In these notes, I will discuss very briefly the kinds of research across fields. However, it greatly helps if we first define the term “research” to put the discussion in a proper context.
Meaning of Research
And so, what is research?
Research is a systematic and organized process of inquiry aimed at obtaining new knowledge or understanding of a phenomenon. It is a process of investigating a topic or problem, analyzing data and information, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Research can be conducted in any field of study, including science, social science, humanities, and business.
The purpose of research is to expand the body of knowledge, develop new theories, and provide solutions to problems. The research process involves several steps, including identifying a research question, reviewing existing literature, designing a research study, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and reporting findings.
One of the key characteristics of research is that it is based on empirical evidence. Researchers use various methods to collect data, including surveys, experiments, interviews, and observations. The data is then analyzed using statistical techniques to identify patterns and relationships. The findings of the research are then used to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
It is important to note that research plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and understanding in various fields. It is used to identify problems, develop solutions, and make informed decisions. In science, for instance, research is used to develop new theories and technologies, while in social science, research is used to understand human behavior and social structures.
Types of Research
There are different types of research. Considered in its broadest, general sense, research can be divided into basic or applied.
On the one hand, basic research is a type of scientific inquiry that aims to expand knowledge and understanding of the natural world without any immediate practical application. The primary goal of basic research is to explore fundamental principles and underlying mechanisms that govern the behavior of the physical, biological, and social systems. This type of research is conducted for the sake of gaining knowledge, with no specific or immediate application or commercial objective in mind.
Basic research is typically exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory in nature and involves the use of various research methods, including experimentation, observation, and data analysis. Basic researchers work to discover new facts, theories, and relationships that contribute to the scientific community’s knowledge base. They often focus on understanding the fundamental processes of nature and are less concerned with how their findings can be applied in practical settings.
Basic research plays a crucial role in the advancement of science and technology, as it provides the foundation for applied research and innovation. By uncovering new insights into the natural world, basic research contributes to the development of new technologies, medicines, and scientific concepts that improve our lives and our understanding of the world. Overall, basic research serves as a crucial building block for scientific progress and enables us to develop new solutions to complex problems.
On the other hand, applied research is a type of scientific inquiry that focuses on solving specific problems or answering practical questions that have immediate or direct relevance to real-world issues. The primary goal of applied research is to develop practical solutions or innovations that can be used to address practical problems or improve existing products, processes, or systems.
Applied research typically involves a collaborative approach between researchers and practitioners from different fields, such as engineering, medicine, psychology, or social sciences. The research is usually driven by a specific need or problem, and the research design is structured to address that problem.
Applied research is often characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, which involves the application of knowledge and techniques from different fields to address the research question. The research methods used in applied research vary depending on the nature of the problem and the available resources. Applied research may involve experiments, surveys, case studies, simulations, and other data-driven methods.
The main objective of applied research is to produce practical and useful knowledge that can be applied in real-world situations to solve problems or improve processes. The findings of applied research are often used to inform policy decisions, guide product development, or improve existing processes or systems. Overall, applied research is a crucial component of the research and development process, as it helps to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, ultimately leading to real-world benefits.
In terms of methods, research can be divided into qualitative and quantitative research. Lately, the third type, that is, mixed method, was added to it.
On the one hand, qualitative research is a type of scientific inquiry that focuses on understanding the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals or groups. The primary goal of qualitative research is to explore and describe complex phenomena, such as social interactions, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences, through the collection and analysis of non-numerical data.
Qualitative research is typically conducted using a range of research methods, including interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis. The research design is often flexible and iterative, allowing the researcher to refine their questions and methods based on emerging findings.
Qualitative research is characterized by a focus on understanding the meaning and context of the research participants’ experiences and perspectives. The researcher seeks to capture the richness and complexity of human behavior, emotions, and social interactions, and to identify patterns and themes that emerge from the data.
The findings of qualitative research are often presented in a narrative form, using quotes and descriptions to illustrate the key themes and insights. Qualitative research is often used in the social sciences, education, and health care fields, where understanding people’s experiences and perspectives is essential to improving policy and practice.
