Types of Research

 

Types of Research

Research is a multidimensional activity. It comes in various forms and is used in all social, behavioral, educational, economical and management sciences. According to the approach and method involved in a research, one can classify the following types of research.

1.     Descriptive v/s Analytical research - Descriptive research basically describes what is. It mainly involves collection, recording, describing and analyzing the facts related to the study. It tries to find the existing status, trend and state of affairs in a phenomenon. Descriptive research involves surveys, but they are not merely data collection as they also involve measurement, classification, analysis, comparison and interpretation. In this type of research the variable under study are uncontrollable. One can only observe and report what is happening in a situation. Analytical research, on the other hand deals with what will be. In this type of research, the variables involved are carefully and scientifically controlled and manipulated. Analytical research is also known as experimental research and is a very sophisticated technique. This kind of research is based on four important characteristics namely; control, manipulation, observation and replication

2.     Applied v/s Fundamental research - Applied research is action oriented or solution oriented. The main goal of an applied research is to obtain an immediate, specific and practical solution of a problem that a business organization is facing right now. It gives here and now solutions in actual problem situations. It involves scientific investigations but the methods are not so rigorous as in fundamental research. It finds solutions to be applied in local environment and they may not be universally acceptable. Applied research does not promise to add new knowledge to the discipline. Fundamental research is carried out to scientifically enhance the organized body of knowledge of a discipline. Also know as basic research, it is concerned with formulation of theory and generalizations of principles. To evaluate and expand a formulated theory it may use empirical data. Basic research involves systematic, highly sophisticated scientific techniques. Fundamental research may not suggest the solutions of immediate problems, it rather draws long term conclusions.

3.     Quantitative v/s Qualitative research - Quantitative research is based on quantitative variables, which can be measured in appropriate units. These involve objects and individuals that vary in size, quantity, amount, scale or degree. For example, prices of commodity can be measured in rupees, weight of a product is measured in kilograms and the mileage of vehicle is measured in kilometers per liter. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is based on qualitative variables, which vary in quality of type. These variables cannot be measured on a scale or in any units. Social scientists use qualitative research for studying human behaviour. In market research surveys qualitative research is carried out to investigate the likes and dislikes of customers. It helps in understanding the current pattern of demand of a company’s products.

4.     Conceptual v/s Empirical research - Conceptual research involves the development of new theories, abstract ideas, and generalized principles. Philosophers, intellectuals and thinkers carry out this kind of research. On the basis of their conceptual knowledge they build theoretical models. Conceptual research is an intellectual process to develop and verify knowledge. Empirical research is based on observation and experimentation. The information collected in the form of facts develops the conclusions and theories about a phenomenon. The models, so developed, can again be verified by a replication of data collection. To test a given hypothesis empirical research is most popular and powerful tool in the modern world.

5.     Other types of research - Any research study is derivation of one or the other of above four types of research. One can further classify a research on the basis of its purpose, time taken and the discipline of knowledge it relates to. For example, Historical research is the study of past events, historical documents, remains and relics. Clinical research is employed to study the effects of a new drug. Market research is performed to forecast the potential demand of a product. One- time research is carried out on a small scale in short period with a specific purpose. Educational research is directed towards the study and development of educational system. Social research is concerned with the social problems of the society. Field research is done by going out in the field or market, where as Laboratory research is carried out with in four walls of a laboratory. 

             Pankaj Mandape