Category
>General Analytics

Different Types of Research Methods

Mallika Rangaiah
Dec 22, 2021
Updated on: Nov 15, 2024

Unlike what a layman generally presumes, Research is not just about determining a hypothesis and unraveling a conclusion for that hypothesis. Every research approach that we take up falls under the category of a type of methodology and every methodology is exclusive and intricate in its depth.

So what are these research methodologies and how do the researchers make use of them? This is what we are going to explore through this blog. Before we attempt to understand these methods, let us understand what research methodology actually means.

What are Research Methods?

Firstly, let's understand why we undertake research? What exactly is the point of it?

Research is mainly done to gain knowledge to support a survey or quest regarding a particular conception or theory and to reach a resolute conclusion regarding the same. Research is generally an approach for gaining knowledge which is required to interpret, write, delve further and to distribute data.

For ensuring that a fulfilling experience is delivered, it is essential that the Research is premium in its quality and that’s where Research Methods come to the rescue.

Also Read | Research Market Analysis

Types of Research Methods

An area is selected, a specific hypothesis is determined and a defined conclusion is required to be achieved. But how is this conclusion reached? What is the approach that can be taken up? As per CR Kothari’s book “Research Methodology Methods and Techniques” (The Second Revised Edition), the basic types of Research Methods are the following :

Types of Research Methods

Descriptive Research

Descriptive Research is a form of research that incorporates surveys as well as different varieties of fact-finding investigations. This form of research is focused on describing the prevailing state of affairs as they are. Descriptive Research is also termed as Ex post facto research.

This research form emphasises on factual reporting, the researcher cannot control the involved variables and can only report the details as they took place or as they are taking place.

Researchers mainly make use of a descriptive research approach for purposes such as when the research is aimed at deciphering characteristics, frequencies or trends.

Ex post facto studies also include attempts by researchers to discover causes even when they cannot control the variables. The descriptive research methods are mainly, observations, surveys as well as case studies.

Also Read | What are confounding variables?

Analytical Research

Analytical Research is a form of research where the researcher has to make do with the data and factual information available at their behest and interpret this information to undertake an acute evaluation of the data.

This form of research is often undertaken by researchers to uncover some evidence that supports their present research and which makes it more authentic. It is also undertaken for concocting fresh ideas relating to the topic on which the research is based.

From conducting meta analysis, literary research or scientific trials and learning public opinion, there are many methods through which this research is done.

Applied Research

When a business or say, the society is faced with an issue that needs an immediate solution or resolution, Applied Research is the research type that comes to the rescue.

We primarily make use of Applied Research when it comes to resolving the issues plaguing our daily lives, impacting our work, health or welfare. This research type is undertaken to uncover solutions for issues relating to varying sectors like education, engineering, psychology or business.

For instance, a company might employ an applied researcher for concluding the best possible approach of selecting employees that would be the best fit for specific positions in the company.

The crux of Applied Research is to figure out the solution to a certain growing practical issue.

The 3 Types of Applied Research are mainly

Evaluation Research - Research where prevailing data regarding the topic is interpreted to arrive at proper decisions

Research and Development - Where the focus is on setting up fresh products or services which focus on the target market requirements

Action Research - Which aims at offering practical solutions for certain business issues by giving them proper direction, are the 3 types of Applied Research.

Also Read | Target Marketing using AI

Fundamental Research

This is a Research type that is primarily concerned with formulating a theory or understanding a particular natural phenomenon. Fundamental Research aims to discover information with an extensive application base, supplementing the existing concepts in a certain field or industry.

Research on pure mathematics or research regarding generalisation of the behavior of humans are also examples of Fundamental Research. This form of research is mainly carried out in sectors like Education, Psychology and Science.

For instance, in Psychology fundamental research assists the individual or the company in gaining better insights regarding certain behaviors such as deciphering how consumption of caffeine can possibly impact the attention span of a student or how culture stereotypes can possibly trigger depression.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative Research, as the name suggests, is based on the measurement of a particular amount or quantity of a particular phenomenon. It focuses on gathering and interpreting numerical data and can be adopted for discovering any averages or patterns or for making predictions.

This form of Research is number based and it lies under the two main Research Types. It makes use of tables, data and graphs to reach a conclusion. The outcomes generated from this research are measurable and can be repeated unlike the outcomes of qualitative research. This research type is mainly adopted for scientific and field based research.

Quantitative research generally involves a large number of people and a huge section of data and has a lot of scope for accuracy in it.

