TYPES OF RESEARCH

Research can be categorized into various types based on different criteria, including the purpose,
methodology, and approach. Here are some of the most common types of research, each with its
own characteristics and objectives: Imagine a research project in the field of education that aims
to improve the quality of teaching in a school.

Basic /Fundamental Research (Pure Research): Basic research is conducted primarily to

expand our understanding of fundamental scientific principles and concepts. It seeks to answer
theoretical questions without immediate practical applications. Example: Researchers study
cognitive development in children to understand how they learn best, (Researchers look at how
children's brains grow and develop, to understand how they learn and think as they grow up.)
without an immediate application.

Applied Research: Applied research aims to solve specific, practical problems or address real
world issues. It takes the knowledge gained from basic research and applies it to practical
situations. Example: Taking insights from basic research, the team develops a new teaching
method based on cognitive development principles and tests it in the classroom.

Descriptive research is like taking a snapshot of something to understand what it looks like,
without changing or affecting it. It's all about describing and documenting the details of a subject
or situation as it naturally is, without any experiments or changes. This helps researchers gather
facts and get a clear picture of what's happening. Example: A survey is conducted to document
the current teaching methods used in the school and the challenges faced by teachers.

Exploratory research is like an adventure into the unknown. When we don't know much about
a topic, we use this type of research to ask questions and learn the basics. It's like taking the first
steps to figure out what's going on and get some initial clues before diving deeper. Example :
Researchers investigate the factors contributing to low student performance, such as teacher
training and classroom environment.

Quantitative Research: Quantitative research relies on numerical data and statistical analysis to
draw conclusions and make generalizations. It involves structured surveys, experiments, and data
collection methods. Example : Researchers collect data on student test scores before and after
implementing the new teaching method and use statistical analysis to determine if there's a
significant improvement.

Qualitative Research: Qualitative research focuses on exploring and understanding social

phenomena through non-numerical data such as interviews, open-ended surveys, observations,
and content analysis. Example: In-depth interviews are conducted with teachers to understand
their experiences and perspectives regarding the new teaching approach.

Cross-Sectional Research: Cross-sectional research is like taking a snapshot of a group of

people at one moment. We gather information about them all at the same time to see how they're
different or similar in certain ways. Example: At one point in time, researchers compare the
performance of different classes using the traditional method and the new method.

Longitudinal Research: Longitudinal research involves collecting data from the same subjects
or groups over an extended period. It allows researchers to track changes and developments over
time. Example : Over several years, researchers track the progress of a group of students who
have been exposed to the new teaching method from kindergarten to high school to assess its
long-term impact.

Action Research: Action research is like a teamwork project to fix things at work. Researchers
and the people in the organization work together to find problems and make them better. They
use research to make changes and see if they work. Example: Throughout the project, teachers
and researchers collaborate to implement and refine the new teaching method based on ongoing
feedback and analysis of student outcomes.

Analytical Research: Analytical research is like solving a puzzle. You break down a big
problem into smaller pieces and carefully study them to understand how they fit together. This
helps you see the whole picture and draw important conclusions. People use analytical research
in different areas like science, social sciences, business, and policy analysis to learn more about
complex subjects. Example : Researchers analyze various components of the education system,
such as curriculum design, teacher training programs, and classroom dynamics, to gain a deeper
understanding of the factors influencing educational outcomes.
These are some of the key types of research, and many research projects may involve a
combination of these approaches to achieve their objectives. The choice of research type depends
on the research question, objectives, available resources, and the nature of the subject being
studied.