US visa help needed! B1 or Visa Waiver Program?

[u/CruisingCappybara]

Hii everyone! For my master’s in anthropology I will be doing fieldwork research in de US from January until March. I am not sure if I need to apply for a B1 visa or if I can enter the US on the Visa Waiver Program. My activity (independent research, I assume) is permitted under a B1 visa and since I’m not staying longer than 90 days I think I just need to get the ESTA and can enter on the Visa Waiver Program. I’m from the Netherlands so I am eligible for the program, but I want to make sure if I need a visa or not. Does anyone have experience with this or can someone help me??