TYPES OF RESEARCH

Descriptive vs Analytical Research

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Descriptive Research is a fact finding investigation which is aimed at
describing the characteristics of individual, situation or a group (or)
describing the state of affairs as it exists at present.
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Analytical Research is primarily concerned with testing hypothesis
and specifying and interpreting relationships, by analyzing the facts
or information already available
Applied vs Fundamental Research
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Applied Research or Action Research is carried out to find solution to
a real life problem requiring an action or policy decision.
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Fundamental Research which is also known as basic or pure
research is undertaken for the sake of knowledge without any
intention to apply it in practice.
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It is undertaken out of intellectual curiosity and is not necessarily
problem-oriented.
 (continued)
Quantitative vs Qualitative Research
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Quantitative Research is employed for measuring the quantity
or amount of a particular phenomena by the use of statistical
analysis.
●
Qualitative Research is a non-quantitative type of analysis
which is aimed at finding out the quality of a particular
phenomenon.
Conceptual vs Empirical Research
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Conceptual Research is generally used by philosophers and
thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing
ones.
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Empirical Research is a data based research which depends
on experience or observation alone. It is aimed at coming up
with conclusions without due regard for system and theory.
 Some other types of research
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One-time Research – Research confined to a single time period.
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Longitudinal Research – Research carried on over several time periods.
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Diagnostic Research – It is also called clinical research which aims at
identifying the causes of a problem, frequency with which it occurs and the
possible solutions for it.
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Exploratory Research – It is the preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem,
about which the researcher has little or no knowledge. It is aimed to gain
familiarity with the problem, to generate new ideas or to make a precise
formulation of the problem. Hence it is also known as formulative research.
●
Experimental Research – It is designed to assess the effect of one particular
variable on a phenomenon by keeping the other variables constant or
controlled.
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Historical Research – It is the study of past records and other information
sources, with a view to find the origin and development of a phenomenon
and to discover the trends in the past, inorder to understand the present and
to anticipate the future.
 Scientific & Nonscientific Research
Scientific research is a logically stepped process used for
investigating and acquiring or expanding our understanding. The
findings of scientific research can be reproduced and
demonstrated to be consistent.
Nonscientific research is acquiring knowledge and truths about
the world using techniques that do not follow the scientific method.
Nonscientific methods
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Tradition-Tradition is knowledge and understanding that is
believed to be true because it has been traditionally accepted.
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Personal Experience-Personal experience is information or
understanding derived from experiencing something firsthand.
●
Intuition-Intuitive knowledge comes from understanding and
believing in an idea based on a gut instinct or through personal
insight.
●
Logic- Logic is the application of thought and reasoning to came t
a conclusion.
Scientific research is a logically stepped process used for investigating and
acquiring or expanding our understanding. The findings of scientific research can
be reproduced and demonstrated to be consistent. While in non scientific
research, the research it’s not logically stepped process that used for investigating
and acquiring or expanding our understanding
Scientific research acquiring knowledge and truths about the data or information
using techniques that follow the scientific methods such as identification of a
problem, formulation of statement of a problem, formulation of hypothesis, data
analysis data recording, presentation and interpretation, testing hypothesis and
recommendation and conclusion. while Non scientific acquiring knowledge and
truths about the world using techniques without follow the scientific method.
Scientific research is a systematic way of gathering data and harnessing curiosity.
This research provides scientific information and theories for the explanation of
the nature and the properties of the world. It makes practical applications possible.
While non scientific research does not follow systematic way of gathering data and
harnessing curiosity
Scientific research is a systematic way of analyzing and interpreting new or
existing material through experimentation and observation, While Non scientific
research is based upon investigation of natural phenomenon without systematic
In general. Scientific research and non scientific research, both are used in
collection of data, information and knowledge that can be added to the existing
one. Can be used to solve different disputes such as political conflict economic
issues and social conflict.
BASIC POSTULATES IN SCIENTIFIC METHOD
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It relies on empirical evidence.
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It utilizes relevant concepts.
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It is committed to only objective considerations.
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It presupposes ethical neutrality.
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It results into probabilistic predictions.
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The methodology is made known.
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Aims at formulating scientific theories
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Purpose clearly defined.
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Research process detailed.
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Research design thoroughly planned.
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High ethical standards applied.
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Limitations frankly revealed.
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Adequate analysis for decision maker’s needs.
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Findings presented unambiguously.
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Conclusions justified.
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Researcher’s experience reflected.
●
Research Method
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By research method, we simply mean the research techniques or tools to be used for
conducting research irrespective of whether the research belongs to physical or social
sciences or any other disciplines.
●

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The methods include three broad groups.
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The first group includes methods dealing with collection and description of data;
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The second group consists of techniques used for establishing a statistical relationship
between variables;
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The third group deals with methods used to evaluate the reliability, validity, and accuracy
of the results discerned by the data.
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A physical scientist may employ, for example, such tools as an electron microscope or a
radio telescope to obtain his data.
●
In contrast, a social scientist or a manager may use, as a technique, an opinion poll or
sample survey with a mail questionnaire or conduct a personal interview to obtain his data.

