Ask Difference

Research vs. Science — What's the Difference?

By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach conclusions; science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
Research vs. Science — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Research and Science

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Key Differences

Research involves the process of gathering data, information, and facts for the advancement of knowledge. Whereas science is a discipline that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
In research, methodologies can vary widely from qualitative approaches in humanities to quantitative experiments in natural sciences. On the other hand, science primarily relies on empirical evidence and the scientific method to explore natural phenomena.
The goal of research is often to discover new information or to verify existing knowledge, regardless of the field of study. Science, however, seeks not only to discover but also to explain the relationships and underlying principles of the natural world.
Research can be applied in a variety of fields, including non-scientific disciplines such as economics, psychology, and literature. Science is confined to disciplines that involve the natural and physical world, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences.
While all science involves some form of research, not all research falls within the domain of science. For instance, historical research or artistic research does not typically involve the scientific method but still contributes significantly to their respective fields.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Systematic investigation to establish facts.
Study of the physical and natural world.

Methodologies

Varies widely, including qualitative and quantitative.
Empirical, often using the scientific method.

Goal

To discover or verify information.
To explain relationships and principles of nature.

Fields

Applies to both scientific and non-scientific fields.
Confined to natural and physical sciences.

Relation to Theory

May or may not involve testing theories.
Often involves formulating and testing theories.

Compare with Definitions

Research

The systematic investigation into materials to establish facts.
His research into renewable energy sources provided new insights into solar power efficiency.

Science

Knowledge obtained through systematic study.
The science of climate change is supported by decades of data and research.

Research

A detailed study of a subject to discover new information.
She conducted extensive research on the impact of social media on teenagers.

Science

The study and application of knowledge based on empirical evidence.
Advances in medical science have greatly improved life expectancy.

Research

A methodical process aiming to collect data and analyze it.
The graduate student's research involved gathering data from over 1,000 survey respondents.

Science

The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the study of the structure and behavior of the physical world.
Her career in science led her to make significant discoveries in biochemistry.

Research

The endeavor to learn through the study of a topic.
Through his research, he developed a new theoretical framework for urban development.

Science

The pursuit of understanding natural laws and phenomena.
Science has always sought to explain why the universe behaves as it does.

Research

Investigation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of knowledge.
Ongoing research in genetics has revolutionized our understanding of inherited diseases.

Science

A branch of knowledge involving systematized observations and experiments.
He contributed to computer science by developing new algorithms.

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.

Science

Science (from Latin scientia 'knowledge') is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.The earliest roots of science can be traced to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in around 3000 to 1200 BCE. Their contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine entered and shaped Greek natural philosophy of classical antiquity, whereby formal attempts were made to provide explanations of events in the physical world based on natural causes. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, knowledge of Greek conceptions of the world deteriorated in Western Europe during the early centuries (400 to 1000 CE) of the Middle Ages, but was preserved in the Muslim world during the Islamic Golden Age.

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

Science

The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena
New advances in science and technology.

Research

Investigate systematically
The team have been researching into flora and fauna
She has spent the last five years researching her people's history

Science

Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena
The science of astronomy.

Research

Careful study of a given subject, field, or problem, undertaken to discover facts or principles.

Science

A systematic method or body of knowledge in a given area
The science of marketing.

Research

An act or period of such study
Her researches of medieval parish records.

Science

(Archaic) Knowledge, especially that gained through experience.

Research

To engage in or perform research.

Science

(countable) A particular discipline or branch of learning, especially one dealing with measurable or systematic principles rather than intuition or natural ability.
Of course in my opinion Social Studies is more of a science than an art.

Research

To study (something) thoroughly so as to present in a detailed, accurate manner
Researching the effects of acid rain.

Science

Specifically the natural sciences.
My favorite subjects at school are science, mathematics, and history.

Research

To do research for
Research a magazine article.

Science

Knowledge gained through study or practice; mastery of a particular discipline or area.

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

Science

The fact of knowing something; knowledge or understanding of a truth.

Research

A particular instance or piece of research.

