TYPES OF RESEARCH

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs, as it exists at present. In social sciences and business research the term Ex post facto research is used for descriptive research studies. The main feature of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; he can only report what has happened or what is happening. For e.g. frequency of shopping, preferences of people, etc.

ANALYTICAL RESEARCH

In analytical research, the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.

      APPLIED RESEARCH

Applied (or action) research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem. Research to identify social, economic or political trends affecting a particular institution, evaluation research studies, etc. are examples of applied research.

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH

Fundamental (basic or pure) research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Accumulating knowledge for the sake of knowledge is termed as ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research. For e.g. research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics.

           QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH  

Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon i.e. phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind.

CONCEPTUAL RESEARCH

Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.

EMPIRICAL RESEARCH

Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions, which are capable of being verified, by observation or experiment. It is also called an experimental research.

CLINICAL RESEARCH OR DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH

This type of research follows case-study methods or in-depth approaches to research or find out about a particular problem.

EXPLORATORY RESEARCH

Here the objective is the development of hypothesis / hypotheses in order to explore (find out about) certain events or conditions prevalent.

HISTORICAL RESEARCH

This research utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc. to study events or ideas of the past, including the philosophy of persons and groups at any remote point of time.