Research is an organized and systematic process of collecting and analysing data to generate new knowledge, identify problems, and test theories. Research is essential in all fields of study and aims to provide accurate and reliable information that can be used to make informed decisions, create new ideas, and solve problems.
There are several types of research that are classified based on research purpose, depth of scope, type of data, type of inference, and other factors. In this blog, we will explore the different types of research and provide examples to help you understand them better.
Types of Research based on Research Purpose:
1. Basic Research: Basic research, also known as pure research, is conducted to expand knowledge, and understanding of a particular subject or phenomenon without any immediate practical application. The aim of basic research is to explore new frontiers of knowledge, often driven by curiosity. For example, a study that examines the underlying mechanisms of gene expression in cells would be an example of basic research.
2. Applied Research: Applied research is conducted with a specific practical application or problem in mind. The goal of applied research is to solve real-world problems by applying existing knowledge to a particular context or situation. For example, a study that examines the effectiveness of a new medication for reducing symptoms of depression would be an example of applied research.
Types of Research based on Depth of Scope:
1. Exploratory Research: Exploratory research is used when the research topic is not well-defined, and there is limited information available. The goal of exploratory research is to gain insights and develop a better understanding of the research topic. For example, a study that explores the factors influencing consumer behavior towards eco-friendly products would be an example of exploratory research.
2. Descriptive Research: Descriptive research is used to describe a phenomenon or population. It aims to provide a detailed description of the research topic. For example, a study that examines the demographics and characteristics of a particular community would be an example of descriptive research.
3. Explanatory Research: Explanatory research is used to explain the relationship between variables. The goal of explanatory research is to identify the cause-and-effect relationship between variables. For example, a study that examines the effects of a new teaching method on student performance would be an example of explanatory research.
Types of Research based on Type of Data:
1. Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is used to explore and understand the meaning and experiences of people in their natural setting. It involves collecting data through methods such as interviews, observations, and focus groups. Qualitative research is often used to gain insights and develop theories. For example, a study that examines the experiences of women who have had breast cancer would be an example of qualitative research.
2. Quantitative Research: Quantitative research “involves collecting numerical data and analysing it using statistical methods”. It aims to measure and quantify the relationship between variables. Quantitative research is often used to test theories and make predictions. For example, a study that examines the effects of a new medication on blood pressure would be an example of quantitative research.
Types of Research based on Type of Inference:
1. Deductive Research: Deductive research starts with a theory or hypothesis and then collects data to test the theory. The goal of deductive research is to test a theory or hypothesis and draw a conclusion. For example, a study that tests the hypothesis that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease would be an example of deductive research.
2. Inductive Research: Inductive research starts with data and then uses the data to develop a theory or hypothesis. The goal of inductive research is to develop a theory or hypothesis and draw a conclusion. For example, a study that examines the effects of a new medication on blood pressure and then develops a hypothesis about how the medication works would be an example of inductive research
Types of Research based on Source of Information:
1. Primary Research: Primary research “involves collecting new data directly from the source through methods such as surveys, interviews, and observations. The data collected in primary research is original and specific to the research question”. For example, a study that conducts surveys to understand the factors that influence customer satisfaction with a product would be an example of primary research.
2. Secondary Research: Secondary research “involves using existing data that has been previously collected by someone else”. The data used in secondary research can be obtained from sources such as books, articles, government reports, and databases. For example, a study that analyses existing literature to understand the prevalence of a disease in a particular population would be an example of secondary research.
In conclusion, research is a critical tool used in various fields to generate new knowledge, solve problems, and make informed decisions. Understanding the different types of research can help researchers select appropriate methods and techniques to address their research questions effectively. By considering factors such as research purpose, depth of scope, type of data, type of inference, and source of information, researchers can design and conduct research that is rigorous, accurate, and reliable.
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