Research methods are the techniques, tools and procedures used to gather, analyze, and interpret

information to answer a research question. The methods used depend on the type of data needed to
answer the research question. For Example, Quantitative method is used if we want to measure or test a
hypothesis. But in case of exploring ideas, thoughts and meaning we use qualitative method

Research means identifying and solving a problem. It means a problem exists and has been identified
and that the solution is necessary.

Research is always carried out for data. Data means facts and statistics collected during the research
Data are of two types:

Primary Data: Primary Data means first hand information like we purchase directly new, directly
collecting information respondents. Respondents are the sources from whom data is collected.

Secondary data: Secondary data means second hand information like collecting data from reading
magazine, newspapers and research reports.

ANALYSIS

After collecting data, the process of analysis is carried out. In this we study and compare the data. The
data analysis may:

a) Support the existing information

Following different steps are taken in research:

i. Problem Identification
ii. Review of available literature related to problem, like studying already printed search
reports, magazines, articles and books or websites. And here if we finds a gap in the
contents of such resources then we shall put here our own research findings
iii. Problem Formaulation. That means preparing a question. Where you are satified that there
is a gap in already available information and that needs to be futher refine
iv. Deciding Methodolgy. That is to decide whether we are going to perform qualitative or
qualitative or mixed methodlogy. This seletion depends on the topic that we have chosen
v. Writing a research proposal: Reseach proposal is prepared based on research question and
objectives of the research. The purpose is to obtain approval and support for the research
specialy from the government for funding
vi. TTools for data collecton: Data collection tools are devices or tools used to gather
information for research, analysis, or decision-making. Examples are Questionnaire, forms,
focus groups and surveys etc.
 vii. Collecting the data: That is steps taken for collecting the data
viii. Analysing and interpreting the data
ix. Writin the research rport

Research methods refer to the systematic and structured approaches used to conduct research studies.
Here are some common research methods:

Quantitative Research Methods:

Quantitative data involves collecting and analyzing numerical data. It is ideal for identifying trends,
averages, making future predictions, testing casual relationship and generalizing results for large
population.Example of numerical data are income, slary, height, temperature, size, weight etc. Some
examples are:

1. Surveys: Collecting data through self-reporting questionnaires or interviews.

2. Experiments: For understanding casue and effect relationship we study the relation independent and
dependent variable. Hera samples are selected randomly

3. Quasi-Experiments: This process is similar to experiments but here sample is not selected randomly

4. Content Analysis: Analyzing text, image, or video data to identify patterns.

5. Statistical Analysis: Using statistical techniques to analyze and interpret data.

Qualitative Research Methods:

Qualiatavive Reseach involves collecting and analyizing non-numerical data . For example, image, video,
opininon and texr. Qualitative research Is opposite to Quantitative Research.

Qualitative research is uused to capture information, related belief, norms, values , feeling etc. As this
information can not be in numerical form. Examples are:

1. In-Depth Interviews: Conducting detailed, semi-structured interviews to gather rich data.

2. Focus Groups: Gathering data through group discussions.

3. Observational Studies: Collecting data through observation of participants.

4. Case Studies: To carry out detailed analysis of a single case or small cases

5. Phenomenology: Studying people's experiences and perceptions.

Mixed methods research design is a procedure for collecting analyzing and mixing both quantitative and
qualitative research methods in a single study to understand research problem

1. Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Methods: Using both quantitative and qualitative methods to
gather and analyze data.

Action Research:

The process by which practitioners attempt to study their problems scientifically in order to guide,
correct and evaluate their decisions and actions is called as action research, For example a problem in a
school or college is resolved through action in a fast way

1. Participatory Action Research: Involving participants in the research process to identify and address
problems.

Other Research Methods:

1. Secondary Research: Analyzing existing data or research studies.

2. Delphi Technique: Gathering data through iterative rounds of questionnaires.

3. Grounded Theory: Developing theory through data analysis.

Research Design:

Design means a plan or drawings like we do in case of building construction. So Research design is a plan
of collection, measurement and analysis of data. It is the conceptual structure within which research is
conducted

1. Experimental Design: Manipulating variables to test cause-and-effect relationships.

2. Quasi-Experimental Design: Similar to experimental design, but without random assignment.

3. Non-Experimental Design: Collecting data without manipulating variables.

1. Random Sampling: Selecting participants randomly from a population.

2. Convenience Sampling: Selecting participants based on ease of access.

3. Purposive Sampling: Selecting participants based on specific criteria.

Data Collection Tools:

1. Questionnaires: Self-reporting instruments to collect data.

2. Interview Protocols: Structured or semi-structured guides for conducting interviews.

3. Observation Schedules: Tools for recording observational data.

These are just some of the common research methods used in various fields. The choice of research
method depends on the research question, objectives, and context.