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He might conduct a telephonic interview, group discussion, case study approach to gather
data. Still, in essence, they are employing the same technique ‘observation’ of some kind,
that generates data for research.

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Nevertheless, the scientists in their disciplines employ tools and techniques that may differ
widely in nature and complexity.
 Research Methodology
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The research methodology is a way to study the
various steps that are generally adopted by a
researcher in studying his research problems
systematically, along with the logic, assumptions,
justification, and rationale behind them.
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Whenever we choose a research method, we must
justify why we prefer this particular method over
others. The methodology seeks to answer this
question.
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Thus, when we speak of research methodology, we
not only talk of research methods but also keep in
view the logic and justification behind the method we
use in the context of our research undertaking.
 PROBLEMS IN RESEARCH
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Not similar to science
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Uncontrollable variables
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Human tendencies
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Time and money
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Lack of computerization
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Lack of scientific training in the methodology of
research
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Insufficient interaction between university
research departments and business
establishments
 (continued)
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Lack of confidence on the part of business units to
give information
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Lack of code of conduct
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Difficulty of adequate and timely secretarial assistance
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Poor library management and functioning
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Difficulty of timely availability of published data.
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Ignorance
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Research for the sake of research-limited practical
utility though they may use high sounding business
jargon.
 Qualitative Research
What is qualitative research?
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Qualitative research is a type of scientific research. In general terms,
scientific research consist of an investigation that:
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seeks answers to a question
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systematically uses a predefined set of procedures to answer the
question
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collects evidence
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produces findings that were not determined in advance
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produces findings that are applicable beyond the immediate
boundaries of the study
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Qualitative research shares these characteristics. Additionally, it seeks
to understand a givenresearch problem or topic from the perspectives
of the local population it involves. Qualitativeresearch is especially
effective in obtaining culturally specific information about the values,
opinions, behaviors, and social contexts of particular populations.
 Quantitative methods
Quantitative methods emphasize objective measurements and the statistical,
mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires,
and surveys, or by manipulating pre-existing statistical data using computational
techniques. Quantitative research focuses on gathering numerical data and
generalizing it across groups of people or to explain a particular phenomenon.
Its main characteristics are:
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The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments.
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The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the
population.
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The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.
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Researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers
are sought.
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All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected.
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Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables, charts,
figures, or other non-textual forms.
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Project can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or
investigate causal relationships.
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Researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or computer software, to collect
numerical data.
 Importance of Research in Management Decisions
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They help in improving personal effectiveness.
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They aid quick & informed decision making.
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They support decisions by finding evidences of benefits reaped.
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They help the business growth by ensuring better organizational
control.
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They drive the thirst for information in the decision maker,
focusing on the learning or training of the individual.
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They help to optimize the problem solving approach in an
organization by revealing multiple pathways to the solution of the
problem.
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They also provide opportunities for improved interpersonal
communication.
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They help to create a competitive advantage.
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DSSs also help in automation of managerial processes.
 DEFINITION OF THE RESEARCH
PROBLEM STEP-1