Overall, qualitative research provides a rich and nuanced understanding of complex phenomena, which cannot be captured using quantitative methods alone. Qualitative research is a valuable tool for generating insights and hypotheses, and for informing the development of theory and practice in a wide range of fields.
On the other hand, quantitative research is a type of scientific inquiry that focuses on the measurement and analysis of numerical data. The primary goal of quantitative research is to establish relationships between variables, test hypotheses, and make predictions based on statistical analysis of the data.
Quantitative research typically involves the collection of data through surveys, experiments, or other standardized methods. The data collected is then analyzed using statistical methods to identify patterns, relationships, and trends in the data.
Quantitative research is characterized by a focus on objectivity, precision, and replicability. The research design is often structured and standardized, allowing for the collection of large amounts of data from a representative sample of the population.
The findings of quantitative research are often presented in the form of tables, charts, and graphs, which allow for easy visualization and interpretation of the data. Quantitative research is often used in the fields of natural sciences, economics, psychology, and education, where precise measurement and analysis of numerical data is essential.
Overall, quantitative research provides a rigorous and systematic approach to studying complex phenomena, allowing for the identification of causal relationships and the development of empirical evidence-based theories. While it may not capture the complexity and richness of human experiences, quantitative research provides valuable insights and information that can inform policy, practice, and decision-making in a wide range of fields.
Meantime, mixed method research is a type of scientific inquiry that combines both quantitative and qualitative research approaches to better understand a research problem. The primary goal of mixed methods research is to gain a more complete understanding of the research problem by triangulating multiple sources of data and different research methods.
Mixed methods research typically involves collecting both numerical and non-numerical data using a variety of research methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, and document analysis. The data collected is then analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods to identify patterns, relationships, and themes in the data.
Mixed methods research is characterized by a focus on complementarity, in which the strengths of one method are used to offset the limitations of the other. For example, quantitative data may be used to provide an overview of a particular phenomenon, while qualitative data may be used to provide a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the underlying processes and meanings.
The findings of mixed methods research are often presented in the form of a narrative, using quotes and data visualizations to illustrate the key themes and insights. Mixed methods research is often used in the social sciences, health care, and education fields, where a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of a research problem is needed.
Overall, mixed methods research provides a flexible and powerful approach to studying complex phenomena, allowing for the integration of multiple perspectives and sources of data. Mixed methods research is a valuable tool for generating new insights, validating existing theories, and informing policy and practice in a wide range of fields.
Kinds of Research Across Fields
Now, when we say “kinds of research across fields”, we are normally referring to the different “research designs” under either qualitative or quantitative research methods.
Under quantitative research method, we have the major research designs: 1) descriptive research design, 2) correlational research design, 3) experimental research design, and 4) quasi-experimental research design.
Under quantitative research design, we have the major research designs: 1) historical research design, 2) philosophical research design, 3) phenomenological research design, 4) ethnographic research design, 5) case study design, 6) narrative research design, and 7) grounded theory design.
Please note that these research designs are the kinds of research that we can employ across fields or disciplines. And please note that both qualitative and quantitative research methods can be applied across fields or disciplines; in other words, we can apply either quantitative or qualitative research method in, for example, education research, business research, engineering research, research in the humanities and social sciences, policy research, and the like.
Let me briefly discuss the meaning, nature, and dynamics of each research design that can be used across fields or disciplines.
Descriptive Research Design
Descriptive research design is a type of research methodology used to describe and analyze a phenomenon or group of phenomena. The purpose of descriptive research is to provide a detailed and accurate picture of a specific situation, group, or event. This type of research design is often used in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education.
Descriptive research design aims to provide an objective, accurate, and comprehensive description of the research topic. It involves collecting and analyzing data through various methods, including surveys, observations, and case studies. The data collected is then summarized and presented in the form of statistical measures, graphs, charts, and tables.
Descriptive research design is useful when the research objective is to describe a particular phenomenon or group of phenomena. For instance, in psychology, researchers might use descriptive research design to study the behavior of a specific group of people, such as children with autism spectrum disorder. Similarly, in sociology, researchers might use descriptive research design to study the lifestyle and culture of a particular community or subculture.