All businesses must continually take informed actions in their market, but the quality of their information
limits the quality of their actions. Even before taking decisive steps toward optimizing revenue, cutting
costs, and solving challenges, businesses require ever-improving knowledge of their field to stay
competitive.

Research helps companies accomplish these tasks. It builds their expertise and reveals the most effective
way forward. Understanding the different types of research is essential to selecting the right research
methods according to your exact needs.

Classification of different research types

We classify research according to the needs of the researchers. Before delving into the specific types of
research, become clear about what you and your organization need.
When considering research types, reflect on how you could classify your needs for research and
information. That goes for the type of information, what you hope it will do for you, how you wish to
apply it, and how you'll need to obtain it.

We can classify research according to:

 Its purpose

 How you can use it

 The type of data you’ll use

 The required depth of scope

 How you obtain the data

 When you can carry it out

 What information sources you’ll use

 The type of inferences you’re making

 How much you’ll manipulate the variables

Main research categories

Research falls into two main categories:

1. Fundamental

2. Applied

Fundamental research

Fundamental (aka "basic" or "theoretical") research studies how things work without trying to alter
them. The goal is simply to broaden your understanding of a topic. You'll then be better able to explain
processes and put forward improved explanations or theories about them.

Studies relying on fundamental research are information-based, which builds an organization's

Applied research

Applied research is based on problem-solving and achieving a goal. It differs from fundamental research,
as there's a purpose beyond gaining understanding. It applies knowledge to achieve a desired outcome.

We can further categorize this type of research into:

1. Technological research aimed at improving processes or product efficiency

2. Scientific research that you apply to predict and control outcomes

Organizations use solution-based applied research to resolve a defined problem.

A greater understanding of the many types of research helps you better select research methods
according to your needs. As you'll see, some of these methods overlap, some are diametrically opposed,
and some must work alongside others.

Exploratory research

By delving into existing knowledge on a topic, valuable sources of additional knowledge become more
obvious. There's little to no question involved—rather, the researcher explores existing knowledge to
establish solid foundations on a topic.

Use case: When delving into uncharted territory, compiling what's already known into user-friendly
research feeds is incredibly useful.

Evaluative research

This type of research examines the impact of policies on groups or other subjects. These often result in a
particular use or distribution of resources according to a specific agenda or overall aim.

Use case: Evaluating how certain organizational policies impact costs, people, program performance, and
other factors. The hallmark of evaluative research is capturing data openly but within a predetermined
framework.

Field research

This is research you gather onsite or "in the field." You use it when location-based observations and data
collection are necessary.

Use case: Taking photographs during a property inspection, which you can remotely compile into a
cloud-based research repository.

Laboratory research

Unlike field research, laboratory research takes place in a tightly controlled, closed setting. It usually
involves fixed procedures and strict control over lab conditions to reduce variables.

Use case: Eliminating every possible variable while tracking the exact procedure of a lab experiment to
ensure you can replicate it. Here, lab reports must be as lean and unbiased as possible.

Fixed research

To reduce variables, researchers will fix their procedures according to standardized tests. You
predetermine the duration and frequency of testing, location, type, and quantity of data subjects. Fixed
research methods are without variation.

Use case: Analyzing highly sensitive electronic equipment in a "cleanroom," where project access control
is necessary to ensure proper procedures at every stage.

Flexible research
In flexible research, procedural changes are acceptable (such as for individual case studies) or the only
way to proceed (such as ethnographic studies).

Use case: Behavioral research involving a research diary study to discover unknown behaviors. These
unknowns, once known, might guide how you conduct the research further.

Classification research

By classifying data elements into categories, you're better able to navigate that data for various other
purposes. Breaking groups down into subgroups or classifying groups as part of a larger grouping
improves basic understanding of a subject.

Use case: After breaking down a huge data silo, classification is an option to create order from research
that hasn't yet seen the light of day.

For example, we have a classification system for animals. Should we discover a slew of species,
classification into existing or new categories would be a great next step to determine how they fit into
our existing world.

