A Classification of Research Designs Research Design
Exploratory Research Design Conclusive Research Design
Descriptive Research
Causal Research
Exploratory & Conclusive Research Differences
Exploratory
Objective:
To provide insights and understanding. Information needed is defined only loosely. Research process is flexible and unstructured. Sample is small and nonrepresentative. Analysis of primary data is qualitative.
Conclusive
To test specific hypotheses and examine relationships. Information needed is clearly defined. Research process is formal and structured. Sample is large and representative. Data analysis is quantitative.
Characteristics:
Findings /Results: Outcome:
Tentative.
Conclusive.
Generally followed by further exploratory or conclusive research.
Findings used as input into decision making.
A Comparison of Basic Research Designs
Exploratory Descriptive Causal
Determine cause and effect relationships Manipulation of one or more independent variables Control of other mediating variables Experiments Objective: Discovery of ideas Describe market and insights characteristics or functions Flexible, versatile Marked by the prior formulation of specific hypotheses Preplanned and structured design
Characteristics:
Often the front end of total research design Expert surveys Pilot surveys Secondary data Qualitative research
Methods:
Secondary data Surveys Panels Observation and other data
A Classification of Research Data
Research Data
Secondary Data
Primary Data Quantitative Data
Qualitative Data
Descriptive Survey Data Observational and Other Data
Causal Experimental Data
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research Objective To gain a qualitative understanding of the underlying reasons and motivations Small number of nonrepresentative cases Unstructured Non-statistical Develop an initial understanding
Quantitative Research To quantify the data and generalize the results from the sample to the population of interest Large number of representative cases Structured Statistical Recommend a final course of action
Sample Data Collection Data Analysis Outcome
A Classification of Qualitative Research Procedures
Qualitative Research Procedures
Direct (Non disguised)
Indirect (Disguised) Projective Techniques
Focus Groups
Depth Interviews
Association Techniques
Completion Techniques
Construction Techniques
Expressive Techniques