Types of Research

What is Research?

Research refers to the systematic investigation, study, or inquiry conducted to discover new knowledge, expand understanding, solve problems, or validate existing theories. It is a process of gathering information, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions to contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field.

Research typically involves the following key elements:

Purpose: Research is driven by a specific purpose or objective, such as exploring a new topic, answering a research question, testing a hypothesis, or addressing a problem or gap in knowledge.
Systematic approach: It follows a systematic and structured approach, involving the formulation of research questions or hypotheses, designing appropriate methodologies, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting the results.

Rigorous methodology: Research employs rigorous methods and techniques to ensure accuracy, reliability, and validity of the findings. The methodology can vary depending on the research type, such as qualitative or quantitative approaches.
Data collection and analysis: Researchers gather relevant data through various methods, which may include surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, or analysis of existing data. The collected data is then analyzed using appropriate analytical techniques to draw meaningful conclusions.
Contribution to knowledge: Research aims to generate new knowledge, contribute to existing theories, expand understanding, or provide practical insights that can be applied in real-world contexts. It often involves disseminating findings through publications, presentations, or other means to share discoveries with the scientific community or the public.

Research is conducted across various disciplines, including sciences, social sciences, humanities, engineering, and more. It plays a vital role in advancing knowledge, driving innovation, informing policy decisions, and solving complex problems in a wide range of fields.

The categorization depends on the following perspectives in general:

Application of research study

Objectives in undertaking the research
Inquiry mode employed for research

Classification of Research Based on Application

Research can be classified based on its application into two main categories: pure (or basic) research and applied (or decisional) research. Each category serves different objectives and employs distinct methodologies.

Pure / Basic / Fundamental Research: This category encompasses research aimed at exploring new aspects of a problem or issue for the first time. Pure research involves the development and testing of theories and hypotheses that are primarily intellectually stimulating. Its primary goal is to enhance theoretical understanding rather than to address immediate practical problems. The findings from pure research contribute to the broader scientific knowledge base, offering new insights and predictions for future studies. While the practical applications of pure research may not be immediately apparent, its theoretical advancements often lay the groundwork for subsequent applied research.
Applied / Decisional Research: This type of research builds upon the knowledge generated by pure research to address specific, practical issues. Applied research focuses on solving immediate problems, informing policy decisions, and developing new technologies. It typically involves descriptive or exploratory methods to understand and resolve practical challenges. Applied research is concerned with forecasting and assumes that the variables involved will remain relatively stable. For example, applied research might be used to devise solutions for a particular problem, improve administrative processes, or explore future advancements in technology.

Aspect	Basic Research	Applied Research
Objective and Purpose	Expands existing scientific knowledge; driven by curiosity and theoretical understanding.	Addresses specific, practical problems; aims to develop solutions for real-world applications.
Nature of Research	Primarily theoretical; explores and establishes new theories or concepts.	Practical orientation; uses existing theories to develop new technologies, methods, or techniques.
Scope of Applicability	Findings are generally universal and contribute broadly to scientific understanding.	Results are specific to the problem investigated; applicability is often limited to the immediate context.
Focus and Outcomes	Focuses on developing new knowledge and theories; outcomes include new insights and conceptual frameworks.	Focuses on practical outcomes and innovations; results include new technologies or solutions.
Goal and Contribution	Contributes to overall knowledge base and scientific theory; provides foundation for future research.	Provides solutions to specific problems; translates scientific knowledge into practical applications for immediate benefits.

Other Types of Research

Research can be further classified into several types based on various factors such as objectives, methodology, and nature. These classifications help in understanding the scope, approach, and application of research. Here are some key classifications:

Descriptive vs. Analytical Research:
- Descriptive Research: This type of research aims to describe the state of affairs as they exist at a particular time. It often involves surveys and fact-finding inquiries to gather information about a specific phenomenon without altering the variables. For example, ex post facto research studies, which report on factors identified without manipulating them, are used to document phenomena such as dining preferences or consumer behaviors. Descriptive research primarily uses survey methods, including comparative and correlational methods, to collect data and provide a detailed account of the observed conditions.
- Analytical Research: In contrast, analytical research involves evaluating and analyzing already available information or data. The focus is on critically assessing the material to draw conclusions or make informed judgments. This type of research builds upon existing data to provide deeper insights or to understand underlying patterns and relationships.

