Types of Research

Research is a systematic process of inquiry that seeks to answer questions, solve problems, and advance
knowledge. Depending on the research question, researchers can choose from different types of
methodologies.

1. Basic/Pure/Theoretical research
It is characterized by a desire to know or to expound the frontiers of knowledge. It is research
based on the creation of new knowledge and is mainly theoretical.
Basic researchers are interested in deriving scientific knowledge which will be a broad base for
further research.
2. Applied research
This type of research is conducted for the purpose of improving present practice. Normally, it is
conducted for the purpose of applying or testing theory and evaluating its usefulness in solving
problems.
3. Exploratory research
It is used for the preliminary investigation of a subject that is not yet well understood or
sufficiently researched.
Relies on theory and more on data collection to identify patterns explaining a phenomena as it is
based on the study of little-studied phenomena.
4. Explanatory research
Most common type of research method and is responsible for establishing cause-and-effect
relationships allowing generalizations to be extended to similar realities.
5. Descriptive research
The primary objective is to define characteristics of a particular phenomena without necessarily
investigating the causes producing it.

The primary types of research methodologies are qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods. Each of
these methodologies provides unique insights, tools, and techniques for exploring and understanding
phenomena.

A) Qualitative Research Methods

Qualitative research is an exploratory approach focused on understanding phenomena in their natural

settings. It aims to provide deep insights into people’s experiences, behaviors, and the meanings they
attach to events. Instead of generating numerical data, qualitative research produces rich, descriptive
findings that explain the why and how of a given situation. It often involves smaller sample sizes and
open-ended inquiry methods.

Qualitative Methods

1. Interviews

 Definition: In qualitative research, interviews involve direct, one-on-one conversations between the
researcher and participants to gain deep insights into their thoughts, beliefs, and experiences.

 Example: A sociologist studying homelessness might conduct interviews with individuals experiencing
homelessness to understand the personal challenges and the structural barriers they face.
2. Focus Groups

 Definition: A focus group is a group discussion guided by a moderator, aimed at exploring the
participants; attitudes, beliefs, and reactions to specific topics.

 Example: A marketing researcher might gather a focus group of potential consumers to discuss their
perceptions of a new product and to identify potential improvements.

3. Observational Research

 Definition: Researchers observe participants in their natural setting without interference.

It is useful for understanding how people behave and interact in specific environments.

 Example: A psychologist might observe children playing in a park to understand their social
interactions and play behaviors.

Strengths:

1. Rich, In-Depth Data: Provides detailed insights into participants’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences,
capturing complexity.

2. Flexibility: Methods can be adjusted during data collection to explore emerging ideas or concepts more
deeply.

3. Contextual Understanding: Helps researchers understand phenomena in natural settings, considering

the context and environment.

4. Exploratory Power: Useful for exploring new or under-researched topics, providing a foundation for
further study.

5. Participant-Centered: Gives participants a voice, making it easier to understand diverse perspectives.

Limitations:

1. Subjectivity: Findings can be influenced by the researcher’s interpretations, introducing bias.

2. Difficult to Generalize: Small, non-representative samples limit the ability to generalize findings to
larger populations.

3. Time-Consuming: Data collection and analysis can be lengthy, requiring extensive time and effort.

4. Limited Quantification: Results are often non-numerical, making it hard to quantify and statistically
test findings.

5. Replication Issues: Difficult to replicate due to the individualized nature of the data collection methods.

B) Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative research involves the systematic investigation of phenomena by gathering quantifiable data
and applying statistical or mathematical techniques to test hypotheses. It is often used to determine the
relationships between variables, and the results are presented in the form of numbers, graphs, or charts.
This method emphasizes objective measurements and the statistical, numerical, and computational
analysis of data.

Quantitative Methods

1. Surveys and Questionnaires

 Definition: Surveys use structured questionnaires to collect data from a large group of people. These
tools are designed to gather standardized data for statistical analysis.

 Example: A political scientist might survey a thousand voters to understand their opinions about a new
government policy, using questions with predefined answers for analysis.

2. Experiments

 Definition: In experiments, researchers manipulate one or more variables (independent variables) to

observe the effect on another variable (dependent variable), often with control and experimental groups.

 Example: A psychologist studying memory retention may conduct an experiment where one group of
participants is asked to memorize a list of words after a period of sleep, while another group does so
without sleep. The difference in recall performance is then measured.

3. Statistical Analysis

 Definition: This method uses mathematical frameworks to analyze numerical data, often to test
hypotheses or predict future outcomes.

 Example: An economist might use regression analysis to predict the impact of inflation on
unemployment rates based on historical data.

Strengths:

1. Objectivity: Uses structured tools, such as surveys and experiments, reducing researcher bias.

2. Generalizability: With large, representative samples, findings can often be generalized to larger
populations.

3. Replicability: Clear, systematic procedures allow other researchers to replicate studies, increasing
validity.

4. Statistical Analysis: Numerical data allows for complex statistical testing, providing precision in
measuring relationships.

5. Efficient for Large Data: Can handle large volumes of data, making it ideal for broad based studies.

Limitations:

1. Limited Context: Focuses on numbers and measurements, often overlooking the deeper meanings and
nuances of human behavior.

2. Inflexibility: Predefined research tools (e.g., surveys) cannot be easily adjusted if new insights emerge
during the study.
3. Superficial Understanding: Does not capture the depth of individual experiences or subjective
perceptions.

