TYPES OF RESEARCHACCORDING TO THE INTENT. IT IS NOT SHARPLY DISTINGUISHABLE. THERE MAY BE OVERLAPPING

Pure

Applied

Exploratory

Descriptive

Diagnostic

Evaluation

Action

Pure research

Sake of knowledge Aims at extension of knowledge Without intention to apply it in practice Fundamental research Not necessarily problem oriented New theory or refinement of an existing theory Lays the foundation for applied research Finding of research formed the basis for

innumerable scientific & technological inventions.

Example

Einstein’s theory of relativity Newton’s theory Galileo’s contribution

Applied research

Problem & action oriented It seeks an immediate & practical result. To find out solution to real life problem Vast scope in the field of technology,

management, commerce, economics & other social science.

Innumerable problems are faced in these areas.

It needs empirical study for finding solution

Example

Marketing research carried on for developing a new market or for studying the post purchase experience of customers.

Exploratory/ Formulative research

Study of unfamiliar problem. Pilot studyPurposes, New idea Familiarity Precise formulation Feasible study Dose not aim at testing hypothesis

Steps in exploration1. Review of pertinent literature2. An experience survey3. An analysis of ‘ insight stimulating’

1. Literature survey Study of related & pertinent books,

articles and reports. A workable hypothesis may be

formulated

2. An experience survey Informal interviews May yield new hypothesis

3. Analysis of insight stimulating cases Intensive study of selected cases

Descriptive research

Fact finding with adequate interpretation Specific study More than one source of data collectionApplicable to problem which satisfy certain

conditions, 1. Describable not arguable2. Quantitative assemblage for reliability &

significance.3. Possible to develop valid standard of

comparison.

Example

Philosophical & controversial issues are not suitable for DS

Diagnostic study

Aims at identifying the causes of problems and the possible solution for it.

Directed towards,1. What is happening?2. Why is happening?3. What can be done?

It is more actively guided by hypothesis.

Evaluation studies

Made for assessing the effectiveness of social or economical schemes implemented

Types- concurrent, periodic and terminalExample: Family planning schemes for assessing

the impact of development projects

Action research

It is a evaluation study like concurrent evaluation.