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What is a research problem?
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The term ‘problem’ means a question or issue to be
examined.
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Research Problem refers to some difficulty /need
which a researcher experiences in the context of
either theoretical or practical situation and wants to
obtain a solution for the same.
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 HOW DO WE KNOW WE HAVE A
RESEARCH PROBLEM?
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Customer complaints
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Conversation with company employees
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Observation of inappropriate behaviour or conditions
in the firm
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Deviation from the business plan
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Success of the firm’s competitor’s
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Relevant reading of published material (trends,
regulations)
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Company records and reports .
 IDENTIFICATION / SELECTION
OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
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This step involves identification of a few problems and selection of
one out of them, after evaluating the alternatives against certain
selection criteria.
SOURCES OF PROBLEMS
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Reading
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Academic Experience
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Daily Experience
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Exposure to Field Situations
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Consultations
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Brainstorming
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Research
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Intuition
 CRITERIA OF SELECTION
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The selection of one appropriate researchable problem
out of the identified problems requires evaluation of
those alternatives against certain criteria. They are:
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Internal / Personal criteria – Researcher’s Interest,
Researcher’s Competence, Researcher’s own
Resource: finance and time.
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External Criteria or Factors – Researchability of the
problem, Importance and Urgency, Novelty of the
Problem, Feasibility, Facilities, Usefulness and Social
Relevance, Research Personnel.
 DEFINITION / FORMULATION OF
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
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Formulation is the process of refining the research ideas
into research questions and objectives.
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Formulation means translating and transforming the
selected research problem/topic/idea into a scientifically
researchable question. It is concerned with specifying
exactly what the research problem is.
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Problem definition or Problem statement is a clear, precise
and succinct statement of the question or issue that is to
be investigated with the goal of finding an answer or
solution. There are two ways of stating a problem:
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Posting question / questions
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Making declarative statement / statement
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
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Literature Review is the documentation of a
comprehensive review of the published and
unpublished work from secondary sources of data in
the areas of specific interest to the researcher.
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The main aim is to find out problems that are already
investigated and those that need further investigation.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
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It is an extensive survey of all available past studies
relevant to the field of investigation.
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It gives us knowledge about what others have found
out in the related field of study and how they have
done so.
 PURPOSE OF REVIEW
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To gain a background knowledge of the research topic.
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To identify the concepts relating to it, potential relationships between them
and to formulate researchable hypothesis.
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To identify appropriate methodology, research design, methods of measuring
concepts and techniques of analysis.
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To identify data sources used by other researchers.
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To learn how others structured their reports.
SOURCES OF LITERATURE
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Books and Journals
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Electronic Databases
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Bibliographic Databases
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Abstract Databases
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Full-Text Databases
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Govt. and Industry Reports
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Research Dissertations / Thesis
 FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS
HYPOTHESIS
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A hypothesis is an assumption about relations between
variables.
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Hypothesis can be defined as a logically conjectured
relationship between two or more variables expressed in
the form of a testable statement.
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Relationships are conjectured on the basis of the network of
associations established in the theoretical framework
formulated for the research study.
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Research Hypothesis is a predictive statement that relates
an independent variable to a dependant variable.
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Hypothesis must contain atleast one independent variable
and one dependant variable.
●
Hypothesis are tentative, intelligent guesses, solution
of the problem.
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Hypothesis is a specific statement of prediction. It
describes in concrete terms what you expect to
happen in the study.
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Hypothesis is an assumption about the population of
the study.
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It delimits the area of research and keeps the
researcher on the right track.
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Hypothesis is an assumption, that can be tested and
can be proved to be right or wrong.
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A problem is a broad question which cannot be
directly tested. A problem can be scientifically
investigated after converting it into a form of
hypothesis.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF
HYPOTHESIS
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Conceptual Clarity - It should be clear and precise.
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Specificity - It should be specific and limited in scope.
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Consistency - It should be consistent with the objectives of research.
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Testability - It should be capable of being tested.
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Expectancy - It should state the expected relationships between
variables.
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Simplicity - It should be stated as far as possible in simple terms.
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Objectivity - It should not include value judgments, relative terms or
any moral preaching.
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Theoretical Relevance - It should be consistent with a substantial
body of established or known facts or existing theory.
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Availability of Techniques – Statistical methods should be available
for testing the proposed hypothesis.
 FUNCTIONS OR ROLE OF
HYPOTHESIS
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It gives a definite point to the investigation and provides
direction to the study.
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It determines the data needs.
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It specifies the sources of data.
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It suggests which type of research is likely to be more
appropriate.
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It determines the most appropriate technique of
analysis.
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It contributes to the development of theory.
 TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
Null Hypothesis
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When a hypothesis is stated negatively, it is called null hypothesis. It is a
‘no difference’, ‘no relationship’ hypothesis. ie., It states that, no
difference exists between the parameter and statistic being compared to
or no relationship exists between the variables being compared.
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It is usually represented as H O or H 0 .
Example:
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H 0 : There is no relationship between a family’s income and
expenditure on recreation.
Alternate Hypothesis
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It is the hypothesis that describes the researcher’s prediction that, there
exist a relationship between two variables or it is the opposite of null
hypothesis. It is represented as H A or H 1.
Example:
●
H A : There is a definite relationship between family’s income and
expenditure on recreation.
 Research design definition
●

