TYPES OF RESEARCH
TYPES OF RESEARCH
FUNDAMENTAL (OR BASIC) AND APPLIED RESEARCH
1. FUNDAMENTAL (OR BASIC)
Fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalization with the
formulation of a theory. It is a research concerning principles or laws or
rules. It aims at the achievement of knowledge and truth.
Research studies concentrating on some natural phenomenon or relating
to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental research. It aims at
some theoretical conclusions. It may verify the old theory or establish a
new one.
It tries to explain the cause and effect relationship in social phenomena.
Features of pure or basic or fundamental research
Pure research is the basic research related with principles or laws or
rules
The aim is attainment of the knowledge and truth
It is concerned with the theoretical aspect of science
It tries to find out cause and effect relationship in social phenomenon
It verify the old establish ed principles and laws
It is generally concerned with generalization and with the formulation of
a theory
2. Applied research
Applied research is concerned with the solution of particular problems. It aims at
finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial
organization. It is empirical and practical. It is concerned with applied aspects of
life. Research to identify social, economic or political trends that may affect a
particular institution or the marketing research are examples of applied
research.
Features
It is carried out to find out a solution to real life problem
Finding a solution for an immediate problem faced by the society
It can contribute new facts
It may integrate previously existing theories
Find solution for a practical problem
EXPLORATORY RESEARCH AND CAUSAL RESEARCH
3. Exploratory research
Exploratory research is a preliminary study of a new problem about which the
researcher has little or no knowledge.
Exploratory research is research conducted for a problem that has not been
studied more clearly, intended to establish priorities, develop operational
definitions and improve the final research design.
Exploratory research helps determine the best research design, data-collection
method and selection of subjects. It should draw definitive conclusions only with
extreme caution.
Objectives Exploratory research
To generate new idea
To make formulation of problem
To gather information for elucidation of concept
To decide whether it si feasible to attempt study
Different types of Exploratory research
o literature survey
o Experience survey
o Study of insight stimulating cases
4. Causal research:
The objective of causal research is to test hypotheses about cause-and-
effect relationships.
The casual research is concerned with finding the root casuse of symptoms.
It also called explanatory research
In order to determine causality, it is important to hold the variable that is
assumed to cause the change in the other variable(s) constant and then
measure the changes in the other variable(s)
Objectives
Understanding which variables are the cause and which variable are the
effect
Dettermine the nature of relationship between the causal variable and
effect predicted
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH AND ANALYTICAL RESEARCH
5. Descriptive research
Descriptive research includes survey and fact finding enquiries of different
kinds. It describes the state of affairs as it exists at present. The researcher
has no control over the variables. He can only report what has happened or
what is happening
6. Analytical research
In Analytical research one has to use facts or information already available
and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material
THEORETICAL RESEARCH AND EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
7. Theoretical research
Theoretical research enables to explore and discuss a research object on
the basis of abstract theoretical structure and philosophical concepts.
It attempt to gather knowledge about a phenomenon pr idea whose
conclusion may not have any immediate real world application.
It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers
8. Empirical research
Empirical research is defined as any research where conclusions of the
study are strictly drawn from concretely empirical evidence, and therefore
variable evidence
It is the process of testing a hypothesis using experimentation, direct or
indirect observation and experience.
TYPES OR METHODS OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
1. Quantitative research 2. Qualitative research
( numerical data) • Case study
Survey research • Observational method
Experimental research • Focus group
Correlational research • One on one interview
Longitudinal research
Coross sectional
Causal comparative reserch
Areas of business research
1. Market research :It addresses issues pertaining to advertising, product image,
packaging and pricing
2. Product research
3. Advertising research
4. Management research
5. Accounting
6. finance