Types of Research

Above Section classifies various types of research.

Descriptive Research-

This type of research include survey and fact finding inquiries of different kinds.In this type of research the researcher has no control over the variables.He can only report what has happened/happening.The researcher measures items such as frequency of shopping,preferences of peoples etc.

Experimental/Empirical Research-

 This type of research relies on experience and observation alone.It is a data based research, coming up with conclusion which are capable of being verified by observation/experiment.here researcher attempts to control/manipulate the variables in the study, Empirical research is appropriate when proof is such that certain variables affects other in same way.

Applied/Action Research-

It finds  a solution for an immediate problem facing by society/industry/organizations.(Example-To find out reasons for product failure)

Fundamental/Pure/Basic Research- It is concerned with the generalization and with formulation of a theory.Gathering knowledge for the sake of knowledge is termed as pure/basic/Fundamental research.(Example-Laws of gravity, Finding life on other planets)

Cross sectional/One Time Research-

It is carried out once and represents a snapshot of one point in time. i.e. research is confined to a single period.

Longitudinal Research is carried out repeatedly over time on several periods.The main advantage of this study is that it takes changes over time.

Laboratory Research- 

The research study also differs in whether they occur under actual environmental conditions(Field based Research) or staged conditions (Laboratory Experiments) 

Simulation-based Research-

(Simulation replicates the essence of a system or process) Simulation refers to the representation of various actual situations and relationships in the form of mathematical models.

Exploratory Research-

It focuses on the development of hypotheses rather than testing.

Formal Research-

 Here studies are done with substantial structures and with specific hypotheses to be tested.

Conclusion oriented Research-

Here researcher is free to pick up a problem, redesign the inquiry, and prepare to conceptualize as he wishes.

Decision oriented Research-

It is always for the need of the decision maker and the researcher in this case is not free to do the research according to his own inclination.

Qualitative Research-

It is concerned with subjective assessment of attitude, opinions, and behavior to bring forward the research insights.(it includes interviews, Predicate techniques, and Depth interviews)

Quantitative Research- 

It involves the generation of data in a quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a normal and rigid fashion. This approach can be sub-classified into: Statistical approach, Experimental approach, and Simulation approach.

Clinical/Diagnostic Research- 

It uses case study methods or in-depth approaches to reach the basic causal relations. This study goes deep into the causes of things or events that interest using very deep probing data gathering devices.

Statistical Research-

These researches are designed for bredth rather than depth.They attempts to capture a population's characterstics.