Science

(uncountable) The collective discipline of study or learning acquired through the scientific method; the sum of knowledge gained from such methods and discipline.

Research

(transitive) To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.

Science

(uncountable) Knowledge derived from scientific disciplines, scientific method, or any systematic effort.

Research

(intransitive) To make an extensive investigation into.

Science

The scientific community.

Research

(transitive) To search again.

Science

Synonym of sweet science

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.

Science

Obsolete spelling of scion

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).

Science

To cause to become versed in science; to make skilled; to instruct.

Research

To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.

Science

To use science to solve a problem.

Research

Systematic investigation to establish facts

Science

Knowledge; knowledge of principles and causes; ascertained truth of facts.
If we conceive God's sight or science, before the creation, to be extended to all and every part of the world, seeing everything as it is, . . . his science or sight from all eternity lays no necessity on anything to come to pass.
Shakespeare's deep and accurate science in mental philosophy.

Research

A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received

Science

Accumulated and established knowledge, which has been systematized and formulated with reference to the discovery of general truths or the operation of general laws; knowledge classified and made available in work, life, or the search for truth; comprehensive, profound, or philosophical knowledge.
All this new science that men lere [teach].
Science is . . . a complement of cognitions, having, in point of form, the character of logical perfection, and in point of matter, the character of real truth.

Research

Inquire into

Science

Especially, such knowledge when it relates to the physical world and its phenomena, the nature, constitution, and forces of matter, the qualities and functions of living tissues, etc.; - called also natural science, and physical science.
Voltaire hardly left a single corner of the field entirely unexplored in science, poetry, history, philosophy.

Research

Attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner;
The student researched the history of that word

Science

Any branch or department of systematized knowledge considered as a distinct field of investigation or object of study; as, the science of astronomy, of chemistry, or of mind.
Good sense, which only is the gift of Heaven,And though no science, fairly worth the seven.

Science

Art, skill, or expertness, regarded as the result of knowledge of laws and principles.
His science, coolness, and great strength.

Science

To cause to become versed in science; to make skilled; to instruct.

Science

A particular branch of scientific knowledge;
The science of genetics

Science

Ability to produce solutions in some problem domain;
The skill of a well-trained boxer
The sweet science of pugilism

Common Curiosities

What roles do theory and experimentation play in science?

Theories provide frameworks for understanding natural phenomena, while experiments test these theories' validity.

How does research contribute to technological advancements?

By providing the foundational knowledge and innovations that fuel development and practical applications.

Is all scientific knowledge derived from research?

Yes, scientific knowledge is based on research findings that are rigorously tested and validated.

Why is the scientific method important in science?

It provides a standardized approach to hypothesis testing, ensuring reliability and validity in findings.

What are the ethical considerations in research and science?

Both fields require adherence to ethical guidelines, which include integrity, accuracy in data reporting, and respect for subjects and resources. In science, especially, ethical considerations often focus on the humane treatment of animals in research and the impact of scientific discoveries on society and the environment.

Can research be considered a part of science?

Yes, research is a fundamental component of science but extends beyond it to include non-scientific disciplines.

How do research and science impact everyday life?

Research and science significantly influence everyday life through technological advancements, medical breakthroughs, and improved understanding of the natural world, which can lead to better health, enhanced security, and an improved environment.

Can research findings in science change over time?

Yes, as new data becomes available and methodologies improve, scientific research findings can evolve, leading to new understandings and sometimes overturning previous assumptions. This iterative process is a fundamental aspect of scientific progress.

What is the main difference between research and science?

Research is a broad process of gathering information, applicable across various fields, while science specifically studies the natural and physical world through systematic methods.

What are the differences in funding sources for research and science?

Funding for research can come from government agencies, private foundations, and commercial organizations, depending on the field and purpose. Science, particularly, often relies on funding from government research bodies and educational institutions, which prioritize projects that advance scientific knowledge and public welfare.

What is the role of peer review in research and science?

Peer review is crucial for maintaining the quality and credibility of research and scientific publications. It involves evaluation by experts in the field to ensure that the information is accurate, significant, and contributes to the body of knowledge before it is published or funded.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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