While lab and field science are both needed to shed light on the scientific world, they each have their own benefits and challenges that come with them. Lab science excels in producing controlled, precise, and replicable results. Here are some ways it accomplishes this:
Controlled Environment
In a lab, scientists can control almost every aspect of their studies. Factors such as temperature, light, and humidity can be monitored and adjusted to suit the study at hand, and external factors that might affect results, like weather or animal behavior, are not an issue. Controlled conditions can also speed up the process of testing, since researchers don’t have to wait for external variables.
Precision
A controlled environment also helps researchers be incredibly precise. Specialized equipment allows for precise measurements and analysis, so you can be sure of the exact measurements and factors that go into an experiment. Computers can capture huge amounts of data accurately, and researchers can monitor their experiment constantly. Knowing exactly what you are measuring is crucial in such controlled experiments.
Replicable Work
Because of the efforts to control the study, scientists can run the same experiments repeatedly to make sure their hypothesis is corroborated by the data. This data can then be documented and easily recreated by scientists in other labs to strengthen the reliability of scientific findings.
Safety
Labs are equipped with safety systems that protect researchers. Field experiments also have safety precautions of course, but the controlled environment inside of a lab has containment systems that aren’t available in field research. Certain hazardous tests, like chemicals for instance, can only be conducted from a lab.
Working in Harmony
The benefits of lab science are behind many breakthroughs in the scientific world. Field science is an important aspect of scientific progress, but it can’t do many things. Conversely, there are things done in field science that can’t be done in a lab, like working in a real-world context and considering the bigger picture. Both are essential to developing an understanding of the natural world.
Citations
ResearchGate — Comparison Between Field Research and Controlled Laboratory Research
Research Rebels — Field vs. Lab: Choosing the Right Environment for Your Research
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) — Working Paper No. 20877
University of Houston — Research in the Field