These research methods can be adopted for approaches like descriptive, correlational or experimental research.

Descriptive research - The study variables are analyzed and a summary of the same is seeked.

Correlational Research - The relationship between the study variables is analyzed.

Experimental Research - It is deciphered to analyse whether a cause and effect relationship between the variables exists.

Quantitative research methods

Experiment Research - This method controls or manages independent variables for calculating the effect it has on dependent variables.

Survey - Surveys involve inquiring questions from a certain specified number or set of people either online, face to face or over the phone.

(Systematic) observation - This method involves detecting any occurrence and monitoring it in a natural setting.

Secondary research : This research focuses on making use of data which has been previously collected for other purposes such as for say, a national survey.

Also Read | Hypothesis Testing

Qualitative Research

As the name suggests, this form of Research is more considered with the quality of a certain phenomenon, it dives into the “why” alongside the “what”. For instance, let’s consider a gender neutral clothing store which has more women visiting it than men.

Qualitative research would be determining why men are not visiting the store by carrying out an in-depth interview of some potential customers in this category.

This form of research is interested in getting to the bottom of the reasons for human behaviour, i.e understanding why certain actions are taken by people or why they think certain thoughts.

Through this research the factors influencing people into behaving in a certain way or which control their preferences towards a certain thing can be interpreted.

An example of Qualitative Research would be Motivation Research. This research focuses on deciphering the rooted motives or desires through intricate methods like in depth interviews. It involves several tests like story completion or word association.

Another example would be Opinion Research. This type of research is carried out to discover the opinion and perspective of people regarding a certain subject or phenomenon.

This is a theory based form of research and it works by describing an issue by taking into account the prior concepts, ideas and studies. The experience of the researcher plays an integral role here.

The Types of Qualitative Research includes the following methods :

Qualitative research methods

Observations: In this method what the researcher sees, hears of or encounters is recorded in detail.

Interviews: Personally asking people questions in one-on-one conversations.

Focus groups: This involves asking questions and discussions among a group of people to generate conclusions from the same.

Surveys: In these surveys unlike the quantitative research surveys, the questionnaires involve extensive open ended questions that require elaborate answers.

Secondary research: Gathering the existing data such as images, texts or audio or video recordings. This can involve a text analysis, a research of a case study, or an In-depth interview.

Conceptual Research

This research is related to an abstract idea or a theory. It is adopted by thinkers and philosophers with the aim of developing a new concept or to re-examine the existing concepts.

Conceptual Research is mainly defined as a methodology in which the research is conducted by observing and interpreting the already present information on a present topic. It does not include carrying out any practical experiments.

This methodology has often been adopted by famous Philosophers like Aristotle, Copernicus, Einstein and Newton for developing fresh theories and insights regarding the working of the world and for examining the existing ones from a different perspective.

The concepts were set up by philosophers to observe their environment and to sort, study, and summarise the information available.

Empirical Research

This is a research method that focuses solely on aspects like observation and experience, without focusing on the theory or system. It is based on data and it can churn conclusions that can be confirmed or verified through observation and experiment. Empirical Research is mainly undertaken to determine proof that certain variables are affecting the others in a particular way.

This kind of research can also be termed as Experimental Research. In this research it is essential that all the facts are received firsthand, directly from the source so that the researcher can actively go and carry out the actions and manipulate the concerned materials to gain the information he requires.

In this research a hypothesis is generated and then a path is undertaken to confirm or invalidate this hypothesis. The control that the researcher holds over the involved variables defines this research. The researcher can manipulate one of these variables to examine its effect.

Also Read | Data Analysis

Other Types of Research

All research types apart from the ones stated above are mainly variations of them, either in terms of research purpose or in the terms of the time that is required for accomplishing the research, or say, the research environment.

If we take the perspective of time, research can be considered as either One-time research or Longitudinal Research.

One time Research : The research is restricted to a single time period.

Longitudinal Research : The research is executed over multiple time periods.

A research can also be set in a field or a laboratory or be a simulation, it depends on the environment that the research is based on.

We’ve also got Historical Research which makes use of historical sources such as documents and remains for examining past events and ideas. This also includes the philosophy of an individual and groups at a particular time.

Research may be clinical or diagnostic. These kinds of research generally carry out case study or in-depth interview approaches to determine basic causal relationships.

Research can also be Exploratory or Formalized.

Exploratory Research: This is a research that is more focused on establishing hypotheses than on deriving the result. This form of Research focuses on understanding the prevailing issue but it doesn’t really offer defining results.

