- Defining the research purpose
- exploratory
- experimental
- explanatory
- Defining the research strategy
- experiment
- survey
- case - study
- archival research
- Multiple methods choices
- quantitative
- qualitative
- mixed-method
- Time horizons
- cross-sectional studies
- longitudinal
- Data collection and analysis
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESEARCH
| Exploratory | Descriptive | Analytical | Predictive | | Exploratory research
is undertaken when
few or no previous
studies exist. The aim is to look for
patterns, hypotheses
or ideas that can be
tested and will form
the basis for further
research.
Typical research
techniques would
include case studies,
observation and
reviews of previous
related studies and
data. | Descriptive research
can be used to
identify and classify
the elements or
characteristics of
the subject, e.g.
number of days lost
because of
industrial action.
Quantitative
techniques are most
often used to
collect, analyze and
summarise data. | Analytical research
often extends the
Descriptive
approach to
suggest or explain
why or how
something is
happening, e.g.
underlying causes
of industrial
action.
An important
feature of this type
of research is in
locating and
identifying the
different factors
(or variables)
involved. | The aim of
Predictive research
is to speculate
intelligently on
future possibilities,
based on close
analysis of
available evidence
of cause and
effect, e.g.
predicting when
and where future
industrial action
might take place. |
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