Research can be classified by field, method, and purpose. Quantitative research collects numerical data and uses statistical models, while qualitative research provides descriptive information. Observational research observes without interference, while experimental research sets conditions to determine effects. Basic research explores unknowns, applied research uses existing knowledge to solve problems, and developmental research improves existing products or creates new ones.
There are many ways to classify different types of research. For example, research in different fields can be defined as different types of research, such as scientific research, social research, medical research, environmental research and so on. The research methods used and the purposes of the research can also be used to classify the different types of research. Some of these types of research include quantitative and qualitative research; observational and experimental research; and basic, applied and developmental research.
Quantitative and qualitative
Quantitative research is the collection of objective numerical data. Characteristics are ranked and counted, and statistical models are built to analyze and explain the information gathered. Some of the tools used for this type of research include questionnaires that are administered to test subjects, equipment that is used to measure something, and existing databases of information. The goal of quantitative research is to compile statistical evidence, so the questionnaires used in this method typically include yes-or-no questions or multiple-choice questions rather than open-ended questions such as essay questions.
Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research is subjective and seeks to describe or interpret whatever is being researched. Instead of numbers, this type of search provides information in the form of words or visual representations. It relies on the researcher to observe, record what happens, such as participants’ answers to open-ended questions, subjects’ behavior or the results of experiments. Case studies are common examples of qualitative research.
Observational and Experimental
Observational research is the collection of information without interference or input from the researcher. It is the examination of things as they naturally or inherently are. The researcher simply observes, measures or records what is happening. This information is then analyzed and used to draw conclusions.
This is in contrast to experimental research, where the researcher sets parameters or conditions and is able to change them to determine their effects. Experimental research often takes place in laboratories, but it can take place anywhere. It simply requires that the researcher be able to control one or more conditions of the experiment. This method helps researchers understand how certain variables – different aspects or conditions that can change – can affect whatever they are studying.
Basic, applied and evolutionary
When the purpose of research is simply to reveal or find out what is true, it can be called basic research. This type of research involves exploring what is not known or understood. Applied research is taking what is already known and looking for ways to use it, for example to solve problems. Development research is similar to applied research, but focuses on using what is already known to improve existing products or technologies or to create something new.
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