The Five Major Types of Research
Research can be categorized into different types based on its purpose and objectives. Understanding these types helps determine the approach, methodology, and expected outcomes of a study.
Depending on the nature of the study, research papers require different types of research designs. Here are the major types of research by purpose:
Type 1: Fundamental Research
Fundamental research, also known as basic or pure research, is conducted to increase understanding of fundamental principles. It is driven by curiosity and a desire to expand knowledge without immediate practical applications.
The further 2 subtypes of fundamental research are:
Theoretical Research | Experimental Research |
Focuses on developing theories and abstract concepts. | Involves conducting experiments to test hypotheses and theories |
The following research methodologies are utilized to conduct fundamental research:
- Theoretical Analysis
- Laboratory Experiments
- Mathematical Modeling
Example Methodology:
Theoretical Analysis: This involves developing and analyzing mathematical models and theories to understand fundamental principles. For instance, theoretical physicists might use mathematical models to explore the properties of black holes. |
Type 2: Applied Research
Applied research is aimed at solving specific practical problems. It uses the knowledge gained from basic research to address real-world issues and develop new products or technologies. In healthcare, engineering, education, business, and social sciences, applied research drives progress by addressing our world's immediate needs and challenges.
Here are some subtypes of applied research:
Clinical Research | Technological Research | Policy Research |
Involves studies conducted to assess medical treatments and interventions. | Focuses on the development of new technologies and innovations. | Aims to provide data and insights to inform policy decisions and implementations. |
For applied research, the most practiced research methods are:
- Field Experiments
- Product Development Research
- Clinical Trials
Example Methodology:
Clinical Trials: These are structured experiments conducted with human subjects to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of medical treatments. For example, clinical trials are used to test new drugs for treating diseases. |
Type 3: Exploratory Research
Exploratory research is conducted to explore a research topic or issue that is not well understood. It helps to gather preliminary data and insights, which can be used to define problems, generate hypotheses, and establish research priorities.
Exploratory research helps researchers formulate questions and hypotheses for further investigation.
Exploratory research can be further divided into the following subtypes:
Literature Review | Case Study | Pilot Study |
Involves reviewing existing literature to gather information and identify gaps. | Detailed examination of a single case or a small number of cases. | Small-scale preliminary research study conducted to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, and adverse events. |
Generally, we conduct exploratory research using:
- Literature Reviews
- Focus Groups
- Pilot Studies
Example Methodology:
Focus Groups: This involves gathering a small group of people to discuss a topic or issue in depth to gain preliminary insights and identify potential research questions. For instance, marketers might use focus groups to explore consumer attitudes toward a new product. |
Type 4: Descriptive Research
Descriptive research aims to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. It does not answer questions about how/when/why the characteristics occurred but rather addresses the "what" question.
Without manipulating the variables under study this approach is used to provide a snapshot of the current state of affairs.
Descriptive research can be categorized into:
Survey Research | Observational Research | Cross-sectional Research |
Uses questionnaires or interviews to collect data from a large number of respondents. | Involves observing and recording behaviors and events in their natural settings. | Analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time. |
Several research methods are used to perform descriptive research, such as:
- Surveys
- Observational Studies
- Case Studies
Example Methodology:
Surveys: This methodology involves collecting data from a large number of respondents using questionnaires or interviews to describe characteristics or opinions of a population. For example, a survey might be conducted to understand the demographic profile of voters in an election. |
Type 5: Explanatory Research
Explanatory research seeks to explain the reasons behind a phenomenon. It aims to identify causal relationships and mechanisms that underpin observed patterns and outcomes.
Here are the subtypes of explanatory research:
Experimental Research | Longitudinal Research | Regression Analysis |
Involves manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships. | Studies the same variables over an extended period to observe changes and developments. | Statistical method used to identify the relationships between variables. |
The most commonly used methodologies in explanatory-type research are:
- Controlled Experiments
- Longitudinal Studies
- Regression Analysis
Example Methodology:
Controlled Experiments: This involves manipulating one or more variables to determine their effect on a dependent variable, and establishing cause-and-effect relationships. For instance, a psychologist might conduct a controlled experiment to study the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance. |
10 Additional Research Types
Besides the main types of research, there are many other kinds that serve different needs and situations. Here are ten more important research types to know about:
Action Research
Action research involves actively engaging with stakeholders to identify and address practical problems or challenges in real-world settings. It emphasizes collaboration and participatory approaches to problem-solving.
Example:
A school district conducts action research to improve student engagement. Teachers collaborate with researchers to implement and assess new teaching strategies, adjusting their approach based on feedback and outcomes. |
Ethnography
Ethnography involves immersing oneself in a particular culture or social group to understand their behaviors, beliefs, and practices. Researchers often spend extended periods of time in the field, observing and participating in daily activities.
