Types of research

Introduction, Meaning, Nature and Types of Research with Examples

1. Research Methodology Types of Research Dr. D. Heena Cowsar Assistant Professor of Commerce Bon Secours College for Women

2. What is meant by Research? Research  is " creative  and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of  knowledge , including knowledge of humans, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications .“ Research may be very broadly defined as systematic gathering of data and information and its analysis for advancement of knowledge in any subject. Research attempts to find answer intellectual and practical questions through application of systematic methods.

3. Definition Research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon. Research involves inductive and deductive methods .” - Earl Robert Babbie Inductive research methods are used to analyze an observed event . Eg . Crime patrol Deductive methods are used to verify the observed event. Eg . Forensic report Inductive approaches are associated with  qualitative research  and deductive methods are more commonly associated with  quantitative research.

4. Nature of Research A systematic approach must be followed for accurate data . Rules and procedures are an integral part of the process that set the objective. Researchers need to practice ethics and a code of conduct while making observations or drawing conclusions . Research is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and deductive methods. The data or knowledge that is derived is in real time from actual observations in natural settings. There is an in-depth analysis of all data collected so that there are no variances associated with it.

5. Cont… Research creates a path for generating new questions . Existing data helps create more opportunities for research. Research is analytical in nature . It makes use of all the available data so that there is no ambiguity in inference . Accuracy is one of the most important aspects of research. The information that is obtained should be accurate and true to its nature . For example, laboratories provide a controlled environment to collect data. Accuracy is measured in the instruments used, the calibrations of instruments or tools, and the final result of the experiment.

6. Types of research Descriptive versus Analytical Research Applied versus Fundamental Research Qualitative versus Quantitative Research Conceptual versus Empirical Research

7. Descriptive versus Analytical Research Descriptive research consists of surveys and fact-finding inquiries to ascertain the nature of something as it exists. It is applied to obtain the information concerning the current phenomena eg ., describe animals in forest, accident of bus crashes Purpose of this method is to describe what exist with respect to situational variable . When we do descriptive result in social science and business research, we use the term Ex post facto research for descriptive research work. The main feature of this method is that the researcher doesn’t have control over the variables; he can only report things like what has happened or what is happening . Survey research, case study, Correlational study, survey study are the methods of Descriptive study.

8. Analytical research is concerned with determining validity of hypothesis based on analysis of facts collected . Eg ., chemistry experiments. It is an in-depth study and evaluation of available information in an attempt to explain complex phenomenon. The researcher has to use facts or information already available and analyse these to make a critical evaluation of the materials. Eg ., Business loss Rs. 100000 Historical, Philosophical, review and research synthesis are the methods of applied research Descriptive versus Analytical Research

9. Applied versus Fundamental Research Applied research is carried out to find answers to practical problems to be solved and as an aid in decision making in different areas including product design, process design and policy making . Eg ., ICE cream production, political survey It focuses on analyzing and solving real-life problems . This type refers to the study that helps solve practical problems using scientific methods . Studies play an important role in solving issues that impact the overall well-being of humans. For example: finding a medicine or vaccine to cure for a Novel corona disease. It is also known as action research . Its sub types are Marketing & Evaluation research

10. Fundamental research is carried out as more to satisfy intellectual curiosity , than with the intention of using the research findings for any immediate practical application . It is also known as basic or pure research and defined as data collected to enhance knowledge . The main motivation is knowledge expansion. It is a non-commercial research that doesn’t facilitate in creating or inventing anything. For example: an experiment to determine a simple fact. Applied versus Fundamental Research

11. Qualitative versus Quantitative Research Qualitative research studies such aspects of the research subject which are not quantifiable , and hence not subject to measurement and quantitative analysis . It is non-numerical, descriptive , applies reasoning and uses words. Its aim is to get the meaning, feeling and describe the situation. Qualitative data cannot be graphed . It is exploratory . It investigates the why and how of decision making.

12. Quantitative research makes substantial use of measurements and quantitative analysis techniques. It is numerical, non-descriptive , applies statistics or mathematics and uses numbers. It is an iterative process whereby evidence is evaluated . The results are often presented in tables and graphs. It is conclusive. It investigates the what, where and when of decision making. Qualitative versus Quantitative Research

13. Conceptual versus Empirical Research Conceptual research is involves investigation of thoughts and ideas and developing new ideas or interpreting the old ones based on logical reasoning . It is related to some abstract or idea or theory. It develops the new concept or reinterpret the existing ones. Finally it attempt to establish cause & effect relationship. It is also called Experimental research.

14. Empirical research is based on firm verifiable data collected by either observation of facts under natural condition or obtained through experimentation . Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone . It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiments. Eg ., Doctors treatment Empirical research  is based on observed and measured phenomena and derives knowledge from actual experience rather than from theory or belief . Conceptual versus Empirical Research