4. Dependence on Quality Tools: The accuracy of findings depends heavily on the reliability and validity
of the research instruments.

5. Complexity in Design: Developing robust tools, such as experiments and surveys, can be complex and
resource-intensive.

C) Mixed-Methods Research Approaches

Mixed-methods research combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a more
comprehensive understanding of the research problem. It allows researchers to leverage the strengths of
both approaches while compensating for their individual limitations. This method can provide both the in-
depth insights of qualitative research and the generalizability of quantitative data.

1. Sequential Explanatory Design

 Definition: In this design, researchers first collect quantitative data and analyze it. They then use
qualitative methods to explain the findings in more depth.

 Example: A public health researcher may first survey people about their exercise habits (quantitative)
and then conduct interviews with selected participants to explore why they maintain or struggle with
regular exercise (qualitative).

2. Concurrent Triangulation Design

 Definition: Both qualitative and quantitative data are collected simultaneously, and results are
compared to cross-validate findings or explore different aspects of the same phenomenon.

 Example: A sociologist studying education outcomes might simultaneously collect standardized test
scores (quantitative) and interview students (qualitative) to compare academic performance with
students' personal experiences.

3. Embedded Design

 Definition: This design involves the integration of one form of data (qualitative or quantitative) into a
larger study primarily based on the other method.

 Example: In a quantitative study assessing the effectiveness of a new teaching method, qualitative
observations of classroom behavior might be embedded to provide additional

context to the statistical findings.

4. Transformative Design

 Definition: In this design, qualitative and quantitative methods are used to address issues of social
justice, empowerment, and advocacy.
 Example: A researcher might survey a marginalized community to understand the frequency of
discrimination (quantitative) and then conduct interviews to explore the emotional and social impact of
such experiences (qualitative).

Strengths:

1. Comprehensive Data: Combines both numerical (quantitative) and descriptive (qualitative) data,
providing a fuller understanding of the research problem.

2. Flexibility: Allows for the exploration of different aspects of a phenomenon through multiple lenses,
enhancing the depth and breadth of findings.

3. Triangulation: Integrating qualitative and quantitative results increases the validity and credibility of
the research findings.

4. Addresses Complex Problems: Useful for tackling multifaceted issues that require different types of
data to fully understand.

5. Complementary Strengths: Overcomes the limitations of each method by using them together—
qualitative methods add context to quantitative results, and quantitative methods provide broader
generalization.

Limitations:

1. Time-Consuming: Requires more time and effort to design, conduct, and analyze as it involves multiple
stages and methods.

2. Requires Expertise: Researchers need to be proficient in both qualitative and quantitative methods,
which can be challenging.

3. Complex Integration: Combining different data sets and making coherent conclusions from them can
be difficult.

4. Resource Intensive: Often requires more financial and logistical resources than single method studies.

5. Potential for Conflicting Results: Different methods may yield contradictory results, making
interpretation more complex.

The Research Process

1. Identify the Research Problem

The first step in the research process is to clearly identify and define the research problem. A research
problem is essentially a question that a researcher wants to answer, or a problem that they aim to solve
through their research. It is important for this problem to be specific, clear, and focused, as it forms the
foundation of the entire study. A well-defined research problem allows the researcher to set the direction
for the study, determining the scope and objectives.

To identify a research problem, researchers typically start by observing a gap in existing knowledge, a
real-world issue, or an area of uncertainty within a field of interest. This can arise from professional
practice, theoretical perspectives, or societal issues. For instance, in the field of education, a research
problem could be: "How does the use of digital learning tools affect students' academic performance in
high school?"

When selecting a research problem, it is crucial to ensure that it is researchable, meaning that data can be
collected and analyzed to provide answers. Furthermore, the problem should be significant enough to
contribute to the broader body of knowledge or to solve a pressing issue.

2. Review the Literature

After defining the research problem, the next step is to conduct a literature review. This involves a
thorough examination of existing studies, articles, books, and other scholarly materials related to the
research topic. The literature review serves multiple purposes:

i. Contextualizing the Research: It helps the researcher understand the background of their topic
and places their work within the broader context of the field.

ii. Identifying Gaps: The literature review often reveals gaps in existing research or areas that have
not been explored thoroughly, which the new research could address.

iii. Avoiding Redundancy: It ensures that the research does not duplicate previous studies, but
instead builds upon or extends existing knowledge.

iv. Forming Hypotheses: Reviewing past research can also help in forming hypotheses or research
questions based on what has already been learned.

A good literature review is critical, comprehensive, and organized, discussing relevant findings, theories,
and methods that other researchers have used. It also helps the researcher frame their research within a
theoretical or conceptual framework, ensuring that their work is informed by a solid understanding of the
topic.

3. Formulate Hypotheses or Research Questions

Once the literature review is complete, the next step is to formulate the hypotheses or research questions.
Hypotheses are predictions or educated guesses about the outcomes of the research, and they are typically
used in quantitative studies. For example, a hypothesis could be: "Students who use digital learning tools
perform better in standardized tests than those who do not."

In contrast, research questions are more open-ended and are commonly used in qualitative studies. These
questions aim to explore aspects of the research problem without predicting specific outcomes. For
instance, a research question might be: "How do high school students perceive the effectiveness of digital
learning tools?"

The formulation of hypotheses or research questions provides a clear focus for the research, guiding the
design of the study, data collection, and analysis. A good hypothesis or research question is specific,
testable, and aligned with the objectives of the research.