Research can be broadly categorized into two main types:
- Fundamental or Basic Research or Pure Research
- Applied Research
Basic and applied research can be further divided into two types of research processes, such as: normal and revolutionary. Normal research follows established rules, concepts, and methodologies, commonly known as a paradigm, which is widely accepted by researchers. Additionally, research can be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed, depending on the data collection and analysis approach.
1. Fundamental or Basic Research
Fundamental research focuses on investigating fundamental principles and understanding. It tries to look at the reasons behind natural events, processes, or phenomena. It is also known as theoretical or basic research and is primarily concerned with expanding knowledge rather than finding immediate applications. Though it may not provide direct solutions to practical problems, it lays the foundation for applied research and helps in the development of scientific theories.
Key features of Basic Research:
- Find generalization.
- Aims to understand fundamental processes.
- Explores the reasons behind occurrences.
- Gathers all relevant facts.
- Uses technical and scientific language.
2. Applied Research
Applied research tries to address specific problems by utilizing established theories and principles. It is practical process and often leads to immediate applications. Many experimental studies, case studies, and interdisciplinary research projects fall under this research category. Applied research helps in solving real-world problems and improving existing methods or technologies.
Key Features of Applied Research:
- Focuses on specific cases rather than broad generalizations.
- Find out variables that can make a practical difference.
- Aims to suggest changes and improvements.
- Identifies and corrects issues.
- Uses simple and common language.
Difference Between Research and Scientific Research
Difference in Definition:
- Research is the systematic way of gathering information to boost knowledge on a subject.
- Scientific Research is a structured investigation that follows the scientific method to study natural or social phenomena.
Difference of Approach:
- Research can be informal, exploratory, or structured.
- Scientific research follows a well-defined methodology, including observation, question framing, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.
Difference in Methodology:
- Research methods vary mostly based on the field and objective, such as literature reviews, interviews, or surveys.
- Scientific research uses standardized techniques like controlled experiments, statistical analysis, and empirical testing.
Difference of Purpose:
- Research aims to increase knowledge in various domains such as business, history, and social sciences.
- Scientific research focuses on explaining, predicting, and testing theories based on empirical evidence.
Difference in Objectivity:
- Research may or may not be objective, as personal opinions and biases can sometimes influence final results.
- Scientific research is highly objective in nature. It relies on verifiable data to ensure accuracy and eliminate bias.
Difference in Outcome:
- Research provides insights, summaries, or interpretations based on collected information.
- Scientific research leads to new discoveries, theories, and innovations with real-world applications.
Examples:
- Research includes market studies, policy research, and historical analysis.
- Scientific research includes studies in physics, chemistry, medicine, and engineering.
Both research and scientific research involve knowledge acquisition. scientific research follows a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ensure reliability and accuracy, whereas general research may be more flexible and varied in methodology.
Types of Research Based on Scientific Approach
1. Quantitative Research
- Involves numerical data and statistical analysis.
- Follows a structured and objective approach.
- Results are mostly delivered in tables and graphs.
- Used to answer ‘what,’ ‘where,’ and ‘when’ questions.
2. Qualitative Research
- Focuses on non-numerical data, such as words and descriptions.
- Explores meanings, feelings, and experiences.
- Cannot be represented in graphs or tables.
- Used to answer “why” and “how” questions.
3. Mixed Research
- Combines both quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Uses a mix of variables, words, and images to analyze data.
Other Types of Scientific Research
1. Exploratory Research
- Conducted to gain a deeper understanding of a new topic.
- Often includes literature reviews or focus group discussions.
- Helps in forming hypotheses for further studies.
2. Descriptive Research
- Focuses on “what” questions, answering characteristics or trends.
- This research is used to determine patterns without exploring relationships.
3. Explanatory Research
- Aims to establish relationships between variables.
- Uses correlation techniques to study connections between factors.
- Answers “why” and “how” questions.
4. Longitudinal Research
- Collects data over an extended period.
- Helps in identifying trends and causal relationships.
Examples:
- Trend studies (observing population changes over time).
- Cohort studies (studying a specific group over a period).
- Panel studies (tracking the same individuals over time).
5. Cross-Sectional Research
- Collects data at a single point in time.
- Useful for analyzing current trends and patterns.
6. Action Research
- Focuses on solving real-world problems through active participation.
- Aims to improve practices in social and educational settings.
- The Action Research is based on: Plan🠞Action🠞Observe🠞Reflect
7. Policy-Oriented Research
- Aims to provide solutions to policy-related issues.
- Example: Research on public health policies to improve healthcare systems.
8. Classification Research
- Categorizes data into meaningful groups.
- Helps in identifying patterns and relationships.
9. Comparative Research
- Identifies similarities and differences between subjects.
- Used to compare educational systems, economic models, etc.
10. Causal Research
- Studies cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
- Used in fields like medicine, psychology, and economics.
Importance of Scientific Research
Scientific research plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge, solving problems, and improving the quality of life. Some of its key benefits include:
- Addressing Real-World Problems
- Guiding Government Policies
- Expanding Knowledge & Provides a deeper understanding of various subjects
- contribute to scientific advancements.
- Facilitating Innovations and Discoveries
- Improving Industry and Business
- Enhancing Quality of Life
- Exploring New Frontiers. It discovers new materials, species, celestial bodies, and other natural phenomena.
- Optimizing Business and Industrial Processes
- Understanding Social Issues & provides insights into human behavior, societal challenges, and potential solutions.
Scientific research is a vital tool for progress in any field. Whether it is fundamental or applied, qualitative or quantitative, research helps us understand the world better and solve practical problems. It is the foundation of knowledge and innovation, shaping the future of science, industry, and society.