Descriptive research design can also be used to identify patterns and relationships between variables. For instance, researchers might use descriptive research design to investigate the relationship between income and happiness. They might collect data on the income and happiness levels of a sample population and then analyze the data to identify any patterns or relationships.
Overall, descriptive research design is a useful tool for researchers who want to provide a comprehensive description of a specific phenomenon or group of phenomena. It allows researchers to gather and analyze data in an objective and accurate manner, which can then be used to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
Correlational Research Design
Correlational research design is a type of research methodology used to explore the relationship between two or more variables. This type of research design aims to determine whether there is a correlation or association between variables, and to what extent. Correlational research is often used in social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education.
In correlational research design, researchers collect data on two or more variables of interest and analyze the data to determine whether there is a relationship between them. This relationship is measured using a statistical technique called correlation coefficient, which indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between variables. The correlation coefficient ranges from -1 to +1, with negative values indicating a negative correlation and positive values indicating a positive correlation.
Correlational research design can be either cross-sectional or longitudinal. Cross-sectional studies collect data at a single point in time, while longitudinal studies collect data over a period of time. Longitudinal studies can be used to explore the causal relationship between variables, as changes in one variable can be tracked over time.
Correlational research design is useful when the research objective is to determine the relationship between two or more variables. For instance, in psychology, researchers might use correlational research design to investigate the relationship between stress and academic performance. They might collect data on the stress levels and academic performance of a sample population and then analyze the data to determine whether there is a correlation between the two variables.
Correlational research design has several advantages. It is a useful tool for exploring the relationship between variables, and it can be used to generate hypotheses for further research. Additionally, correlational research design is non-invasive and can be conducted in natural settings, making it more ecologically valid than experimental research.
However, correlational research design also has some limitations. It cannot establish causality, as correlation does not imply causation. Additionally, there may be third variables that affect the relationship between variables, and these variables cannot be controlled for in correlational research. Finally, correlational research design is subject to measurement error, as the accuracy of the data collected depends on the quality of the measurement tools used.
Experimental Research Design
Experimental research design is a type of research methodology used to investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables. This type of research design involves the manipulation of one or more independent variables and the measurement of their effects on one or more dependent variables. Experimental research is often used in natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as in social sciences, such as psychology, economics, and education.
In experimental research design, researchers randomly assign participants to different groups, including a control group and one or more experimental groups. The control group is used as a baseline against which the effects of the independent variable can be compared. The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured to determine the effects of the independent variable.
Experimental research design has several advantages. It allows researchers to establish causality, as the manipulation of the independent variable can be used to determine whether it causes changes in the dependent variable. Additionally, experimental research design allows researchers to control for extraneous variables, such as participant characteristics or environmental factors, that may affect the results.
Experimental research design also has some limitations. It may not be ecologically valid, as the artificial laboratory setting may not reflect real-world conditions. Additionally, there may be ethical concerns regarding the manipulation of variables, particularly if the manipulation involves risks to participants.
Overall, experimental research design is a useful tool for investigating cause-and-effect relationships between variables. It allows researchers to establish causality and control for extraneous variables, making it a powerful research methodology. However, experimental research design must be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.
Quasi-Experimental Research Design
Quasi-experimental research design is a type of research methodology used to investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables, but it does not involve random assignment of participants to groups. This type of research design is used when it is not possible or practical to conduct a true experimental study, due to ethical or logistical reasons. Quasi-experimental research is often used in social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education.
In quasi-experimental research design, participants are not randomly assigned to groups, but they are divided into groups based on pre-existing characteristics, such as age, gender, or medical condition. The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured to determine the effects of the independent variable.
Quasi-experimental research design has several advantages. It allows researchers to investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables in situations where a true experimental study is not feasible. Additionally, quasi-experimental research design can be used to study rare events or populations, which would be difficult to achieve in a true experimental study.
Quasi-experimental research design also has some limitations. It may not be possible to control for all extraneous variables, which may affect the results. Additionally, there may be ethical concerns regarding the manipulation of variables, particularly if the manipulation involves risks to participants.
Overall, quasi-experimental research design is a useful tool for investigating cause-and-effect relationships between variables in situations where a true experimental study is not feasible. It allows researchers to control for pre-existing characteristics and investigate rare events or populations, but it must be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.