Formalized research: This is a research that has a solid structure and which also has specific hypotheses for testing.

We can also classify Research as conclusion-oriented and decision-oriented.

Conclusion Oriented Research: In this form of research, the researcher can select an issue, revamp the enquiry as he continues and visualize it as per his requirements.

Decision-oriented research: This research depends on the requirement of the decision maker and offers less freedom to the research to conduct it as he pleases.

The common and well known research methods have been listed in this blog. Hopefully this blog will give the readers and present and future researchers proper knowledge regarding important methods they can adopt to conduct their Research.

Latest Comments

Elizabeth Rush

Jul 24, 2025

God bless Capital Crypto Recover Services for the marvelous work you did in my life, I have learned the hard way that even the most sensible investors can fall victim to scams. When my USD was stolen, for anyone who has fallen victim to one of the bitcoin binary investment scams that are currently ongoing, I felt betrayal and upset. But then I was reading a post on site when I saw a testimony of Wendy Taylor online who recommended that Capital Crypto Recovery has helped her recover scammed funds within 24 hours. after reaching out to this cyber security firm that was able to help me recover my stolen digital assets and bitcoin. I’m genuinely blown away by their amazing service and professionalism. I never imagined I’d be able to get my money back until I complained to Capital Crypto Recovery Services about my difficulties and gave all of the necessary paperwork. I was astounded that it took them 12 hours to reclaim my stolen money back. Without a doubt, my USDT assets were successfully recovered from the scam platform, Thank you so much Sir, I strongly recommend Capital Crypto Recover for any of your bitcoin recovery, digital funds recovery, hacking, and cybersecurity concerns. You reach them Call/Text Number +1 (336)390-6684 His Email: Recovercapital@cyberservices.com Contact Telegram: @Capitalcryptorecover His website: https://recovercapital.wixsite.com/capital-crypto-rec-1

rubmonica805c3eb60f66b8a407f

Aug 07, 2025

HIRE THE BEST CRYPTO // BITCOIN RECOVERY EXPERT // THE HACK ANGELS I Can't Access My USDT? Account, Bitcoin Recovery Getting Back Lost Or Stolen Funds? How Do I Recover Crypto From A Scammer? If you’re in need of a reliable crypto asset and fund recovery service. Reach out to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT WhatsApp +1(520)2 0 0-2 3 2 0) Email at support@thehackangels.com Website at www.thehackangels.com I can't get over how excited I am to have discovered THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT through a friend. After falling prey to a cryptocurrency fraud. However, Thanks to THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT I was able to regain a portion of my hard-earned funds. If you're feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the loss of your hard-earned money, fear not! Contact THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT today and let him work his magic in recovering what is rightfully yours. As a professional in the field of online security and data recovery, I must say this, the most reliable and dependable recovery agent available online is THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT. With years of experience and a proven track record of successful recoveries. I can't express how grateful I am for their outstanding assistance on my case.

1 Like

1 Reply

morrisjanson827f2836cca9f4022

Aug 12, 2025

HIRE A REPUTABLE RECOVERY FIRM THAT HELPED ME RETRIEVE MY LOST INVESTMENT FUNDS : THE HACK ANGELS If you’re lost your Bitcoin to scammers, and you’re searching for trustworthy recovery services, getting in touch with THE HACK ANGELS is the only way to get your Bitcoin back. After losing my Bitcoin investments. I was determined to find a solution. I began by researching online and found several recovery services claiming to retrieve lost Bitcoin. However, most of these services turned out to be scams themselves. I thought I’d never see my funds again. It was then that I came across THE HACK ANGELS. A reputable Bitcoin recovery expert with a proven track record of retrieving lost Funds. I reached out to him, and he responded promptly, explaining the process of recovering my lost Bitcoin. They provide essential guidance on protecting digital assets, recognizing cyber threats and using effective security practices to prevent future incidents. Great communication and a successful outcome, when it comes to bitcoins recovery, quick contact THE HACK ANGELS RECOVERY EXPERT WhatsApp +1(520)2 0 0-2 3 2 0 Email at support@thehackangels.com Website at www.thehackangels.com If you're in London, you can even visit them in person at their office located at 45-46 Red Lion Street, London WC1R 4PF, UK. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help! And ready to reclaim what's rightfully yours?

