Research Methods: Definitions, Types

In this article, you will learn about the different research methods and their definitions. Research methods are techniques used to answer a research question. A research method is a way of gathering information about a topic that aids in answering a given question or set of questions. Research methods can be categorized into primary, secondary, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.

Each method has its own pros and cons depending on the type of data being collected and the problem being researched. How you go about researching your topic is key to coming up with a solution. Let’s take a look at each one in detail:

What is a Research Method?

A research method is a process or set of procedures used to conduct research. A researcher may use one or more methods to collect and analyze data for a research study. A research method is also known as a research design.

When you conduct research, you aim to answer a question or series of questions. To answer these questions, you need to collect data. There are different methods you can use to collect data. The method you choose depends on the type of data you need to collect and the type of research you are doing.

Types of research methods:

1. Primary Research

2. Secondary Research

3. Qualitative Research

4. Quantitative Research

5. Mixed Methods

6. Descriptive Research

7. Experimental Research

8. Market Research

Primary Research

Primary research refers to information derived from a new investigation, including a survey, experiment or the generation of hypotheses. These methods are used when no information has been gathered from the topic before or the existing data is insufficient to draw conclusions. Primary research is used when there is no published information about the topic being studied, when there is a need for a new perspective, or when the existing data is insufficient.

Primary research can be either quantitative (e.g., focus groups, surveys) or qualitative (e.g., observations, in-depth interviews). The data collected during primary research is original and has not been published before. Primary research can be conducted in any industry, but it is most often used in social sciences and humanities.

Secondary Research

Secondary research is research that has already been conducted by others. This type of research is used when an important amount of information is already available. Secondary research can be conducted on data from a variety of sources, from academic journals to government reports to newspapers.

Secondary research takes data from published sources and analyzes it further to draw new conclusions. This can be done for any type of data, whether it comes from surveys, experiments, or observations. This can be helpful when you are working on a short time frame, have a limited budget, or are working in a new industry.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research refers to the process of gathering data that is focused on understanding people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This type of research explores the “why” behind people’s actions and is often used when conducting behavioral research.

Qualitative researchers often use open-ended questions and unstructured interviews. This allows them to explore a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in more depth than quantitative researchers.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research refers to gathering data that is focused on measuring and analyzing facts with numbers. This method is used when you want to uncover facts, such as the percentage of people who are satisfied with a product or service. This type of research is often used in exploratory research or when you want to test a hypothesis or make predictions.

Quantitative researchers often use structured interviews or questionnaires to explore a larger group of people. They use numbers to analyze the data they gather. Quantitative researchers also use standardized scales to measure a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They often use numbers to represent facts.

Mixed Method

Mixed methods research employs more than one type of research in the same study. Typically, one type of research is qualitative and the other quantitative, but the relationship between the two may vary.

One advantage of mixed methods research is the ability to address the limitations of one method by combining it with another. Mixed methods is often used for exploratory research, as you are more likely to discover new information when using more than one method.

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research refers to the process of collecting data to describe a current situation or condition. This type of research is often conducted in the beginning stages of the research process to gather information about the topic.

Descriptive research can be used in any industry, but it is most commonly used in social sciences and humanities research. It can be used to describe the demographics of a group, the health of a group, the effectiveness of a treatment, or any other relevant information.

Experimental Research

Experimental research refers to the process of gathering data that has been manipulated and controlled to determine cause and effect relationships. This type of research is often used when the researcher wants to draw conclusions about a certain group of people or when they want to test a hypothesis or theory.

Experimental researchers often use random sampling and control groups to gather accurate data. They may also manipulate one or more variables to prove that one thing causes another. Experimental researchers are often found in the hard sciences.

Market Research

Market research is the process of gathering data about current and future demand for a product or service. This type of research is often used in the product development process. Market research often begins with the creation of a market research plan. A research plan lays out how the data will be collected, who will collect it, how long the research will take, and how much it will cost.

Market research is often conducted by gathering data from surveys, focus groups, customer interviews, and data analysis. Market researchers use the data they gather to inform business decisions, such as what to make, where to sell it, and when to sell it.

Conclusion

The best research method for you to use depends on the type of data you need to collect and the type of research you are doing. Ultimately, you want to choose a research method that is best for your situation. There are many considerations to keep in mind when planning your research project. From defining your research question to choosing a research method that fits your situation, there are many things to keep in mind.

When conducting research, it is important to keep an open mind and avoid coming to conclusions too soon. While there are benefits to being organized and methodical, it is also important to be flexible and open to new ideas as you learn more about your topic.