility study?
Yes, research is often a component of feasibility studies, especially in collecting and analyzing data to inform the practical aspects of a project.
How does the focus of research and feasibility studies differ?
Research focuses on uncovering new information or understanding phenomena, without immediate concern for application, while feasibility studies focus on practicality and viability of applying ideas or projects.
How do technological advancements impact research and feasibility studies?
Technological advancements can provide new tools and methods for research, expanding knowledge, and they can also improve the accuracy and efficiency of feasibility studies by enabling better data collection and analysis.
Can the results of a feasibility study affect future research?
Yes, the findings of a feasibility study can highlight areas where additional research is needed to address challenges or improve the viability of future projects.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
