1 Research Methods

Unit 2
Types of Research

Bikila Teklu, Dr.

AAiT, Department of Civil Engineering
Road and Transport Engineering Chair
bikilatek@yahoo.com
March 2012
 Lesson 1: Classification of Research
2

Research can be classified in terms of:

• goal of research

• specific objectives of research

• approaches of research

• designs

• the type of data used in research, and

• fields of study.
 Lesson 1: Classification of Research
3

Based on goal of research (nature of problem

to be solved)
 Basic research (Theoretical)
 Applied research (Practical)
• Based on Objectives of Research
 Descriptive
 Explanatory
 Exploratory
 Lesson 1: Classification of Research
4

Based on Approaches of research

 Qualitative
 Quantitative
• Based on Designs
 Experimental
 Quasi-experimental
 Non-experimental
 Lesson 1: Classification of Research
5

• Classification based on Type of Data (type of data

generated and used)
 Primary (Field)
 Secondary (Desk)
• Classification based on Fields of Study
 Natural science

 Social science research,

 Educational research,

 Behavioral science research

 Health science research, etc.

 Lesson 2: Basic and Applied Research
6

Have same structures and protocols with slight

variation in the ultimate purpose
Example:

Pure mathematics – underlying theories

Applied mathematics – real life phenomena
(mechanics, ecology, etc)
 2.1 Basic/Pure Scientific Research
7

Explaining the world around us

Primary objective - advancement of knowledge
and the theoretical understanding of the
relations among variables.

Results often of no immediate practical value

Driven by curiosity in a scientific question

Motivated by a need to expand human

knowledge
 2.1 Basic/Pure Scientific Research
8

The major aims of basic research

 Formulate, expand, or evaluate theory

 Discovery of knowledge

• Forms of basic research

 Discovery – new idea or explanation emerges
 Invention – new technique or method
 Reflection – re-examining existing theory in a new
context
 Basic research lays the foundation for applied research
 2.2 Applied Scientific Research
9

Designed to solve practical problems and

improve the human condition
(Ex. Medical and environmental research)

Purpose – to test theories and apply to specific
real situations
(Ex. “Is global warming avoidable?”)
 2.2 Applied Scientific Research
10

Methodology not as rigorous as basic research

Evaluated in terms of local applicability (not
universal validity)
Note:

Difficult to draw boundary between basic and

applied research (Not mutually exclusive)

Researches often have both theoretical and

practical implications
 Lesson 3: Descriptive, Explanatory and
Exploratory Research
11

Descriptive – describe and interpret some

aspect of a phenomena

Explanatory – establish cause and effect

relationship between variables

Exploratory – gaining background information

and understanding of a problem

 3.1 Descriptive Research Methods
12

Surveys:

Describing the nature of existing conditions

One-shot data gathering (economical and
efficient)

Represents a wide target population

Generates numerical data

Provides descriptive, inferential and
explanatory information
 3.1 Descriptive Research Methods
13

Correlational Studies:

Trace relationships among two or more
variables

Study existence of association among variables
Positive, negative, or no association

Not interested in cause-effect relationship
 3.1 Descriptive Research Methods
14

Observation Studies:

observes behavior that occurs in its natural
environment

Important features:
 Noninterference
 Observation of phenomena in the real world
 Useful when subject is little or not known
 Describes a phenomena but not why it occurred
 3.1 Descriptive Research Methods
15

Case Studies:

detailed contextual analysis of a limited
number of events or conditions and their
relationships

explorations of a project or application as
it develops in a real-world setting
 3.2 Explanatory Research Methods
16

Purpose - the desire to know "why,”

Looks for causes and reasons,

Builds on both exploratory and descriptive

researches,

Explaining things (not just reporting).
 3.2 Explanatory Research Methods
17

Determining the accuracy of the theory

Providing evidence to support or refute an
explanation or prediction.

Testing a theory's predictions or principles.

Causal explanations (dependent and
independent variables)
 3.2 Explanatory Research Methods
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Two types:
Experimental research
 comparing two groups on one outcome
measure to test some hypothesis regarding
causation.
 scientific control and the ability to rule out
alternative explanations
 intentionally manipulates one variable to
measure its effect on the other
 3.2 Explanatory Research Methods
19

Ex post facto research

 after the fact or retrospectively
 studying the independent variables in
retrospect for their possible relationship to,
and effects on, the dependent variable
 Ex.: Studying causes of fatal traffic
accidents
 3.3 Exploratory Research Methods
20

Conducted to gain background information and better

understanding of a problem

determine the best research design,

develop hypotheses,

understand how to measure a variable,

determine data collection method,

rely on secondary research such as literature review

Results usually not useful for decision-making, but can
provide insight into a given situation.
 Lesson 4: Qualitative and Quantitative
Research
21

Qualitative Research:

no attempt to quantify results through
statistical summary or analysis.

looks for meaning

Describes behavioral aspects and other
factors studied in the social sciences and
humanities.
 Lesson 4: Qualitative and Quantitative
Research
22

• Quantitative Research:
 develop and employ mathematical models, theories
and hypotheses pertaining to natural phenomena
 based on measurements
 starts with a theory or a general statement
proposing a general relationship between variables.
 involves collecting and analyzing numerical data and
applying statistical tests.
 Differences between Qualitative and
Quantitative Research
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