Unit 1: Introduction to Business Research

Module 2: TYPES AND DISTINCTION OF RESEARCH

Dr. MA. LINDA R. FERNANDEZ
Writer

Types of Research

Types of research can be viewed from different standpoints

1. Application of the findings of the study
2. Objective of the study
3. Mode of enquiry used in the conduct of the study

Source: crahi.upc.edu

Figure 1

Types of Research

Application Perspective
1. Pure research
2. Applied research

Pure research involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses that are intellectually
challenging to the researcher but may or may not have practical application at the present time
or in the future. Thus such work often involves the testing of hypotheses containing very
abstract and specialized concepts (Bailey, 1978). Also called fundamental or basic research,
pure research primarily aims to make a contribution to knowledge, usually for the general good,
rather than to solve a specific problem for one organization.

Examples of Pure Research

1. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity
2. Taylor's Scientific Management Theory
3. Systems Theory by Ludwig von Bertalanffy

Applied research is designed to solve practical problems of the modern world and to improve
human condition. It is almost always done on the basis of basic research.

Examples of Applied Research

1. Production of Solar Powered Bicycle Lock (by Skylock)
2. Performance Professional Apparel for the Modern Man (by Ministry Supply)
3. Taylor's Scientific Management Theory as Applied by Fast Food Chain Restaurants
Objectives Perspective
1. Exploratory research
2. Descriptive research
3. Correlational research
4. Explanatory research

Exploratory research is undertaken with the objective either to explore an area where little is
known or to investigate the possibilities of undertaking a particular research study. This is
conducted when there are few or no earlier studies to which references can be made for
information. A feasibility study or a pilot study is carried out to determine its viability.

Examples of Exploratory Research

1. Online exploratory survey on the impact of advertising campaign
2. Exploratory quantitative analysis of target market
3. Exploratory assessment of product competitiveness

A descriptive study attempts to describe systematically a condition, problem, phenomenon,

service or program or attitudes towards an issue. It goes further than exploratory research in
examining a problem since it is undertaken to ascertain and describe the characteristics of the
situation.

Examples of Descriptive Research

1. Hiring and Selection Practices of Business Process Outsourcing Companies
2. Credit Management Strategies of Microfinance Institutions
3. Marketing Program of Private Schools

Correlational study discovers or establishes the existence of a

relationship/association/interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation.

Examples of Correlational Research

1. Social Media and the Purchasing Decisions of College Students
2. Relationship between Personal Values and Employee Commitment
3. Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance of Manufacturing Companies

Explanatory research attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two
aspects of a situation or phenomenon. It is also called analytical research.

Examples of Explanatory Research

1. Sales Analysis of Online Business
2. Financial Performance Analysis of Medium Enterprises
3. Demand and Supply Analysis of Medical Supplies

Mode of Enquiry Perspective

1. Quantitative research
2. Qualitative research

Quantitative research usually starts with a theory or a general statement proposing a general
relationship between variables. This approach typically concentrates on measuring or counting
and involves collecting and analyzing numerical data and applying statistical tests.

In qualitative research, the researcher uses methods such as personal accounts, unstructured
interviews and participant observation to gain an understanding of the underlying reasons and
motivations for peoples’ attitudes, preferences or behaviors.

The type of research on the basis of these perspectives is not mutually exclusive; hence, a
study classified from the viewpoint of ‘application’ can also be classified from the perspectives of
‘objectives’ and ‘enquiry mode’.
Activity 1
Formulate one (1) business related topic that you can conduct for each of the following sub-
classifications of research.
1. Exploratory research
2. Descriptive research
3. Correlational research
4. Applied research
5. Explanatory research

SAQ 1
Recall the types of research and identify the following in terms of the different perspectives
as to application, objectives or mode of enquiry.
___________________ 1. The research attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship
between two aspects of a situation or phenomenon.
___________________2.This research involves developing and testing theories and
hypotheses that are intellectually challenging to the researcher but
may or may not have practical application at the present time or in
the future.
____________________3. It is designed to solve practical problems of the modern world and to
improve human condition.
____________________4.The researcher uses methods such as personal accounts,
unstructured interviews and participant observation to gain an
understanding of the underlying reasons and motivations for
peoples’ attitudes, preferences or behaviors.
____________________5. The study attempts to describe systematically a condition, problem,
phenomenon, service or program or attitudes towards an issue.
____________________6. It primarily aims to make a contribution to knowledge, usually for the
general good, rather than to solve a specific problem for one
organization.
____________________7. This approach typically concentrates on measuring or counting and
involves collecting and analyzing numerical data and applying
statistical tests.
____________________8. The research usually starts with a theory or a general statement
proposing a general relationship between variables.
____________________9. This is conducted when there are few or no earlier studies to which
references can be made for information.
___________________10. This type of research discovers or establishes the existence of a
relationship/association/interdependence between two or more
aspects of a situation.