The world of research is vast and diverse, with various types of research methods available to investigators.
In this presentation, we will explore two fundamental types of research: Descriptive and Analytical research.
Descriptive research aims to provide a comprehensive view of the current state of affairs.
It includes surveys and fact-finding inquiries of different kinds.
Purpose: Description of the existing situation.
Control Over Variables: Limited control; can only report what has occurred or is occurring.
Common Term: Often referred to as “Ex post facto research” in social science and business research.
Analytical research, in contrast, involves the analysis of existing facts or information.
Researchers critically evaluate available data to gain insights and draw conclusions.
Purpose: Critical evaluation of existing material.
Control Over Variables: Utilizes facts or information already available.
Research can be categorized into two main types: Applied (or Action) Research and Fundamental (or Basic) Research.
These two types of research have distinct purposes and goals. Let’s explore the differences between them.
Applied research is conducted with the primary aim of finding practical solutions to immediate problems faced by society, industries, or organizations.
Purpose: Solving real-world problems.
Focus: Addresses concrete issues or challenges.
Examples: Identifying solutions for social, economic, or business problems; studying trends that may affect specific institutions; marketing research; evaluation research.
Fundamental research, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with generalizations and the formulation of theories.
It seeks to expand our understanding of underlying principles.
Purpose: Advancing theoretical knowledge.
Focus: Establishing general principles and theories.
Examples: Research on natural phenomena, pure mathematics, studies of human behavior for the sake of generalizations.
Theory-driven.
Focuses on building a broad knowledge base ## Goals
Developing theories and principles.
Adding to the body of scientific knowledge.
Research can be broadly categorized into two main approaches: Quantitative and Qualitative.
These two approaches have distinct characteristics and are suited for different types of research questions. Let’s explore the differences between them.
Quantitative research is focused on the measurement of quantity or amount.
It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of numbers and quantifiable data.
Purpose: Measurement and quantification.
Focus: Numerical data, statistics, and objective observations.
Examples: Surveys, experiments, statistical analysis, and numerical modeling.
Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomena, such as the quality or nature of a phenomenon.
It explore the subjective aspects of research and explores the “why” and “how” of human behavior.
Purpose: Understanding the underlying motives, desires, and qualities.
Focus: Subjective experiences, perceptions, and in-depth exploration.
Examples: Motivation research, in-depth interviews, word association tests, attitude or opinion research.
Research can be categorized into two main approaches: Conceptual and Empirical.
These approaches have distinct characteristics and are employed in different contexts. Let’s explore the differences between them.
Conceptual research is related to abstract ideas or theories.
It is often used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or reinterpret existing ones.
Purpose: Developing and exploring abstract ideas or theories.
Focus: Theoretical concepts and philosophical exploration.
Examples: Philosophical inquiries, concept development, theory reinterpretation.
Empirical research relies on direct experience or observation, often without strict adherence to established theories or concepts.
It aims to generate data that can be verified through observation or experimentation.
Purpose: Gathering data and drawing conclusions based on observation or experiment.
Focus: Data-driven research, hypothesis testing, and experimentation.
Examples: Experimental research, surveys, observations.
In empirical research, researchers actively seek to manipulate variables to study their effects.
They control the experimental conditions to gather firsthand data.
In addition to the primary research approaches we’ve discussed, there are various other types of research that are variations or combinations of these approaches.
These variations are often based on the purpose of the research, the time required, the research environment, or other factors. Let’s explore some of these different types of research.