Exploratory vs Descriptive vs Explanatory Research: Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

Types of Research

Exploratory Research: Seeks to explore a new or unfamiliar topic, generating initial insights and understanding through methods like literature reviews, interviews, and focus groups.
Descriptive Research: Aims to describe the characteristics of a phenomenon or population, providing a detailed account without manipulating variables, using methods like surveys, case studies, and observational studies.
Explanatory Research: Focuses on identifying the causes and effects of a phenomenon, exploring relationships between variables to explain why something occurs, using approaches like experimental designs, statistical analyses, and controlled studies.

Scientific Methods & Research Process

The scientific method involves an iterative process, where conclusions may lead to new observations and questions, initiating subsequent research cycles.
The research process includes:
- Observation: Identifying a problem or phenomenon
- Research Question: Formulating a question based on the observed phenomenon or problem
- Hypothesis: Proposing a tentative explanation to answer the research question
- Experimentation/Data Collection: Testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments or systematic data collection methods
- Analysis: Analyzing collected data using statistical or qualitative methods to draw conclusions
- Conclusion: Interpreting results and determining the implications of the study
- Communication: Communicating findings through research papers, reports, or presentations

Module 2: Formulating Research Question and Hypothesis

Identifying Research Problems: Recognizing an area of interest or concern where there is a gap in knowledge or an issue to be addressed.
Research Problems: Guide the entire research process, directing focus and helping researchers understand the scope and significance of their inquiry.

Crafting Research Questions

Research Questions: Articulate the specific information a study seeks to uncover, making them clear, concise, and directly related to the identified research problem.
Importance: Clear research questions provide a roadmap for the study, guiding the researcher in selecting appropriate methods and facilitating the communication of findings.

Formulating Hypotheses

Hypotheses: Specific, testable predictions that propose an expected relationship between variables, based on the researcher's theoretical framework and understanding of the problem.
Importance: Hypotheses provide a structured way to test theories and answer research questions, guiding the collection and analysis of data, contributing to the overall validity of the study.

Key Considerations

Clarity: Research questions and hypotheses should be clear and unambiguous, avoiding vague or overly complex language.
Alignment: Ensure alignment between the research problem, questions, and hypotheses to maintain a cohesive and focused study.
Testability: Formulate questions and hypotheses in a way that allows for empirical testing, ensuring the study's scientific validity.

Description

Test your understanding of different types of research, including exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory research methods. Learn how to identify and apply the right approach to your research projects. Improve your knowledge of research techniques and their applications.