Types of Research – In its most common sense, methodology is the study of research methods. However, the term can also refer to the methods themselves or to the philosophical discussion of associated background assumptions. A method is a structured procedure for bringing about a certain goal, like acquiring knowledge or verifying knowledge claims. This normally involves various steps, like choosing a sample, collecting data from this sample, and interpreting the data. The study of methods concerns a detailed description and analysis of these processes. It includes evaluative aspects by comparing different methods.
In this way, their benefits and drawbacks are evaluated, as well as the research goals for which they may be used. These descriptions and evaluations are predicated on philosophical background assumptions; examples include how to conceptualize the phenomena under study and what constitutes evidence in favor of or against them. In its broadest sense, methodology encompasses the discussion of these more abstract issues.
Types of Research
Classification of Research
Research can be classified based on the:
1. Application of the research findings
2. Purposes/objectives of the research study
3. Mode of inquiry employed/Information Sought.
A. On the basis Application of research findings:
a) Basic/ Pure research: It is also known as theoretical, pure or fundamental research. It is concerned with development of knowledge in order to add to the existing body of knowledge of research methods. It concerned establishing new knowledge, development and refinement of theories, e.g. developing and instrument to assess the stress level among working women.
b) Applied Research: Applied research is also known as action or practical or empirical research. It focus on finding solution to existing problem.
B. On the basis of Purpose/ objects:
- Descriptive research
- Correlational research
- Explanatory research
- Exploratory research
- Evaluation research.
a) Descriptive research: It describes systematically a situation problem or phenomenon, service or program or describes an issues as it naturally occurs. The main purpose of such cases is to describe what is prevalent or know about an issue or problem under study.
b) Correlation research: It ascertains, discovers or establishes the existence of relationship, an association or interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation. E.g. study to find out the relationship between stress and heart attack.
c) Explanatory research: It explain or clarifies why the relationship is formed and why a relationship, association or interdependence exists. It also clarifies why a particular events occur e. g. why does smoking leads lung cancer.
d) Exploratory research: It explore an area when only little is known or the possibility of undertaking a research on a particular subject. It is conducted to develop, refine and to test measurement tools and procedures.
e) Evaluation research: It evaluates the performance of the program that has already been implemented and it also assess the impact of such programs. The evaluation is carried out with respect to the objectives of the program.
C. On the basis of Mode of Inquiry Employed/types of information sought:
- Qualitative
- Quantitative
a) Qualitative or unstructured Approach: It is also known as post- positive, interpretive, constructivist and naturalistic research. It makes use of unstructured, flexible or open methodology. It determines the nature of phenomenon, situation or issue as it naturally occurs.
b) Quantitative or structured Approach: Quantitative research is also termed as positivist, experimental or empiricist approach to research. It employs more structured, rigid, or pre-determined methodology. Qualitative research specify the nature of any intervention, comparisons to be made, methods to control extraneous variables, data collections timing, the study setting and the information to be given to the participants, all before the data is collected.
(Ref by- Nirmala V/ Research Methodology in Nursing/1/10)
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