2.2. Types of Research

● Basic or Pure Research ○ Research aimed at gaining fundamental knowledge and understanding of a subject without any immediate application in mind. ○ Example: Studying the social behavior of a group without seeking to apply the findings.

Basic or pure research is focused on understanding a concept or a phenomenon purely for knowledge's sake. It doesn’t aim at solving immediate problems but seeks to shed light on various aspects of a subject. For example, researchers might conduct studies on social behaviors of various groups simply to understand their dynamics better, rather than trying to apply what they learn to real-world scenarios.

Think of basic research like an artist sketching the landscape. They aim to understand and capture the beauty of the scenery without a purpose of selling the artwork or using it in a commercial project.

● Applied Research ○ Research aimed at solving specific problems or addressing practical issues. ○ Example: Conducting a survey to understand the impact of a government policy on society.

Applied research is practical and problem-solving in nature. It is conducted with the intention of addressing specific real-world issues or questions. For example, if a government enacts a new policy regarding healthcare, an applied researcher might conduct surveys to assess how that policy affects the community's access to healthcare services.

Consider applied research like a chef experimenting with a new recipe that needs to taste great and be suitable for diners. The chef is working towards a very specific goal, just like applied researchers are focused on practical solutions.

● Exploratory Research ○ Preliminary research conducted to explore a problem or a phenomenon when little is known about it. ○ Example: Conducting interviews to explore the causes of poverty in a specific community.

Exploratory research is designed to provide insights and understanding into an issue that has not been extensively studied. It helps in forming the foundation for more detailed research. For instance, researchers might conduct interviews or focus groups to uncover different factors that contribute to poverty in a community where existing data is scarce.

Think of exploratory research like a detective gathering initial clues at a crime scene. The detective does not have all the answers yet but is looking to gather information to better understand what has happened.

● Descriptive Research ○ Research aimed at describing characteristics of a phenomenon or population without influencing or changing it. ○ Example: Surveying students to describe their attitudes toward education.

Descriptive research focuses on providing the details about a particular population or phenomenon. It aims to document what exists without altering anything. For instance, surveying students to gauge their educational attitudes would help understand how they feel about learning without trying to change those feelings.

Imagine a photographer capturing images of a city. They aim to show what the city looks like as it is without adding or removing anything. Similarly, descriptive research showcases reality without intervention.

● Explanatory Research ○ Research that aims to explain the causes and effects of a particular phenomenon. ○ Example: Investigating the relationship between education level and income.

Explanatory research digs deeper than just observing or describing. It attempts to explain why certain outcomes occur by establishing cause-and-effect relationships. For example, a study looking at how education level impacts income aims to draw connections between these two variables.

Think of explanatory research like a scientist in a lab experimenting with different chemicals to determine which combination causes a reaction. The goal is to uncover the underlying relationships just like researchers seek to understand the links between education and income.

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