Types of Research Methods
Business research methods can be defined as “a systematic and scientific procedure of data collection, compilation, analysis, interpretation, and implication pertaining to any business problem”[1]. Types of research methods can be classified into several categories according to nature and purpose of the study, methods of data collection, type of data, research design and other attributes. In methodology chapter of your dissertation, you need to specify and discuss the type of your research according to the following classifications.
Types of Research Methods According to Nature of the Study
Types of the research methods according to the nature of research can be divided into two groups: descriptive and analytical. Descriptive research usually involves surveys and studies that aim to identify the facts. In other words, descriptive research mainly deals with the “description of the state of affairs as it is at present”[2], and there is no control over variables in descriptive research.
Analytical research, on the other hand, is fundamentally different in a way that “the researcher has to use facts or information already available and analyse these in order to make a critical evaluation of the material”.[3]
Types of Research Methods According to the Purpose of the Study
According to the purpose of the study, types of research methods can be divided into two categories: applied research and fundamental research. Applied research is also referred to as action research, and the fundamental research is sometimes called basic or pure research. The Table 1 below summarizes the main differences between applied research and fundamental research.[4] Similarities between applied and fundamental (basic) research relate to the adoption of a systematic and scientific procedure to conduct the study.[5]
| Fundamental Research | Applied Research |
|
§ Tries to eliminate the theory by adding to the basics of a discipline § Problems are analysed from the point of one discipline § Generalisations are preferred § Forecasting approach is implemented § Assumes that other variables do not change § Reports are compiled in a language of technical language of discipline
|
§ Aims to solve a problem by adding to the field of application of a discipline
§ Often several disciplines work together for solving the problem § Often researches individual cases without the aim to generalise § Aims to say how things can be changed § Acknowledges that other variables are constant by changing § Reports are compiled in a common language |
Table 1 Differences between applied and fundamental research
Types of Research Methods according methods of data collection
Types of research methods according to methods of data collection can be broadly divided into two – quantitative and qualitative categories.
Quantitative research “describes, infers, and resolves problems using numbers. Emphasis is placed on the collection of numerical data, the summary of those data and the drawing of inferences from the data”[6]. In simple terms, quantitative research involves figures and calculations in data collection and analysis. In quantitative studies research findings are presented via tables, graphs and charts.
Qualitative research, on the other hand, is based on words, feelings, emotions, sounds and other non-numerical and unquantifiable elements. It has been noted that “information is considered qualitative in nature if it cannot be analysed by means of mathematical techniques. This characteristic may also mean that an incident does not take place often enough to allow reliable data to be collected”[7]
Types of Research Methods according to the type of data
According to type of data, types of research methods can be divided into two groups – primary research and secondary research. Primary research involves the collection of primary data, i.e. the data which is new, through primary data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, observation etc.
Secondary research, also called desk-based research, is based solely on the secondary data i.e. previously conducted studies. Data sources in secondary researches are books, magazines, industry journals etc. In this type of studies the researcher does not engage in primary data collection.
It is important to note that primary research also involves secondary research, but opposite is not true. Specifically, all primary studies involve collection and analysis of secondary data during literature review stage of the research process. Secondary research, on the other hand, is limited with the collection and analysis of secondary data.
Types of Research Methods according to Research Design
On the basis of research design the types of research methods can be divided into two groups – exploratory and conclusive. Exploratory studies only aim to explore the research area and they do not attempt to offer final and conclusive answers to research questions. Conclusive studies, on the contrary, aim to provide final and conclusive answers to research questions.
Table 2 below illustrates the main differences between exploratory and conclusive research designs:
| Exploratory research | Conclusive research | |
| Structure | Loosely structured in desing | Well structured and systematic in design |
| Methodology | Are flexible and investigative in methodology | Have a formal and definitive methodology that needs to be followed and tested |
| Hypotheses | Do not involve testing of hypotheses | Most conclusive researches are carried out to test the formulated hypotheses |
| Findings | Findings might be topic specific and might not have much relevance outside of researcher’s domain | Findings are significant as they have a theoretical or applied implication |
Table 2 Main differences between exploratory and conclusive research[8]
My e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business Studies: a step by step assistance contains discussions of research types and application of research methods in practice. The e-book also explains all stages of the research process starting from the selection of the research area to writing personal reflection. Important elements of dissertations such as research philosophy, research approach, research design, methods of data collection and data analysis, sampling and others are explained in this e-book in simple words.
John Dudovskiy
[1] Bajpai, N. (2011) “Business Research Methods” Pearson Education India
[2] Herbst, F. & Coldwell, D. (2004) Business Research, Juta and Co Ltd, p.15
[3] Herbst, F. & Coldwell, D. (2004) Business Research, Juta and Co Ltd, p.13
[4] Kumar, R. (2008) “Research Methodology” APH Publishing Corporation
[5] Kumar, R. (2008) “Research Methodology” APH Publishing Corporation
[6] Table adapted from Kumar, R. (2008) “Research Methodology” APH Publishing Corporation
[7] Bajpai, N. (2011) “Business Research Methods” Pearson Education India
[8] Chawla, D. & Sodhi, N. (2011) “Research Methodology: Concepts and Cases” Vikas Publishing House PVT Ltd