Applied vs. Fundamental Research:
- Applied Research: This research aims to address specific, practical problems and to find solutions that can be directly applied in real-world contexts. Applied research is concerned with solving immediate issues faced by societies or organizations, such as evaluating marketing strategies or assessing social trends. It is practical and solution-oriented, focusing on deriving actionable insights.
- Fundamental Research: Also known as basic or pure research, this type is focused on expanding general knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles. It seeks to develop theories and contribute to the scientific knowledge base without an immediate practical application. Fundamental research involves studying natural phenomena, mathematical concepts, or human behavior to form generalizations and theoretical frameworks.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research:
- Quantitative Research: This approach is concerned with measuring and quantifying phenomena. It involves the collection of numerical data that can be analyzed statistically to identify patterns, relationships, or trends. For example, measuring the number of room bookings through various channels, such as internet or phone calls, represents quantitative research.
- Qualitative Research: In contrast, qualitative research focuses on understanding the nature of phenomena through descriptive and non-numerical data. It explores aspects such as experiences, opinions, and behaviors in depth. For example, investigating stress levels and performance variations among hotel staff or examining changing customer preferences involves qualitative research, which provides insights into the underlying reasons and motivations.

Conceptual vs. Empirical Research:
- Conceptual Research: This research involves developing and refining theoretical concepts or ideas. It is often used by philosophers and theorists to explore and understand abstract notions or frameworks. Conceptual research is theoretical and aims to enhance understanding of existing concepts or to propose new theoretical perspectives.
- Empirical Research: This type of research is grounded in observation and experimentation. It involves collecting data through direct experience or experimentation to test hypotheses and verify conclusions. Empirical research, also known as experimental research, requires a systematic approach to gather evidence and validate findings through observation and experimentation. It provides robust support for hypotheses by demonstrating how variables interact with each other.

Classification of Research Based on objectives

Research can be classified based on its objectives into four main types: descriptive, correlational, explanatory, and exploratory. Each type serves a distinct purpose and utilizes different approaches to address research questions.

Descriptive Research: This type of research aims to systematically describe a situation, phenomenon, or problem. It focuses on answering questions such as who, what, when, where, and how. Descriptive research is used to collect quantifiable information that can be statistically analyzed, providing a detailed account of a subject or issue. For instance, it might involve detailing the changes in budget allocations during a meeting to clarify decisions made. This research type does not manipulate variables but observes and describes them as they naturally occur. Its conclusive nature provides a clear depiction of the research subject.
Correlational Research: Correlational research involves measuring the statistical relationship between two or more variables without experimental manipulation. The goal is to discover or establish the existence of a relationship or interdependence between variables. For example, this research might examine the relationship between the loudness of a bell and the proximity of an ice cream vendor. By identifying how changes in one variable are associated with changes in another, correlational research helps understand patterns and connections between variables.

Explanatory Research: The primary purpose of explanatory research is to explain why certain events occur. It aims to build, extend, or test theories by presenting and showcasing existing knowledge. This type of research often involves detailed investigation to understand the underlying reasons for observed phenomena. For instance, it might explore factors contributing to customer satisfaction or model variables influencing consumer behavior shifts. Explanatory research helps clarify the mechanisms behind observed patterns and contributes to theory development.
Exploratory Research: Exploratory research is conducted when a problem is not well-defined or understood. It seeks to explore new areas and generate insights that can guide future research. This type of research is used to establish priorities, develop operational definitions, and refine research designs. For example, a fast food outlet owner might use exploratory research to gather information about local competition and customer preferences before making menu changes. This research type often involves flexible methods and is open to evolving as new data emerges.

Classification of Research Based on Inquiry Mode

Research can be classified based on its inquiry mode into two primary approaches: structured and unstructured. Each approach serves distinct purposes and employs different methodologies to gather and analyze data.

Structured Approach: Often associated with quantitative research, the structured approach involves a predefined research process. In this approach, all elements of the study—including objectives, design, sample, and questions—are predetermined before data collection begins. This approach is useful for quantifying aspects of a problem or phenomenon, such as measuring how many people have a specific issue or hold a particular attitude. For example, a structured survey asking restaurant patrons to rate their satisfaction with various dishes is a typical application of this approach. It enables researchers to obtain numerical data that can be analyzed statistically to determine the extent and distribution of a particular problem or opinion.
Unstructured Approach: This approach is commonly associated with qualitative research. It provides flexibility throughout the research process, allowing for adjustments as new insights emerge. The unstructured approach is suitable for exploring and describing the nature of a problem or phenomenon without quantifying it. Its primary goal is to understand variations in a situation, such as documenting different opinions about an issue or describing working conditions in an industry. For instance, if a hotel guest complains about an uncomfortable room and requests a discount, an unstructured approach would involve empathetically investigating the guest’s concerns and gathering detailed qualitative feedback about their experience.
Combining Approaches: In many studies, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding. For example, to assess the types of cuisine available in a city and their popularity, a researcher might use qualitative methods to describe the different types of cuisine and their cultural significance. Simultaneously, quantitative methods would be employed to measure the popularity of these cuisines by estimating the number of patrons and analyzing other relevant indicators.

