Classification of Research Dr. Anshul Singh Thapa

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

Purpose of Research 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.

Descriptive Research This describe phenomenon as they exist 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; he can only report what has happened or what is happening.

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.

Analytical or Explanatory Research 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.

Predictive Research Predictive research goes further by forecasting the likelihood of similar situation occurring elsewhere. It aims to generalize from the analysis by predicting certain phenomenon on the basis of hypothesized, general relationships. Predictive research provides ‘how’, ‘why’, and ‘where’ answers to current events as well as to similar events in the future.

Quantitative Research Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to the phenomenon that can be expressed in terms of quantity. It involves the generation of data in quantitative form which can be subject to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid form. This approach of research can be further sub-divided into inferential, experimental and simulation approach

Contd… The purpose of the Inferential approach to research is to form a data base from which to infer characteristics or relationships of population. This is usually means survey research where a sample of population is studied (questioned or observed) to determine its characteristics. Experimental approach is characterized by much greater control over the research environment and in this case some variables are manipulated to observe their effect on other variables. Simulation approach involves the construct of an artificial environment within which the relevant information and data can be gathered.

Qualitative Research Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena related to or involving quality or kind. This types of research aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires. Through such kind of research we can analyze the various factors which motivate people to behave in a particular manner or which make people to like or dislike a particular thing. This approach of research is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and behaviour. Research in such a situation is a function of researcher’s insights and impression. Such an approach to research generate results either in non-quantitative form or in the form which are not subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis.

Fundamental Research Basic research is also called fundamental research or pure research, and is conducted primarily to improve our understanding of general issues, without any emphasis on its immediate application. It is regarded as the most academic form of research since the principle aim is to make a contribution to knowledge, usually for general good, rather than to solve a specific problem for one generation.

It is generally concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of theory. Research studies, concerning human behaviour carried on with a view to make generalizations about human behaviour, are also examples of fundamental research, but research aimed at certain conclusions (say, a solution) facing a concrete social or business problems is an examples of applied research.

Applied Research Applied research adapt the theories, developed through fundamental research, to the solution of problems. Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing by a society/ institution/ business organization etc.

Action Research This is the form of research where researcher ‘interferes’ with or changes – deliberately – what is being researched. The critics of action research argues that since the researcher is changing what is being researched during the process of research, the work cannot be replicated. If it cannot be replicated its findings cannot be tested in other situations. This prevents general knowledge being developed and thus it cannot contribute to theory.

Action Research is focused on the immediate application, not on the development of theory, nor upon general application. It has placed its emphasis on a problem, here and now, in a local setting. Action research attempts to apply the spirit of scientific methods to the solution of problems in a particular setting, without any assumptions about the general application of findings without any assumptions about the general application of findings beyond the situation studied.