Historical Research Design
Historical research design is a type of research methodology used to study past events or phenomena. This type of research design involves the examination of primary and secondary sources, such as archives, diaries, newspapers, and other documents, to gain an understanding of historical events and their causes. Historical research is often used in social sciences, such as history, anthropology, and sociology.
In historical research design, researchers collect and analyze data from historical sources to answer research questions or to develop a narrative of past events. This may involve analyzing documents, artifacts, or other material objects, as well as conducting interviews with people who were involved in or witnessed the events being studied.
Historical research design has several advantages. It allows researchers to gain insights into past events and to understand how they have shaped current social, cultural, and political practices. Additionally, historical research design can be used to study rare or unique events that cannot be studied using other research methods.
Historical research design also has some limitations. It may be difficult to access primary sources, particularly if they are located in archives or other collections that are difficult to access. Additionally, historical research design may be limited by the availability and accuracy of the sources, which may be biased or incomplete.
Overall, historical research design is a useful tool for gaining insights into past events and their impact on current social, cultural, and political practices. It allows researchers to study rare or unique events and to understand the historical context of current issues. However, it must be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.
Philosophical Research Design
Philosophical research design is a type of research methodology used to investigate fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and human existence. This type of research design involves the analysis of philosophical concepts, theories, and arguments to gain an understanding of fundamental issues in various fields of study, such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy.
In philosophical research design, researchers critically analyze philosophical texts, arguments, and ideas to develop their own philosophical position or to evaluate existing philosophical claims. This may involve engaging in conceptual analysis, logical argumentation, and critical reflection on philosophical concepts and theories.
Philosophical research design has several advantages. It allows researchers to investigate fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and human existence, which have important implications for various fields of study, such as science, law, and ethics. Additionally, philosophical research design can be used to clarify and refine conceptual frameworks used in other research methods.
Philosophical research design also has some limitations. It may be difficult to establish the validity and reliability of philosophical claims, as they are often based on abstract concepts and arguments. Additionally, philosophical research design may be limited by the diversity of philosophical positions and the lack of consensus on many philosophical issues.
Overall, philosophical research design is a useful tool for investigating fundamental questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, and human existence. It allows researchers to clarify and refine conceptual frameworks used in other research methods and to critically evaluate existing philosophical claims. However, it must be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.
Phenomenological Research Design
Phenomenological research design is a type of research methodology used to investigate people’s subjective experiences of a particular phenomenon. This type of research design involves collecting data from participants through interviews or observations, and analyzing the data to gain an understanding of the essence of the phenomenon being studied.
In phenomenological research design, researchers focus on how individuals experience a particular phenomenon, rather than trying to explain it in terms of objective factors. Phenomenological research design aims to provide an in-depth, holistic understanding of the phenomenon from the participant’s point of view.
Phenomenological research design has several advantages. It allows researchers to gain insights into the subjective experiences of individuals, which may not be captured by other research methods. Additionally, phenomenological research design can be used to explore complex or abstract concepts, such as emotions or beliefs, which are difficult to measure using other research methods.
Phenomenological research design also has some limitations. It may be difficult to ensure the validity and reliability of the results, as the data are subjective and may be influenced by the researcher’s interpretation. Additionally, phenomenological research design may be limited by the sample size, as the focus is on in-depth analysis of a small number of participants.
Overall, phenomenological research design is a useful tool for investigating people’s subjective experiences of a particular phenomenon. It allows researchers to gain insights into complex or abstract concepts and to develop an in-depth, holistic understanding of the phenomenon from the participant’s point of view. However, it must be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.
Ethnographic Research Design
Ethnographic research design is a type of research methodology used to study cultural practices, behaviors, and beliefs of a particular group of people. This type of research design involves the immersion of the researcher into the culture being studied, usually through participant observation, interviews, and other forms of data collection.
In ethnographic research design, researchers aim to understand the culture from the inside, by studying the everyday practices and experiences of the members of the community being studied. Ethnographic research design typically involves spending an extended period of time in the field, developing a deep understanding of the cultural practices and beliefs of the group being studied.