Comparative research

Comparative research reveals how different data elements, individuals, or groups relate to each other.
This research points to where data elements overlap and where they differ.

Use case: As you acquire new information, you'll want to efficiently correlate data with existing data to
understand it contextually and develop new, data-driven theories.

Cross-sectional research

Also known as "synchronous" research, cross-sectional research studies a group (or, more often, a
subgroup) at a single point in time. This research gives detailed insight into the condition of a particular
subject of study. You can also view a cross-section as representative of a larger group.

Use case: Which research participants will represent a cross-section of people experiencing the issue
you're researching?

Longitudinal research

Distinct from cross-sectional research, longitudinal research tracks how measurements change over
time. True longitudinal research will not manipulate variables, allowing them to unfold independently
over the study period. Longitudinal studies include:

 Panel studies to trace the same sample group over time

 Cohort studies to trace subpopulations either forward or backward in time

 Trend studies to track how characteristics change in a group, when they change, and the rate of
change

Use case: Studying the long-term effects of a pharmaceutical drug in the same group at different
intervals. This requires long-term management of research participant data.
Inductive research

Researchers also refer to inductive research as "theory-building" because it offers hypotheses to explain
patterns driving a process. It does so via broad observations while setting the groundwork for detailed
testing through related deductive research.

Deductive research has a narrow focus, whereas inductive research takes a broad view.

Use case: When an organization struggles, it's often because its theory doesn't apply to real-life
conditions. It needs a new, more reliable theory.

Deductive research

With deductive research, you test a chosen theory through research that determines its accuracy. This
requires experimentation or observation that previous inductive research often guides.

Use case: What experiments can help a marketing team determine the kinds of messages their audience
will favorably respond to?

Causal research

Causal or explanatory research analyzes the cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

Use case: What recommendations should you give if you discover a significant change in product
performance? What's causing it, and why?

Action research

This research examines people's actions and determines how effective they are for a desired outcome.
You can apply this technique organization-wide or to individuals. The goal is to discover the most
effective course correction.

Use case: If you discover customer engagement levels are dropping, how will you determine which new
actions will be more effective?

Quantitative research

Here, you quantify and represent data numerically, such as by statistics and measurements. Researchers
often display it in graphs, tables, ratios, and other formats based on numerical values. Quantitative
research seeks to answer specific questions or represent the field of study using objective data. Because
you’re measuring data objectively, it speaks for itself without qualification.

In limited circumstances, language that you can measure as a number may be quantitative, such as yes-
or-no answers. To a data scientist, these are as good as 1 for "yes/true" and 0 for "no/false."

Use case: Comprehensive analytics can help businesses zero in on the best KPIs for maximizing ROI
when developing new products.

Qualitative research
Strictly speaking, qualitative research involves any data not measurable as a number. It includes
opinions, surveys, and descriptions using language. The data is inherently qualified, and its value is based
on the speaker's subjective frame of reference.

If you find something that appears as a number but has a description to qualify it, don’t assume it is
purely quantitative—e.g., "X number of products are defective in the event that Y is true."

Use case: Analyzing customer comments, reviews, and discussions about your brand will require an end-
to-end qualitative research process.

Mixed research

You can group quantitative and qualitative data together with a mixture of graphs, words, and images.
This is useful to show how measured and descriptive data may relate to each other.

Where quantitative shows us “what happened” and “when it happened”, mixing qualitative can support
and color the same findings with “why it happened” and “how it happened”. Qualitative can add
personal stories and human behavior evidence that often show how to solve the problem.

Use case: Research deliverables or mixed media reports, which can include annotations, photos, and
videos alongside infographics, statistics, and other metrics. These types of reports are more engaging
and often improve the conversion of research into new decisions.

Choosing the right type of research

You've already taken a major step towards being able to choose the correct research type by learning
about them. Research is much more effective and easier when it's clear what you can use different types
of research for.

To zero in on the best research for your needs, ask yourself a few key questions:

 Are you trying to take some kind of action?

 Do you need a greater understanding of a topic before anything else?

 Are you looking at quantitative (objective) or qualitative (subjective) data?

 Will you need to replicate the research later?

 Is your research project open-ended?

 Do you wish to analyze changing factors over time or purely historical data?

 Who else will use this research, and what are their purposes?

 How will you compile your research and keep it organized?