15 kinds of research methodologies

for Ph.D. pupils

Dissertation Methodology Help | Phd Thesis Methodology | Phd Thesis Methods

Pure research or fundamental research or basic research zooms on enhancing scientific knowledge for the exhaustive understanding of a topic or certain natural phenomena, essentially in natural sciences; knowledge that is obtained for the purpose of knowledge it is called fundamental research.

1.Basic Research

1.Applied research

Research that covers real life applications of the natural sciences; aimed at offering an answer to particular practical issues and develops novel technologies.

2. Fixed research versus flexible research

In fixed research, the design of the study is fixed prior to the main phase of data gathering; moreover, fixed designs are essentially theoretical. Variables that need to be controlled and measured need to be known in advance and they are measured quantitatively.

Flexible research as the name denotes involves freedom during the data gathering phases; variables are not quantitatively measurable, such as culture.

2. Fixed research versus flexible research

3. Quantitative research and qualitative research

Quantitative research denotes gauging phenomena in various grades; on the other hand, qualitative research sometimes deems Boolean measurements alone; solution can be studied qualitatively for its appropriateness. However, comparison between candidate solutions requires quantitative observation.

4. Experimental research and non-experimental research

In an experimental design, operationalize

the variables to be measured; moreover,

operationalize in the best manner.

Consider the study expectations, outcome

measurement, variable measurement, and

the methods to answer research

questions.

4. Experimental research and non-experimental research

Think of the practical limitations such as

the availability of data-sets and

experimental set-ups that represent

actual scenarios.

5. Exploratory research and confirmatory research

Confirmatory research tests a priori hypotheses—outcome predictions done prior to the measurement stage. Such a priori hypotheses are usually derived from a theory or the results of previous studies.

5. Exploratory research and confirmatory research

Exploratory research generates a posteriori hypotheses by investigating a data-set and ascertaining potential connection between variables.

6. Explanatory research or casual research

Causal research is also called explanatory

research; conducted to ascertain the

extent and type of cause-effect

relationships. Causal research are

conducted to evaluate effects of specific

changes on existing norms, various

processes etc.

7. Descriptive research

Descriptive research is the available statement of affairs; researcher has no control over variable. Descriptive studies are characterised as simply an effort to ascertain, define or recognize. Not “why it is that way” nor “how it came to be,” which is the objective of analytical research.

8. Historical research

Historical research explores and explains the meanings, phases and traits of a phenomena or process at a certain phase of time in the past; historical research is a research strategy from the research of history.

9. Casual comparative research

Also called as “ex-post facto”

research (In Latin, implies

“after the fact”); researchers

determine the causes or

consequences of differences

that already exist between or

among groups of individuals.

9. Casual comparative research

An effort to ascertain a causative

relationship between an independent

variable and a dependent variable;

relationship between the independent

variable and dependent variable are

usually a suggested relationship (not

proved yet) because you do not have

complete control over the independent

variable.

10. Correlational research

Correlational research is a form of non-

experimental research technique wherein

a researcher measures 2 variables and

assesses the statistical connection

between them with no influence from any

external variable.

10. Correlational research

The correlation between two variables is

given through correlation coefficient,

which is a statistical measure that

calculates the strength of the relationship

between two variables that is a value

measured between -1 and +1.

11. Evaluation research method

Evaluation research technique is known

as program evaluation and refers to a

research purpose instead of a particular

technique; objective is to assess the

effect of social involvements such as new

treatment techniques, innovations in

services, etc.

11. Evaluation research method

A form of applied research to have some

real-world effect. Methods such as

surveys and experiments are used in

evaluation research.

12. Formative and summative evaluation

While learning is in progress, formative

assessment offers feedback and

information; measures participant’s

progress and also assess researcher’s

own progress as well.

12. Formative and summative evaluation

For example, when implementing a new

program, you can determine whether or

not the activity should be used again (or

modified) with the help of observation

and/or surveying.

12. Formative and summative evaluation

Summative assessment happens after the

learning has ended and offers info and

feedback to sum up the process;

essentially, no formal learning is happening

at this phase other than incidental learning

which might take place through the

completion of program.

13. Diagnostic research

Descriptive research studies define the

characteristics of a particular individual,

or of a group.

Studies showing whether certain

variables are linked are examples of

diagnostic research.

13. Diagnostic research

Researcher defines what he or she wants

to measure and finds adequate methods

for measuring it along with a clear

description of ‘population’.

Aim is to obtain complete and accurate

information. And the researcher plans the

procedure carefully.

14. Prognostic research

Prognostic research (specifically in clinical

research) examines chosen predictive

variables and risk factors; prognostic

research assesses influence on the

outcome of a disease. Clinicians have a

better understanding of the history of the

ailment.

14. Prognostic research

This understanding facilitates clinical

decision-making via providing apt

treatment alternatives and helps to

predict accurate disease outcomes.

Assessing prognostic studies involves

ascertaining the internal validity of the

study design and assessing the effects of

bias or systemic errors.

15. Action research

A systematic inquiry for improving and/or

honing researchers’ actions. Researchers

find it an empowering experience.

Action research has positive result for

various reasons; most important is that

action research is pertinent to the

research participants.

15. Action research

Relevance is assured because the aim of

each research project is ascertained by

the researchers, who are also the main

beneficiaries of the research

observations.

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