Types of Research According to Use

1. Basic Research (also known as Pure Research)

Basic research focuses on the advancement and production of new knowledge. Academicians and scientists are the primary consumers of basic research, conducting it to acquire new knowledge. 

2. Applied Research (also known as Practical Research)

Applied research, on the other hand, focuses on addressing specific concerns and usually offers solutions to social problems. Unlike basic research, which emphasizes testing and developing theories to advance knowledge, applied research is a small-scale study that introduces practical results applicable in the short term. This type of research is typically conducted by practitioners in the business, healthcare sectors, social service organizations, and educational institutions. The results of applied research are used in the decision-making processes of companies and organizations. The primary consumers of applied research include counselors, social workers, and decision-makers in government and businesses, such as managers, agency administrators, and government officials. 

Watch the following video about Basic Research and Applied Research Definitions and Differences Video & Lesson to understand research uses.

COMPREHENSION CHECK QUESTION

According to the video, what are the different uses of research? How do we differentiate between the various types of research based on their uses?

Types of Research According to Approach and Nature of Data

1. Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is "an inquiry process aimed at understanding a social or human problem by constructing a complex holistic picture formed with words, reporting detailed perspectives of informants, and conducted in a natural setting" (Cresswell, 1994). This inquiry process employs inductive reasoning and focuses on theory building. 

2. Quantitative Research

In contrast, according to Cresswell (1994), quantitative research is "an inquiry into a social or human problem based on testing a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers, and analyzed using statistical procedures to ascertain whether the predictive generalizations of the theory hold." This definition emphasizes the objectives of quantitative research and its deductive approach.

Watch the following video about Empirical Studies: Qualitative versus Quantitative.

Comprehension Check 

According to the video, how is qualitative research different from quantitative?

Inductive reasoning or theory-building characterizes qualitative research. The aim is to infer theoretical concepts and patterns from observed data, and a researcher draws conclusions based on facts or observed evidence. In contrast, deductive reasoning or theory-testing, which characterizes quantitative research, aims to test concepts and patterns known from theory using new empirical data. A researcher concludes a phenomenon or behavior based on theoretical or logical reasons and an initial set of premises. 

To understand the difference between an inductive and deductive approach to research and how these inform qualitative and quantitative research, respectively, refer to the figure below: