TYPES
OF RESEARCH
Different
authors have classified research into various categories.
Qualitative research
It includes
designs, techniques and measures that do not produce discrete numerical data.
Qualitative data can be collected through direct observation, participant
observation or interview method.
Quantitative research
It includes
designs, techniques and measures that produce discreet numerical or
quantifiable data.
Advantages of using both qualitative and quantitative methods
- Since
in many cases a researcher has several objectives, some of these
objectives are better assessed using quantitative methods.
- Both
methods supplement each other i.e. qualitative methods provide the
in-depth explanations while quantitative methods provide the data needed
to test hypotheses.
- Since
both methods have a bias, using both types of research helps to avoid such
bias in that each method can be used to check the other.
Disadvantages of using both qualitative and quantitative methods
- It
is expensive
- Researchers
may not have sufficient training in both methods to be able to use them
effectively.
Classification
by purpose
1.
Basic / Pure / Fundamental Research
Basic researchers are interested in deriving
scientific knowledge i.e. they are motivated by intellectual curiosity and need
to come up with a particular solution. It focuses on generating new knowledge
in order to refine or expand existing theories. It does not consider the
practical application of the findings to actual problems or situations.
2.
Applied research
It is conducted for the purpose of applying or testing theory and
evaluating its usefulness in solving problems. It provides data to support a
theory, guide theory revision or suggest the development of a new theory.
3.
Action research
It is conducted with the primary intention of solving a specific,
immediate and concrete problem in a local setting e.g. investigating ways of
overcoming water shortage in a given area. It is not concerned with whether the
results can be generalized to any other setting.
4.
Evaluation Research
It is the process of determining whether the intended
results were realized.
Types of evaluation research
i.
Needs
assessment
A need is a discrepancy between an existing set of conditions and a
desired set of conditions. The results of needs assessment study provide the
foundation for developing new programmes and for making changes in existing
ones.
ii.
Formative
evaluation
Helps to collect data about a programme while it is still being developed
e.g. an educational programme, a marketing strategy etc.
iii.
Summative
evaluation
It is done after the programme has been fully
developed. It is conducted to evaluate how worthwhile the final programme has
been especially compared to similar programmes.
Classification
by methods of analysis
1.
Descriptive research
It is the process of collecting data in order to test hypotheses or to
answer questions concerning the current status of the subjects in the study. It
determines and reports the way things are. It attempts to describe such things
as possible behaviour, attitudes, values and characteristics.
Steps involved in descriptive research
Ø
Formulating the objectives of a study
Ø
Designing the methods of data collection
Ø
Selecting the sample
Ø
Data collection
Ø
Analyzing the results
2.
Causal-comparative research
It is used to explore relationships between variables. It determines
reasons or causes for the current status of the phenomenon under study. The
variables of interest cannot be manipulated unlike in experimental research.
Steps in causal-comparative research
Ø
Define the research question
Ø
Select a group that possesses the
characteristics, which the researcher wants to study.
Ø
Select a comparison group which does not display
the characteristics under study but which is similar to the group in other
respects.
Ø
Collect data on both the experimental and
control groups
Ø
Analyze the data
Advantages of
causal-comparative study
Ø
Allows a comparison of groups without having to
manipulate the independent variables
Ø
It can be done solely to identify variables
worthy of experimental investigation
Ø
They are relatively cheap.
Disadvantages of
causal-comparative study
Ø
Interpretations are limited because the researcher
does not know whether a particular variable is a cause or result of a behaviour
being studied.
Ø
There may be a third variable which could be
affecting the established relationship but which may not be established in the
study.
3.
Correlation Methods
It describes in quantitative terms the degree to which variables are
related. It explores relationships between variables and also tries to predict
a subject’s score on one variable given his or her score on another variable.
Steps in correlational research
Ø
Problem statement
Ø
Selection of subjects
Ø
Data collection
Ø
Data analysis
Advantages of the correlational method
Ø
Permits one to analyze inter-relationships among
a large number of variables in a single study.
Ø
Allows one to analyze how several variables
either singly or in combination might affect a particular phenomenon being
studied.
Ø
The method provides information concerning the
degree of relationship between variables being studied.
Disadvantages of the correlational method
Ø
Correlation between two variables does not
necessarily imply causation although researchers often tend to interpret such a
relationship to mean causation.
Ø
Since the correlation coefficient is an index,
any two variables will always show a relationship even when commonsense
dictates that such variables are not related.
Ø
The correlation coefficient is very sensitive to
the size of the sample.
Classification by type of research
1. Survey Research
A survey is an
attempt to collect data from members of a population in order to determine the
current status of that population with respect to one or more variables. Survey
study is therefore a self-report study, which requires the collection of
quantifiable information from the sample. It is a descriptive research.
Steps involved in Survey research
Ø
Problem statement
Ø
Defining Objectives
Ø
Selecting a Sample
Ø
Preparing the instruments
Ø
Data analysis
Purpose of survey research
i.
It seeks to obtain information that describes existing
phenomena by asking individuals about their perceptions, attitudes, behaviour
or values.
ii.
Can be used for explaining or exploring the existing
status of two or more variables, at a given point in time.
iii.
It is the most appropriate to measure characteristics
of large populations.
i.
They are dependent on the cooperation of respondents.
ii.
Information unknown to the respondents cannot be tapped
in a survey e.g. amount saved per year
iii.
Requesting information which is considered secret and
personal, encourages incorrect answers.
iv.
Surveys cannot be aimed at obtaining forecasts of
things to come.
2. Historical research
Involves the study of a problem that requires collecting information from
the past.
Purpose of Historical Research
Ø
Aims at arriving at conclusions concerning
causes, effects or trends of past occurrences that may help explain present
events and anticipate future events.
Ø
Attempts to interpret ideas or events that had
previously seemed unrelated.
Ø
Synthesizes old data or merges old data with new
historical facts that the researcher or other researchers have discovered.
Ø
To reinterpret
past events that have been studied.
Steps involved in historical
research
Ø
Identifying and delineating the problem.
Ø
Developing hypothesis or hypotheses that one is
interested in testing.
Ø
Collecting and classifying resource materials,
determining facts by internal and external criticism.
Ø
Organizing facts into results
Ø
Interpreting data in terms of stated hypothesis
or theory.
Ø
Synthesizing and presenting the research in an
organized form.
3. Observational Research
The current status of a phenomenon is determined not by asking but by
observing. This helps to collect objective information.
Steps
Ø
Selection and definition of the problem.
Ø
Sample selection.
Ø
Definition of the observational information.
Ø
Recording observational information
Ø
Data analysis and interpretation.
Types of observational research
1.
Non-participant observation
The observer is not directly involved in the situation to be observed.
2.
Naturalistic Observation
Behaviour is studied and recorded as it normally occurs.
3.
Simulation observation.
The researcher creates the situation to be observed
and tells subjects to be observed what activities they are to engage in.
Disadvantage – the setting is not natural and the behaviour exhibited by the
subjects may not be the behaviour that would occur in a natural setting.
4.
Participant observation
The observer becomes part of or a participant in the situation. May not be ethical
5.
Case studies
A case study is an in-depth investigation of an individual, group,
institution or phenomenon. It aims to determine factors and relationships among
the factors that have resulted in the behaviour under study.
6.
Content analysis
It involves observation and detailed description of objects, items or
things that comprise the sample. The
purpose is to study existing documents such as books, magazines in order to
determine factors that explain a specific phenomenon.
Steps
Ø
Decide on the unit of analysis
Ø
Sample the content to be analyzed
Ø
Coding
Ø
Data analysis
Ø
Compiling results and interpretations.
Advantages
Ø
Researchers are able to economize in terms of
time and money.
Ø
Errors that arise during the study are easier to
detect and correct.
Ø
The method has no effect on what is being
studied.
Disadvantages
Ø
It is limited to recorded communication.
Ø
It is difficult to ascertain the validity of the
data.
