3.1: Types of Research
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)In research, there are different ways to gather information and answer questions. Each type of research has its own methods, strengths, and purposes. This section will explain some of the main types of research and how they differ.
Types of Research
A variable is a characteristic, number, or quantity that can be observed.
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Descriptive Research: Descriptive research aims to describe something as it is. It tried to explain the characteristics of a population or situation. It doesn’t try to find out why something happens but instead focuses on what is happening. For example, a researcher might use surveys to find out how many students prefer online learning versus in-person classes.
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Experimental Research: Experimental research focuses on controlling certain factors in order to observe how changes affect the results of the experiment. This is a key approach to the Scientific Method, a research method highly valued by Western society. For instance, a researcher might change the amount of light in a room to see if it affects people’s ability to focus. Experimental research often happens in labs, where variables can be carefully controlled.
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Correlational Research: Correlational Research looks for connections or relationships between two things. For example, a study might find a correlation between the number of hours students study and their grades. However, proving that a relationship exists does not necessarily prove that one variable directly causes the other to occur or change.
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Exploratory Research: Often used when little is known about a topic, exploratory research helps researchers gather more information to better understand the subject. It’s less structured and can involve open-ended questions or observations, making it useful for new areas of study.
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Case Study Research: This approach focuses on a single subject, group, or event to get a deep understanding of it. For example, a case study on a specific high school might examine its policies, culture, and student outcomes in great detail.
The goal of research is not often to establish fact. Unquestionable facts are quite uncommon in research. Instead, research focuses on developing a hypothesis of what is happening and why, then seeking out evidence that supports or refutes those hypotheses. In the aforementioned example measuring student study hours and its potential impact on their grades, even if the researchers found that grades improved with an increase in hours studied, it does not prove that the hours studied improved their grade. Instead, it provides evidence supporting the theory that increased study hours improves grades. There could still be errors in the research methods used or other variables affecting the outcome.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Research methods are the approaches used in doing a specific research study. One important difference in research methods is between quantitative and qualitative research.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is all about numbers. Quantitative research seeks out measurable data. This type of research often involves statistics, charts, and graphs to present findings. For example, if researchers want to know how many people prefer online learning, they might survey a large group, count the responses, and create a percentage.
- Strengths: Quantitative data is clear and precise, making it easier to measure and compare. It can also help with testing theories and finding patterns.
- Weaknesses: It doesn’t provide much detail about people’s feelings, motivations, or personal experiences. Numbers can show trends but might miss the deeper reasons behind them.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is more about words and ideas than numbers. It aims to understand deeper thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Common research methods include interviews, open-ended survey questions, or observations. For example, to understand why students prefer online learning, a researcher might conduct interviews with students to hear their personal reasons.
- Strengths: Qualitative data provides depth and detail. It captures personal experiences and emotions, helping researchers understand the "why" behind behaviors and choices.
- Weaknesses: Qualitative data is harder to measure or compare because it isn’t based on numbers. It can also be more time-consuming, as it often involves collecting and analyzing long responses.
Comparing Quantitative and Qualitative Research
| Feature | Quantitative | Qualitative |
|---|---|---|
| Data Type | Numbers and statistics | Words and descriptions |
| Purpose | To measure and compare | To understand experiences and meanings |
| Methods | Surveys, experiments, statistical analysis | Interviews, observations, case studies |
| Strengths | Precise, measurable, good for large groups | In-depth, captures personal experiences |
| Weaknesses | Lacks detail on feelings and reasons | Harder to compare and analyze statistically |
Both types of research are valuable, and often, researchers use them together. For example, a study on student learning might start with a quantitative survey to gather general data, then follow up with qualitative interviews to explore students’ experiences in more depth. By combining these methods, researchers can gain a fuller, more accurate picture of the topic they’re studying.