TYPES OF RESEARCH

 

There are two types of research in terms of the nature and purpose of this study, namely,

·        Basic or fundamental research and

·        Applied research

Basic Research

Basic research investigates the basic reasons and principle behind a particular phenomenon or event. Basic research is also referred to as theoretical research. As a theoretical research this type is driven by pure curiosity and the desire to expand knowledge on a specific subject or discipline. Hence, we can see, basic research may not necessarily lead to an immediate use or application. For example, looking at the factors that trigger depression. Although this type of research does not address the real-world problems, basic research is equally vital as it enhances our understanding of the world around us. This is because this type of research provides us with a systematic and deep insight into a problem that is having significance to our life and the society. Scholars further divide basic research into pure and strategic types of research. Pure research is generally conducted purely for advancement of knowledge, while strategic research is conducted with the intention to provide a broad base of knowledge which may help in addressing a specific problem.

Applied Research

Applied Research on the other hand, aims at finding solutions to pressing problems that society and organizations are facing by employing well known theories and principles. Sometimes, applied research is conducted to determine the possible uses or applications of the findings of basic research. An example of an applied research is a study that attempts to determine the impact of mining and the socio-economic life of the indigenous peoples.

Basic and applied research are further divided into three types of research in terms of methods, namely,

·        Quantitative Research

·        Qualitative Research

·        Mixed Research Method

 

Quantitative Research Method

Quantitative research method refers to a systematic investigation of observable phenomena through a mathematical and most especially statistical technique. Therefore, in quantitative research method, the researcher analyzes the data with the help of statistics and hoping to produce logical and unbiased results. Now, in terms of purpose, quantitative research method aims to develop mathematical models, hypotheses and theories that pertained to the quantifiable phenomena under investigation. As we can see, quantitative research method is numerical in nature, and employs statistics and mathematics in the interpretation of data. This explains why results in the quantitative research method are presented in tables and graphs. Thus, research papers that employ a quantitative research method are full with tables and graphs. As this well known, quantitative research method is widely employed in the social sciences, such as sociology, psychology, gender studies, Development Studies, economics, community health, demography, and political science. Researchers in education also employ quantitative research method, although other educational research themes can be conducted using a qualitative research method.

Qualitative Research Method

In Qualitative research method, sophisticated statistical treatment not required. Define more broadly, qualitative research method is a scientific investigation of non-quantifiable phenomena, holistic description and exploration of the meaning, nature and dynamics of the said phenomenon or situation. In qualitative research, why and how questions of human experience are answered. A concrete example of a qualitative research is a study that attempts to determine the lived experiences of senior high school teachers who were asked to teach subjects that are not aligned with their field of specialization. For instance, in the Philippine educational system, humanities graduate teachers in the senior high school were asked to teach science subjects. Needless to say, these teachers have been experiencing problems in terms of mastery and content delivery. That is one of the best ways to help these teachers deliver a quality instruction is to know their lived experiences, particularly their difficulties and challenges. This is because once we know the difficulties and challenges that these teachers have been experiencing, we can easily offer some practical alternatives that may help address the problem. A qualitative research method is non numerical, descriptive exploratory and narrative in nature. It investigates the why and how questions of human experience and attempts to understand holistically a particular phenomenon or situation. And in terms of purpose, a qualitative research method primarily aims to know the meaning, nature and dynamics of a particular phenomenon or situation under investigation.

Mixed Research Method

The mixed research method as the name suggests, involves a systematic integration or combination of both quantitative and qualitative research methods in the investigation of a particular phenomenon, event or situation. The fundamental premise of this method or type of research is that the integration or combination of both the quantitative and qualitative methods or types of research will result in a holistic and more meaningful interpretation of data. In most cases, the qualitative aspect of this type of research supports the findings and conclusion arrived at the quantitative interpretation of data. But of course, on the other hand, the quantitative aspect may also support the findings and conclusion arrived at in a qualitative interpretation of data. Mixed method originates in the social sciences, but it has been expanded recently into the medical and Allied Health Sciences, such as nursing, social work, community health, mental health, pharmacy, and alternative medicine. Mixed method may involve analyzing both numerical and non-numerical data. The results discussed in tables and graphs are backed up by a strong narrative. At a same time, mixed method can also be exploratory and conclusive.