Types of Research

On the Basis of Objective of Research

1. Basic or Fundamental Research

a) Also called pure or fundamental research.

b) A type of scientific research with the aim of improving scientific theories for better understanding and prediction of natural or other phenomena.

2. Applied Research

a) Methodology used to solve a specific, practical issue affecting an individual or a group.

b) Involves scientific study and research applied in business, medicine, and education.

c) Helps find solutions to improve health, solve scientific problems, or develop new technology.

3. Action Research

a) Research initiated to solve an immediate problem.

b) Involves reflective processes of progressive problem-solving.

c) Conducted by individuals working in teams or as part of a community of practice to improve how they address issues and solve problems.

On the Basis of Nature of Process & Method Used

1. Experimental Research

a) Conducted with a scientific approach.

b) Some variables are kept constant, while others are measured as the subject of the experiment.

2. Quasi-Experimental Research

a) An empirical interventional study.

b) Estimates the causal impact of an intervention on a target population without random assignment.

3. Ex-post Facto Research

a) A design where pre-existing groups are compared based on a dependent variable.

b) Uses already existing characteristics to form the groups.

4. Historical Research

a) Uses collection techniques and guidelines from historians to research and write histories of the past.

b) Involves primary sources and evidence, including archaeology.

5. Ethnographic Research

a) A qualitative method where researchers observe or interact with study participants in their real-life environment.

On the Basis of Attributes

1. Qualitative Research

a) Empirical research where data are not in numerical form.

2. Quantitative Research

a) Collects data in numerical form.

b) Data can be categorized, ranked, or measured in units of measurement.

On the Basis of Approach of Research

1. Longitudinal Research

a) Research design involving repeated observations of the same variables over short or long periods of time.

2. Cross-Sectional Research

a) Observational in nature.

b) Not causal or relational (cannot be used to determine cause).

c) Analyzes data of variables collected at one given point in time across the same population or a pre-defined subset.

On the Basis of Nature of Finding

1. Explanatory Research

a) Explores why something occurs when limited information is available.

b) Helps increase knowledge and understanding of a topic.

c) Ascertain why a phenomenon is occurring and predict future occurrences.

2. Descriptive Research

a) Describes the characteristics of a population.

b) Collects data to answer questions like what, when, how about a specific group or population.