Descriptive vs Analytical

Descriptive and analytical are two approaches or methods commonly used in various fields to examine and interpret information or data. While they have some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics and purposes. Let’s explore each approach in more detail:

Descriptive Approach: The descriptive approach focuses on providing a detailed account or summary of the observed facts, characteristics, or phenomena. It aims to objectively describe and present information in a clear and understandable manner without necessarily seeking deeper explanations or interpretations. Descriptive analysis typically involves organizing and summarizing data, calculating basic statistics (such as mean, median, and mode), and creating visual representations (such as charts, graphs, or tables) to present the findings.Examples of descriptive analysis:
- Summarizing demographic data by calculating percentages, averages, or frequencies.
- Creating a pie chart to display the distribution of different product categories in a sales dataset.
- Describing the key features and trends observed in a dataset without providing explanations for why they occur.
Analytical Approach: The analytical approach focuses on examining data or information to gain insights, discover patterns, establish relationships, and provide explanations or interpretations of the observed phenomena. It involves a deeper investigation into the underlying causes, reasons, or factors that contribute to the observed outcomes or trends. Analytical analysis often employs various techniques, such as statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and data mining, to uncover meaningful insights and support decision-making processes.Examples of analytical analysis:
- Conducting a regression analysis to determine the impact of advertising expenditure on sales revenue.
- Using inferential statistics to test hypotheses about the relationship between two variables.
- Applying data mining techniques to discover patterns or associations in a large dataset and derive actionable insights.

Aspects	Descriptive Approach	Analytical Approach
Purpose	To provide a detailed account or summary of observed facts or phenomena.	To gain insights, discover patterns, establish relationships, and provide explanations or interpretations.
Focus	Presenting information objectively and clearly.	Investigating underlying causes, reasons, or factors.
Analysis Methods	Organizing and summarizing data, calculating basic statistics, creating visual representations.	Statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, data mining.
Examples	– Summarizing demographic data using percentages, averages, or frequencies. – Creating charts or graphs to display data distributions. – Describing key features and trends in a dataset.	– Conducting regression analysis to determine the impact of variables. – Using inferential statistics to test hypotheses. – Applying data mining techniques to discover patterns or associations.

Applied vs Basic

“Applied” and “basic” are terms often used to describe different levels or types of knowledge, skills, or research approaches in various fields. Let’s explore the characteristics and distinctions between applied and basic in the context of knowledge and research:

Applied: Applied knowledge or research refers to the practical use or application of existing knowledge, theories, or methodologies to address real-world problems or challenges. It focuses on utilizing knowledge and techniques to solve specific problems, develop practical solutions, or improve processes or systems. Applied research often involves collaboration with industry or stakeholders and aims to produce actionable outcomes that can be directly implemented or applied in practice.Characteristics of applied knowledge or research:
- Practical and problem-solving orientation.
- Emphasis on real-world application.
- Utilization of existing knowledge and methodologies.
- Collaboration with stakeholders or industry partners.
- Aim to produce tangible and actionable outcomes.
Basic (also known as fundamental or pure): Basic knowledge or research, on the other hand, refers to the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, without immediate or direct application to practical problems or specific contexts. It focuses on expanding the fundamental understanding of phenomena, exploring new theories or concepts, and contributing to the existing knowledge base. Basic research often involves theoretical or conceptual investigations, experimentation, and exploration of uncharted areas.Characteristics of basic knowledge or research:
- Pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.
- Exploration of theoretical or conceptual aspects.
- Focus on expanding fundamental understanding.
- Independence from immediate practical applications.
- Aim to contribute to the knowledge base.

Qualitative vs Quantitative

Aspects	Applied	Basic	Descriptive Approach	Analytical Approach
Knowledge	Practical, focused on solving real-world problems.	Theoretical, exploring fundamental concepts and understanding.	Provides a detailed account or summary of observed facts or phenomena.	Gains insights, discovers patterns, establishes relationships, and provides explanations or interpretations.
Research	Utilizes existing knowledge and methodologies for practical applications.	Pursues new theories or concepts without immediate practical applications.	Organizes and summarizes data, calculates basic statistics, creates visual representations.	Utilizes statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, data mining.
Orientation	Problem-solving and real-world application.	Knowledge expansion and theoretical exploration.	Presents information objectively and clearly.	Investigates underlying causes, reasons, or factors.
Collaboration	Often involves collaboration with industry or stakeholders.	Independent pursuit of knowledge.	N/A	N/A
Outcomes	Produces actionable solutions for implementation.	Contributes to the knowledge base and theoretical advancements.	Provides a clear and comprehensive summary of observed facts or phenomena.	Uncovers meaningful insights and supports decision-making processes.

