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What are the Different Types of Research?

G. Melanson
G. Melanson

There are many ways to categorize the different types of research. For example, research in different fields can be called different types of research, such as scientific research, social research, medical research, environmental research and so forth. The research methods that are used and purposes of the research also can be used to categorize the different types of research. A few of these types of research include quantitative and qualitative research; observational and experimental research; and basic, applied and developmental research.

Quantitative and Qualitative

A survey collects numerical data for quantitative research.
A survey collects numerical data for quantitative research.

Quantitative research is the collecting of objective numerical data. Features are classified and counted, and statistical models are constructed to analyze and explain the information that has been gathered. Some of the tools used for this type of research include questionnaires that are given to test subjects, equipment that is used to measure something and databases of existing information. The goal of quantitative research is to compile statistical evidence, so the questionnaires used in this method typically include yes-or-no questions or multiple-choice questions rather than open-ended questions such as essay questions.

Observational research can take place in the field, or in natural settings.
Observational research can take place in the field, or in natural settings.

Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research is subjective and seeks to describe or interpret whatever is being researched. Instead of numbers, this type of research provides information in the form of words or visual representations. It relies on the researcher to observe, record what happens, such as participants' answers to open-ended questions, subjects' behavior or the results of experiments. Case studies are common examples of qualitative research.

Observational and Experimental

Qualitative data is typically gathered through interviews.
Qualitative data is typically gathered through interviews.

Observational research is the collection of information without interference or input from the researcher. It is the examination of things as they naturally or inherently are. The researcher simply observes, measures or records what occurs. That information is then analyzed and used to draw conclusions.

This is in contrast with experimental research, in which the researcher sets the parameters or conditions and is able to change them to determine their effects. Experimental research often occurs in laboratories but can occur anywhere. It merely requires the researcher to be able to control one or more conditions of the experiment. This method helps researchers understand how certain variables — the different aspects or conditions that can change — can affect whatever it is they are studying.

Basic, Applied and Developmental

Medical research may take place in a lab.
Medical research may take place in a lab.

When the purpose of research is simply to reveal or discover what is true, it can be called basic research. This type of research involves exploring that which is not known or understood. Applied research is taking what is already known and looking for ways to use it, such as to solve problems. Developmental research is similar to applied research but focuses on using what is already known to improve products or existing technology or to create something new.

Discussion Comments

anon924977

Good and very clear explanations, but if examples would have been given it would have been an added advantage.

Maddie12

There are a couple types of research methodology. Qualitative is one type. Interviews and observations would fall under this category. The other type is quantitative, this type of research would include surveys or comparisons.

stormysummer

Business research uses numerous techniques. Because research on consumer behavior often falls within the social sciences, many of the research techniques are the same.

Surveys, focus groups, and interviews may be used to collect data. In addition, observations in the real world help to measure how successful the advertising or product display actually is.

Another aspect of business research is business to business research. This is often more complicated than consumer research because the relationships between business may be more complex. In addition, the products and their uses may be more focused and complex as well.

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    • A survey collects numerical data for quantitative research.
      By: Battrick
      A survey collects numerical data for quantitative research.
    • Observational research can take place in the field, or in natural settings.
      By: BabylonDesignz
      Observational research can take place in the field, or in natural settings.
    • Qualitative data is typically gathered through interviews.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Qualitative data is typically gathered through interviews.
    • Medical research may take place in a lab.
      By: Darren Baker
      Medical research may take place in a lab.
    • Social research examines how societal conditions such as poverty affect people.
      By: TheFinalMiracle
      Social research examines how societal conditions such as poverty affect people.
    • Researchers may look online to see what industry trends are.
      By: a4stockphotos
      Researchers may look online to see what industry trends are.
    • Traditionally research has been completed in a library setting using textbooks.
      By: Creativa
      Traditionally research has been completed in a library setting using textbooks.
    • Librarians often provide aid to people conducting research.
      By: stokkete
      Librarians often provide aid to people conducting research.