Research Types

Research Methodology :

 Research methodology is a specific procedure or techniques use to identify, select process and analyse the information about the topic.

In research methodology, various data collection techniques are employed to gather information and insights. Ethnography, interviews, observations, questionnaires, and document analysis are among the commonly used methods. Here's a brief overview of each:

1. Ethnography:

    Ethnography involves immersive, long-term engagement with a group or community to understand their culture, behaviors, and social dynamics.

   - Method: Researchers actively participate in the daily lives of participants, observing and interacting to gain a deep understanding of the context.

   - Use: Commonly used in social sciences and anthropology, ethnography provides rich, context-specific data.

2. Interviews:

    Interviews involve direct, one-on-one or group conversations between the researcher and participants to gather information, opinions, or experiences.

   - Method: Structured, semi-structured, or unstructured interview formats may be used, depending on the research goals.

   - Use: Interviews are versatile and can be applied in various disciplines to explore perspectives, attitudes, and narratives.

3. Observations:

    Observational research entails systematically watching and recording behaviors, events, or phenomena in a natural setting.

   - Method: Researchers can be passive observers or actively engage in the environment. Data collection may involve notes, video recordings, or other means.

   - Use: Common in social sciences, education, and psychology, observations provide real-time insights into behavior.

4. Questionnaires:

    Questionnaires involve the administration of structured sets of questions to participants, who respond in writing or verbally.

   - Method: Questionnaires can be administered in person, via mail, online, or through other methods. They can be closed-ended (quantitative) or open-ended (qualitative).

   - Use: Questionnaires are widely used in survey research to collect standardized data from a large sample.

5. Documents:

    Document analysis involves the systematic review and interpretation of existing texts, records, or documents relevant to the research.

   - Method: Researchers examine written, visual, or audio materials to extract information and insights.

   - Use: Document analysis is common in historical research, content analysis, and studies involving existing records.

Research Types

 Research can be classified into various types based on different criteria, including the purpose of the study, the nature of the data collected, and the methodology used. Here are some common types of research:

1. Basic Research (Pure or Fundamental Research): Aimed at expanding the existing knowledge base without any immediate practical application. It seeks to understand fundamental principles and theories.

2. Applied Research: Conducted to solve specific practical problems or answer questions directly related to real-world issues. The goal is to generate solutions or develop interventions.

3. Descriptive Research: Involves the observation and description of phenomena without manipulating variables. It aims to provide a detailed account of a situation, event, or group.

4. Exploratory Research: Conducted when there is little or no existing knowledge on a topic. It aims to gain insights and formulate hypotheses for future research.

5. Explanatory Research: Seeks to identify the cause-and-effect relationships between variables. It goes beyond description to explain why certain phenomena occur.

6. Quantitative Research: Involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to answer research questions and test hypotheses. It often uses statistical methods for data analysis.

7. Qualitative Research: Focuses on exploring and understanding the underlying meanings, motivations, and perceptions of a phenomenon. It relies on non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, or content analysis.

8. Experimental Research: Involves the manipulation of one or more independent variables to observe their effect on a dependent variable. It aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

9. Non-Experimental Research: Research in which the researcher does not manipulate variables. It includes observational studies, correlational studies, and surveys.

10. Longitudinal Research: Conducted over an extended period, involving repeated observations or measurements of the same subjects or groups to track changes or developments over time.

11. Cross-Sectional Research: Involves the collection of data from participants at a single point in time to analyze trends, relationships, or characteristics within a specific population.

12. Case Study Research: In-depth examination of a particular individual, group, organization, or situation. It provides a detailed and holistic understanding of the subject.

13. Action Research: Conducted by practitioners in their own work environment to address specific problems or challenges. It involves a cyclic process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.

14. Historical Research: Investigates events, trends, or developments that occurred in the past. It relies on historical documents, records, and other sources.

15. Survey Research: Involves the collection of data from a sample of individuals through questionnaires or interviews to gather information about attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics.

16. Meta-Analysis: A research method that involves the statistical analysis of existing research results to identify patterns, trends, or inconsistencies across multiple studies.

17. Conceptual Research:

   - Focus: Conceptual research is primarily concerned with the exploration and development of concepts, theories, and ideas. It aims to enhance our understanding of abstract or theoretical constructs.

   - Methods: The methods in conceptual research are often qualitative and may include literature reviews, theoretical frameworks, and philosophical inquiries. Researchers delve into existing knowledge and theoretical frameworks to refine or develop new concepts.

   - Evidence: The evidence in conceptual research is based on logic, reasoning, and theoretical propositions. It may involve the development of new models or the refinement of existing theoretical frameworks.

18. Empirical Research:

   - Focus: Empirical research, on the other hand, is focused on the collection and analysis of observable and measurable data. It aims to provide evidence through direct observation or experimentation.

   - Methods: Empirical research employs a variety of research methods, including experiments, surveys, observations, and statistical analyses. It involves systematic data collection to test hypotheses and answer specific research questions.

   - Evidence: The evidence in empirical research is based on observable and verifiable data. Researchers gather data from real-world observations or experiments and use statistical methods to draw conclusions.