Conceptual vs Empirical

“Conceptual” and “empirical” are terms used to describe different types of research or approaches in various fields. Let’s explore the characteristics and distinctions between conceptual and empirical research:

Conceptual: Conceptual research is based on theoretical or conceptual frameworks. It focuses on developing new theories, models, or concepts and exploring the relationships between ideas or constructs. Conceptual research often involves literature reviews, theoretical analysis, and conceptual frameworks to propose new ideas or explanations. It aims to advance knowledge and understanding by refining or developing theoretical frameworks without necessarily involving empirical data collection or experimentation.Characteristics of conceptual research:
- Focuses on theoretical or conceptual frameworks.
- Involves literature reviews and theoretical analysis.
- Develops new theories, models, or concepts.
- Explores relationships between ideas or constructs.
- Does not rely on empirical data collection.
Empirical: Empirical research is based on the collection and analysis of empirical data from observations, experiments, or surveys. It aims to gather evidence and test hypotheses or research questions through systematic data collection and analysis. Empirical research can involve quantitative or qualitative methods, depending on the nature of the research questions. It focuses on gathering real-world data to validate or refute theories, generate new insights, or provide evidence-based conclusions.Characteristics of empirical research:
- Relies on the collection and analysis of empirical data.
- Involves observations, experiments, surveys, or interviews.
- Tests hypotheses or research questions.
- Can employ quantitative or qualitative methods.
- Seeks to generate evidence-based conclusions.

Aspects	Conceptual	Empirical	Descriptive Approach	Analytical Approach
Research	Focuses on theoretical or conceptual frameworks.	Relies on the collection and analysis of empirical data.	Provides a detailed account or summary of observed facts or phenomena.	Gains insights, discovers patterns, establishes relationships, and provides explanations or interpretations.
Methods	Literature reviews, theoretical analysis, development of new theories or concepts.	Observations, experiments, surveys, interviews to collect empirical data.	Organizes and summarizes data, calculates basic statistics, creates visual representations.	Utilizes statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, data mining.
Purpose	Refine or develop theoretical frameworks, explore relationships between ideas.	Test hypotheses, validate theories, generate new insights.	Presents information objectively and clearly.	Investigates underlying causes, reasons, or factors.
Data	Does not rely on empirical data collection.	Relies on empirical data collected through observations or experiments.	Provides a clear and comprehensive summary of observed facts or phenomena.	Uncovers meaningful insights and supports decision-making processes.
Approach	Theoretical analysis and development of new concepts.	Systematic data collection and analysis to gather evidence.	N/A	N/A

Survey vs Experimental

“Survey” and “experimental” are two common research methods used in various fields to gather data and gain insights. Let’s explore the characteristics and distinctions between survey and experimental research:

Survey: Survey research involves collecting data by asking individuals a series of questions designed to gather information about their opinions, behaviors, attitudes, or characteristics. Surveys are typically conducted using questionnaires or interviews, and they aim to capture a representative sample of the target population. Survey research focuses on obtaining self-reported data from participants and can be used to explore relationships, trends, or patterns among variables of interest.Characteristics of survey research:
- Involves collecting data through questionnaires or interviews.
- Focuses on self-reported information from participants.
- Aims to capture a representative sample of the target population.
- Used to gather data on opinions, behaviors, attitudes, or characteristics.
- Can explore relationships, trends, or patterns among variables.

Experimental: Experimental research involves the manipulation of variables in a controlled setting to determine cause-and-effect relationships. In experimental studies, researchers actively intervene and assign participants to different conditions or treatments. They then observe and measure the effects of these manipulations on the dependent variable(s). Experimental research aims to establish causal relationships and understand the impact of specific variables by controlling for other factors that could influence the outcome.Characteristics of experimental research:
- Involves manipulating variables and observing the effects.
- Controlled setting with active interventions by researchers.
- Participants are assigned to different conditions or treatments.
- Focuses on determining cause-and-effect relationships.
- Aims to establish causal relationships by controlling for confounding factors.

Aspects	Survey	Experimental	Descriptive Approach	Analytical Approach
Research	Involves collecting data through questionnaires or interviews.	Involves manipulating variables and observing the effects.	Provides a detailed account or summary of observed facts or phenomena.	Gains insights, discovers patterns, establishes relationships, and provides explanations or interpretations.
Methods	Questionnaires, interviews to gather self-reported data.	Controlled settings with active interventions and manipulation of variables.	Organizes and summarizes data, calculates basic statistics, creates visual representations.	Utilizes statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, data mining.
Purpose	Capture information about opinions, behaviors, attitudes, or characteristics.	Determine cause-and-effect relationships, establish causal links.	Presents information objectively and clearly.	Investigates underlying causes, reasons, or factors.
Data	Self-reported information from participants.	Controlled manipulation of variables and observations.	Provides a clear and comprehensive summary of observed facts or phenomena.	Uncovers meaningful insights and supports decision-making processes.
Approach	Capturing data through surveys or interviews.	Manipulating variables and observing effects.	N/A	N/A

What is Research?