Example:
An anthropologist conducts ethnographic research in a remote village to understand the community's social structure and cultural practices. They live with the villagers for several months, participating in daily activities and rituals. |
Phenomenology
Phenomenology focuses on understanding human experiences and perceptions of phenomena. It seeks to uncover the essence of lived experiences by exploring the subjective meanings individuals attribute to their experiences.
Example:
An anthropologist conducts ethnographic research in a remote village to understand the community's social structure and cultural practices. They live with the villagers for several months, participating in daily activities and rituals. |
Grounded Theory
Grounded theory is an inductive research approach used to develop theories or explanations based on empirical evidence and data. It involves systematically analyzing qualitative data to identify patterns and generate hypotheses, which are then refined through iterative data collection and analysis.
Example:
A sociologist employs grounded theory to investigate the process of identity formation among teenagers. By analyzing interview data, the researcher develops a theory about the stages and influences involved in this process. |
Quasi-experimental Research
Quasi-experimental research shares similarities with experimental research, but lacks the random assignment of participants to experimental and control groups. Instead, researchers take advantage of naturally occurring groups or conditions to study the effects of interventions or treatments.
Example:
A public health researcher uses quasi-experimental design to evaluate the impact of a new anti-smoking campaign. They compare smoking rates between two similar cities, one with the campaign and one without, to determine its effectiveness. |
Case Study
Case study research involves in-depth examination of a single case or a small number of cases to gain insights into a particular phenomenon, context, or problem. It often employs multiple data sources and analysis methods to provide rich and detailed descriptions.
Example:
A business researcher conducts a case study of a successful startup to understand its growth strategies. The study involves interviews with the founders, analysis of company records, and observation of daily operations. |
Cross-sectional Research
Cross-sectional research involves collecting data from a sample of individuals or groups at a single point in time to examine relationships, characteristics, or trends within a population. It provides a snapshot of a population at a specific moment.
Example:
A sociologist conducts a cross-sectional survey to examine the relationship between education level and political attitudes. Data is collected from a diverse group of individuals at one point in time to identify any correlations. |
Longitudinal Research
Longitudinal research focuses on studying the same individuals or groups over an extended period to observe changes, developments, or patterns of behavior over time. It allows researchers to track trajectories and identify causal relationships.
Example:
A developmental psychologist conducts a longitudinal study on child development by tracking the same group of children from infancy to adolescence. The study aims to observe changes in cognitive and social skills over time. |
Survey Research
Survey research starts with collecting data from a large number of respondents through standardized survey methods such as questionnaires or interviews. It is commonly used to gather information about attitudes, opinions, behaviors, or characteristics within a population.
Example:
A marketing firm uses survey research to understand consumer preferences for a new product. They distribute online questionnaires to a large sample of potential customers to gather data on their opinions and purchasing behavior. |
Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis involves statistically combining the results of multiple independent studies on a particular topic. The aim is to provide a more comprehensive and reliable estimate of the overall effect size or relationship.
Example:
A medical researcher conducts a meta-analysis of various clinical trials to determine the overall effectiveness of a new drug. By combining data from multiple studies, they provide a more comprehensive assessment of the drug's efficacy. |
Types of Research Methods
The number of research methods can vary depending on how they are categorized, but generally, they can be grouped into several broad categories. Here are some commonly recognized types of research methodologies:
Quantitative Research Methods
Quantitative research methods focus on gathering numerical data and applying statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. These methods are used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other defined variables – and to generalize results from a larger sample population.
Key Characteristics:
- Structured data collection methods
- Large sample sizes
- Statistical analysis
- Objective measurements
Here are some common quantitative research methods:
- Surveys/Questionnaires
- Experiments
- Longitudinal Studies
- Correlational Research
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Secondary Data Analysis
Qualitative Research Methods
Qualitative research methods focus on exploring phenomena and gaining an understanding of people's experiences, behaviors, and interactions. These methods gather non-numerical data and are used to gain insights into the underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations.
Key Characteristics:
- Unstructured or semi-structured data collection methods
- Small, non-random samples
- Thematic analysis
- Subjective interpretation
Here are some common qualitative research methods:
- Interviews
- Focus Groups
- Case Studies
- Observations
- Content Analysis
Mixed Methods Research
Mixed methods research is an approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem. By blending the strengths of both approaches, mixed methods can offer richer insights and a better grasp of complex research findings.
Key Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research:
- Combination of Quantitative and Qualitative Data
- Sequential or Concurrent Designs
- Triangulation
- Enhanced Understanding
To sum it up, understanding different types of research is important for researchers and students. Each type, like fundamental, applied, qualitative, and quantitative, has its own purpose and provides useful insights. Different types of research approaches taken will also require different types of research paper outlines as well.
Choosing the right type of research depends on what you want to achieve. Fundamental research helps us understand basic principles, while applied research solves practical problems.
Knowing these methods helps you design good studies and find valuable results. Whether you're studying behavior, testing a product, or exploring social issues, picking the right approach is key to getting meaningful results.
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