Ethnographic research design has several advantages. It allows researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural practices, beliefs, and behaviors of the group being studied. Additionally, ethnographic research design can provide a rich, detailed description of the culture, which may not be captured by other research methods.
Ethnographic research design also has some limitations. It may be time-consuming and costly to conduct, as it involves an extended period of time in the field. Additionally, ethnographic research design may be limited by the researcher’s bias or subjectivity, as the researcher’s interpretation of the data may be influenced by their own cultural background and experiences.
Overall, ethnographic research design is a useful tool for studying the cultural practices, behaviors, and beliefs of a particular group of people. It allows researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of the culture from the inside, and to develop a rich, detailed description of the culture being studied. However, it must be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.
Case Study Design
Case study design is a type of research methodology used to investigate a particular phenomenon or case in depth. This type of research design involves collecting data from a single case or a small number of cases, and analyzing the data to gain an understanding of the specific details and unique aspects of the case.
In case study design, researchers may use a variety of data collection methods, such as interviews, observations, and document analysis, to collect detailed information about the case being studied. The data is then analyzed to identify patterns, themes, and unique features of the case.
Case study design has several advantages. It allows researchers to investigate a specific phenomenon or case in depth, and to develop a detailed understanding of the unique features and context of the case. Additionally, case study design can be used to generate hypotheses or theories for further investigation.
Case study design also has some limitations. It may be difficult to generalize the findings of a single case study to other cases or populations. Additionally, case study design may be limited by the subjectivity of the researcher’s interpretation of the data, as well as by the potential for bias in the selection of cases or participants.
Overall, case study design is a useful tool for investigating a particular phenomenon or case in depth. It allows researchers to develop a detailed understanding of the unique features and context of the case, and to generate hypotheses or theories for further investigation. However, it must be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.
Narrative Study Design
Narrative study design is a qualitative research methodology that focuses on exploring the stories and experiences of individuals. This type of research design involves collecting data through interviews or written accounts of personal experiences and analyzing the data to understand the meaning and significance of the narratives.
In narrative study design, researchers aim to gain an understanding of the individual’s experiences and how they have shaped their lives. The focus is on the individual’s perspective, rather than on the objective facts of the situation.
Narrative study design has several advantages. It allows researchers to gain insights into the individual’s experiences and how they have influenced their beliefs and behaviors. Additionally, narrative study design can provide a rich, detailed description of the individual’s life story, which may not be captured by other research methods.
Narrative study design also has some limitations. It may be difficult to ensure the validity and reliability of the results, as the data are subjective and may be influenced by the researcher’s interpretation. Additionally, narrative study design may be limited by the sample size, as the focus is on in-depth analysis of a small number of individuals.
Overall, narrative study design is a useful tool for exploring the stories and experiences of individuals. It allows researchers to gain insights into the individual’s perspective and how their experiences have influenced their beliefs and behaviors. However, it must be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.
Grounded Theory Design
Grounded theory design is a qualitative research methodology that aims to develop theories that are grounded in data. It involves collecting and analyzing data to develop a theoretical framework that explains a phenomenon or a process. This type of research design emphasizes the importance of collecting data directly from the source, rather than relying on pre-existing theories or assumptions.
In grounded theory design, the data is collected through various methods such as interviews, observations, and document analysis. The data is then analyzed using a systematic process of coding and categorization to identify patterns and themes. These patterns and themes are then used to develop a theoretical framework that explains the phenomenon being studied.
Grounded theory design has several advantages. It allows researchers to develop a theoretical framework that is grounded in the data, rather than relying on pre-existing theories or assumptions. Additionally, grounded theory design can provide a rich, detailed understanding of the phenomenon being studied.
Grounded theory design also has some limitations. It may be time-consuming and labor-intensive to collect and analyze the data. Additionally, the process of developing a theoretical framework may be subjective and influenced by the researcher’s interpretation of the data.
Overall, grounded theory design is a useful tool for developing theories that are grounded in the data. It allows researchers to develop a theoretical framework that explains a phenomenon or a process in detail. However, it must be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.
In conclusion, there are different kinds of research methods or designs that can be applied in different fields or disciplines, and the choice of the type of research depends on the research questions, objectives, and methodology used.