Types of scientific research: qualitative, quantitative, experimental, field...👩‍🔬

TL;DR

Overview of various scientific research types and their characteristics.

Transcript

The main types of scientific research can be classified according to different criteria: the objective of the research, the type of data used, the knowledge of the object of study or the degree of manipulation of variables. Research comprises any creative work carried out on a systematic basis to improve knowledge, including knowledge of humans, cu... Read More

Key Insights

• Scientific research can be classified based on objectives, data used, knowledge of the study object, and variable manipulation.
• Applied research aims to solve practical problems and is used in developing technologies and curing diseases.
• Basic research, driven by curiosity, seeks knowledge without focusing on practical applications.
• Qualitative research explores human behavior and decision-making processes, focusing on understanding meanings and symbols.
• Quantitative research uses statistical methods to develop models and hypotheses, aiming for empirical investigation.
• Explanatory research justifies events and explores relationships between variables, while descriptive research provides accurate portraits of subjects.
• Exploratory research helps define research problems and designs, but its results are not generalizable.
• Experimental research examines causality with controlled variables, whereas quasi-experimental research studies cause-effect relationships without strict variable control.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main focus of applied research?

Applied research focuses on solving practical problems. It aims to find knowledge that can be directly applied to real-world issues, such as developing innovative technologies or curing diseases. Unlike basic research, which is driven by curiosity, applied research prioritizes practical applications and tangible solutions to everyday challenges.

Q: How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research?

Qualitative research differs from quantitative research in its approach to data. It deals with phenomena that are difficult to quantify, focusing on understanding human behavior, meanings, and symbols. In contrast, quantitative research uses statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques to systematically investigate phenomena, aiming to develop mathematical models and hypotheses.

Q: What is the purpose of explanatory research?

The purpose of explanatory research is to establish the causes of facts, circumstances, or phenomena. It seeks to justify why events occur, the conditions under which they manifest, and the relationships between variables. This type of research is structured to explore, describe, correlate, or associate variables, providing a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Q: Why is exploratory research not generalizable?

Exploratory research is not generalizable because it addresses problems without clear definitions, focusing on gaining insights rather than providing definitive answers. It helps determine research design, data collection methods, and subject selection, but its findings are specific to the context studied and cannot be broadly applied to larger populations or different settings.

Q: What distinguishes experimental research from quasi-experimental research?

Experimental research is distinguished by its objective, systematic, and controlled investigation of phenomena, aiming to predict and control outcomes by manipulating variables. Quasi-experimental research, while also studying cause-effect relationships, does not have strict control over variables. It is often used in social studies where full control is not feasible, allowing for some manipulation to observe effects.

Q: In what scenarios is non-experimental research used?

Non-experimental research is used in scenarios where variables cannot be deliberately manipulated to observe effects. It involves systematic and empirical observation of existing situations, often in natural settings. Researchers do not create situations but rather study phenomena as they occur, making it suitable for studies where experimental manipulation is impractical or unethical.

Q: How does correlational research approach the study of variables?

Correlational research approaches the study of variables by investigating the relationships or associations between them without determining cause and effect. It uses statistical methods to identify correlations between two or more variables that do not lend themselves to experimental manipulation, providing insights into potential connections and patterns within the data.

Q: What are the characteristics of field research?

Field research is characterized by data collection in real, uncontrolled environments, outside of laboratories or workplaces. It involves gathering information in natural settings to better understand phenomena as they occur in their authentic context. This approach contrasts with controlled experimental studies, offering insights into real-world conditions and behaviors.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Scientific research is categorized based on objectives, data types, study object knowledge, and variable manipulation. Applied and basic research differ in focus, with the former solving practical problems and the latter seeking knowledge. Qualitative and quantitative approaches explore human behavior and statistical phenomena, respectively.

• Explanatory research seeks to justify events and explore variable relationships, while descriptive research accurately depicts subjects. Exploratory research helps define problems and designs, although its results are not generalizable. Experimental research examines causality with controlled variables, and quasi-experimental research studies cause-effect relationships without strict control.

• Non-experimental research observes existing situations without manipulating variables, while correlational research studies relationships between variables without determining causality. Observational research involves ethical constraints, and field research collects data in real, uncontrolled environments, contrasting with controlled laboratory settings.