●
Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen by a researcher. The design
allows researchers to hone in on research methods that are suitable for the subject matter and set up their studies
up for success.
●

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The design of a research topic explains the type of research (experimental, survey, correlational, semi-
experimental, review) and also its sub-type (experimental design, research problem, descriptive case-study).
●

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There are three main types of research design: Data collection, measurement, and analysis.
●

●
The type of research problem an organization is facing will determine the research design and not vice-versa. The
design phase of a study determines which tools to use and how they are used.
●

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An impactful research design usually creates a minimum bias in data and increases trust in the accuracy of
collected data. A design that produces the least margin of error in experimental research is generally considered
the desired outcome. The essential elements of the research design are:
●

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Accurate purpose statement
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Techniques to be implemented for collecting and analyzing research
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The method applied for analyzing collected details
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Type of research methodology
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Probable objections for research
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Settings for the research study
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Timeline
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Measurement of analysis
●
There are four key characteristics of research design:
●
Neutrality: When you set up your study, you may have to make
assumptions about the data you expect to collect. The results projected in
the research design should be free from bias and neutral. Understand
opinions about the final evaluated scores and conclusion from multiple
individuals and consider those who agree with the derived results.
●
Reliability: With regularly conducted research, the researcher involved
expects similar results every time. Your design should indicate how to form
research questions to ensure the standard of results. You’ll only be able to
reach the expected results if your design is reliable.
●
Validity: There are multiple measuring tools available. However, the only
correct measuring tools are those which help a researcher in gauging
results according to the objective of the research. The questionnaire
developed from this design will then be valid.
●
Generalization: The outcome of your design should apply to a population
and not just a restricted sample. A generalized design implies that your
survey can be conducted on any part of a population with similar accuracy.
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The above factors affect the way respondents answer the research
questions and so all the above characteristics should be balanced in a
good design
●
Qualitative research design: Qualitative research determines relationships between collected
data and observations based on mathematical calculations. Theories related to a naturally
existing phenomenon can be proved or disproved using statistical methods. Researchers rely
on qualitative research design methods that conclude “why” a particular theory exists along
with “what” respondents have to say about it.
●
Quantitative research design: Quantitative research is for cases where statistical conclusions
to collect actionable insights are essential. Numbers provide a better perspective to make
critical business decisions. Quantitative research design methods are necessary for the
growth of any organization. Insights drawn from hard numerical data and analysis prove to be
highly effective when making decisions related to the future of the business.
●
You can further break down the types of research design into five categories:
●
1. Descriptive research design: In a descriptive design, a researcher is solely interested in
describing the situation or case under their research study. It is a theory-based design method
which is created by gathering, analyzing, and presenting collected data. This allows a
researcher to provide insights into the why and how of research. Descriptive design helps
others better understand the need for the research. If the problem statement is not clear, you
can conduct exploratory research.
●
2. Experimental research design: Experimental research design establishes a relationship
between the cause and effect of a situation. It is a causal design where one observes the
impact caused by the independent variable on the dependent variable. For example, one
monitors the influence of an independent variable such as a price on a dependent variable
such as customer satisfaction or brand loyalty. It is a highly practical research design method
as it contributes to solving a problem at hand. The independent variables are manipulated to
monitor the change it has on the dependent variable. It is often used in social sciences to
observe human behavior by analyzing two groups. Researchers can have participants change
their actions and study how the people around them react to gain a better understanding of
social psychology.
●
3. Correlational research design: Correlational research is a non-experimental
research design technique that helps researchers establish a relationship
between two closely connected variables. This type of research requires two
different groups. There is no assumption while evaluating a relationship between
two different variables, and statistical analysis techniques calculate the
relationship between them.
●
A correlation coefficient determines the correlation between two variables,
whose value ranges between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards
+1, it indicates a positive relationship between the variables and -1 means a
negative relationship between the two variables.
●
4. Diagnostic research design: In diagnostic design, the researcher is looking
to evaluate the underlying cause of a specific topic or phenomenon. This method
helps one learn more about the factors that create troublesome situations.
●
This design has three parts of the research:
●
· Inception of the issue
●
· Diagnosis of the issue
●
· Solution for the issue
●
5. Explanatory research design: Explanatory design uses a researcher’s ideas
and thoughts on a subject to further explore their theories. The research
explains unexplored aspects of a subject and details about what, how, and why
of research questions.