Explanatory, Descriptive and Exploratory Research.pptx

It explain about classifications of research based on Purpose

1. Classification of Research Research can be classified by its purpose , its process and its outcomes. Exploratory Descriptive Analytical Quantitative Qualitative Applied Basic/Pure / Fundamental Action Process Purpose Outcome

2. 1. Exploratory Research This is conducted when there are few or no earlier studies to which references can be made for information. The aim is to look for patterns, ideas or hypotheses rather than testing or confirming a hypotheses. In exploratory research the focus is on gaining insights and familiarity with the subject area for more rigorous investigation later.

3. Cont …d It provides insights into and comprehension of an issue or situation for more rigorous investigation later Is conducted because a problem has not been clearly defined (when new project is started) Exploratory research relies on:- Secondary research (literature reviews, etc) Qualitative approach (informal discussions, focus group discussions, pilot studies, case studies) The results are not usually helpful for decision making

4. Goal of Exploratory Research The researcher’s goal is to formulate more precise questions that future research can answer . Specifically, Become familiar with the basic facts, setting, and concerns; Develop well grounded picture of the situation; Develop tentative theories; generate new ideas, conjectures, or hypotheses; Determine the feasibility of conducting the study; Formulate questions and refine issues for more systematic inquiry; and Develop techniques and a sense of direction for future research.

5. Strengths of Exploratory Research Explanatory research is designed to establish causal relationships between variables, providing a deeper understanding of the factors influencing a phenomenon (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). The insights gained from explanatory research can be used to make predictions about future outcomes. Example: By identifying key factors influencing customer churn in a telecommunications company, explanatory research can help predict and mitigate future customer attrition.

6. weaknesses of Exploratory Research Explanatory research is often more complex and resource-intensive than descriptive research due to the need to manipulate variables and control for confounding factors (Creswell & Creswell, 2017 ). Some explanatory research designs involve manipulating variables, raising ethical concerns , especially when interventions may have potential negative consequences . Example: A study testing the impact of different teaching methods on student performance may raise ethical concerns if certain students receive less effective teaching.

7. weaknesses of Exploratory Research Explanatory research often focuses on specific contexts, limiting the generalizability of findings to broader populations or settings ( Bryman , 2016 ). For Example : Findings from a study on consumer behavior in a particular geographic region may not be applicable to a global market.

8. 2. Descriptive Research This describe phenomenon as they exist. It is used to identify and obtain information on the characteristics of a particular issue. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists at present. in social sciences we quite often use the term Ex post facto research for descriptive research studies. The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; s/he can only report what has happened or what is happening.

9. Contd….. Most ex post facto research projects are used for descriptive studies in which researcher seek to measure such items as frequency of something, preferences of something, or similar data. Ex post facto research also include attempt by researchers to discover cause even when they cannot control the variables. the method of research utilized in descriptive research are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative and correlational method.

10. Goals of Descriptive Research Describe the situation in terms of its characteristics i.e. provide an accurate profile of a group; Give a verbal or numerical picture (%) of the situation; Present background information; Create a set of categories or classify the information; Clarify sequence, set of stages; and Focus on ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘when,’ ‘where,’ and ‘how’ but not why? A great deal of social research is descriptive. Descriptive researchers use most data gathering techniques – surveys, field research, and content analysis.

11. In short, Descriptive Research : Is set out to describe and interpret what is. The goal is to describe some aspects of phenomenon and help to understand a topic and lead to casual analysis The common research methods involved in this category are:- Surveys Correlation studies Observation studies Case studies

12. Strengths of Descriptive Research Provides Detailed Information, It enables the comparison of different groups, variables, or time points, facilitating a deeper understanding of patterns and trends. For example: Comparing sales figures across different regions or quarters can reveal insights into market trends. Descriptive research is valuable for establishing baselines or benchmarks, which can be crucial for monitoring changes over time. For instance, a study measuring employee engagement levels can establish a baseline for future assessments of organizational initiatives.

13. Weaknesses of Descriptive Research Descriptive research is not designed to establish causal relationships between variables . There is a risk of biases in descriptive research, especially if data collection methods are not carefully designed . Descriptive research, by its nature, may not probe deeply into the underlying reasons for observed patterns. For Example, a study reporting average income levels across different regions may not explore the specific economic factors contributing to disparities.

14. 3 . Explanatory Research The purpose is to explain and desire to know “why” The continuation of descriptive research and builds on exploratory and descriptive research The explanatory or analytical research aims to understand phenomena by discovering and measuring casual relations among them The two types are:- Experimental research Ex-post facto research (after the fact)

15. Explanatory Research ( contd …) This is continuation of descriptive research. The researcher goes beyond merely describing the characteristics, to analyze and explain why and how something is happening. Thus, analytical research aims to understand phenomenon by discovering and measuring casual relationship among them. In this research, the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.

16. Goal of Explanatory Research Explain things not just reporting. Why? Elaborate and enrich a theory’s explanation. Determine which of several explanations is best. Determine the accuracy of the theory; test a theory’s predictions or principle. Advance knowledge about underlying process. Build and elaborate a theory; elaborate and enrich a theory’s predictions or principle. Extend a theory or principle to new areas, new issues, new topics Provide evidence to support or refute an explanation or prediction.

17. Strengths of Explanatory Research i. Generates Insights : effective in generating insights and understanding a phenomenon in depth. iii. Flexibility: The flexibility of exploratory research allows researchers to adapt their methods based on emerging findings. iii. Identifies Research Questions: Exploratory research aids in formulating key research questions and hypotheses for subsequent studies.

18. Weaknesses of Explanatory Research Limited Generalizability: Due to its qualitative nature and often small sample sizes, findings from exploratory research may lack generalizability (Creswell & Creswell, 2017) ii. Subjectivity iii. Lack of Causation: Exploratory research is not designed to establish causation; it identifies associations and patterns without proving cause-and-effect relationships.

19. Summary Descriptive research – describes or defines a particular phenomenon Explanatory research – explains why particular phenomena work in the way that they do, answers “why” questions Exploratory research – conducted during the early stages of a project, usually when a researcher wants to test the feasibility of conducting a more extensive study.

20. Thank you!