rubmonica805c3eb60f66b8a407f

Aug 07, 2025

1 Like

Patricia Lovick

Aug 07, 2025

How To Recover Your Bitcoin Without Falling Victim To Scams: A Testimony Experience With Capital Crypto Recover Services, Contact Telegram: @Capitalcryptorecover Dear Everyone, I would like to take a moment to share my positive experience with Capital Crypto Recover Services. Initially, I was unsure if it would be possible to recover my stolen bitcoins. However, with their expertise and professionalism, I was able to fully recover my funds. Unfortunately, many individuals fall victim to scams in the cryptocurrency space, especially those involving fraudulent investment platforms. However, I advise caution, as not all recovery services are legitimate. I personally lost $273,000 worth of Bitcoin from my Binance account due to a deceptive platform. If you have suffered a similar loss, you may be considering crypto recovery, The Capital Crypto Recover is the most knowledgeable and effective Capital Crypto Recovery Services assisted me in recovering my stolen funds within 24 hours, after getting access to my wallet. Their service was not only prompt but also highly professional and effective, and many recovery services may not be trustworthy. Therefore, I highly recommend Capital Crypto Recover to you. i do always research and see reviews about their service, For assistance finding your misplaced cryptocurrency, get in touch with them, They do their jobs quickly and excellently, Stay safe and vigilant in the crypto world. You can reach them via email at Capitalcryptorecover@zohomail.com OR Call/Text Number +1 (336)390-6684

Patricia Lovick

Aug 07, 2025

morrisjanson827f2836cca9f4022

Aug 12, 2025

Marcus Henderson

Aug 13, 2025

Bitcoin Recovery Testimonial After falling victim to a cryptocurrency scam group, I lost $354,000 worth of USDT. I thought all hope was lost from the experience of losing my hard-earned money to scammers. I was devastated and believed there was no way to recover my funds. Fortunately, I started searching for help to recover my stolen funds and I came across a lot of testimonials online about Capital Crypto Recovery, an agent who helps in recovery of lost bitcoin funds, I contacted Capital Crypto Recover Service, and with their expertise, they successfully traced and recovered my stolen assets. Their team was professional, kept me updated throughout the process, and demonstrated a deep understanding of blockchain transactions and recovery protocols. They are trusted and very reliable with a 100% successful rate record Recovery bitcoin, I’m grateful for their help and highly recommend their services to anyone seeking assistance with lost crypto. Contact: Capitalcryptorecover@zohomail.com Phone CALL/Text Number: +1 (336) 390-6684 Email: Recoverycapital@fastservice.com Website: https://recovercapital.wixsite.com/capital-crypto-rec-1

michaelgabor681bc3da70abb2b47aa

Aug 16, 2025

Pinnacle Credit Specialist has helped me achieve my dream car in less than 21 days of working with them. I applied for a car loan 4 years ago but was not approved because of my low FICO score of 541 and the negative items on my credit report. But when I came across this great credit specialist called Pinnacle Credit Specialist who helped me dispute all negative items on my credit report and equally raise my FICO score to 801. All this was done in less than 21 days. My car loan has been approved. They are professionals and can get results quickly. Contact them via: PINNACLECREDITSPECIALIST@GMAIL.COM or call +1 (409) 331 2269.

Wendy Taylor

Aug 16, 2025

My name is Wendy Taylor, I'm from Los Angeles, i want to announce to you Viewer how Capital Crypto Recover help me to restore my Lost Bitcoin, I invested with a Crypto broker without proper research to know what I was hoarding my hard-earned money into scammers, i lost access to my crypto wallet or had your funds stolen? Don’t worry Capital Crypto Recover is here to help you recover your cryptocurrency with cutting-edge technical expertise, With years of experience in the crypto world, Capital Crypto Recover employs the best latest tools and ethical hacking techniques to help you recover lost assets, unlock hacked accounts, Whether it’s a forgotten password, Capital Crypto Recover has the expertise to help you get your crypto back. a security company service that has a 100% success rate in the recovery of crypto assets, i lost wallet and hacked accounts. I provided them the information they requested and they began their investigation. To my surprise, Capital Crypto Recover was able to trace and recover my crypto assets successfully within 24hours. Thank you for your service in helping me recover my $647,734 worth of crypto funds and I highly recommend their recovery services, they are reliable and a trusted company to any individuals looking to recover lost money. Contact email Capitalcryptorecover@zohomail.com OR Telegram @Capitalcryptorecover Call/Text Number +1 (336)390-6684 his contact: Recoverycapital@fastservice.com His website: https://recovercapital.wixsite.com/capital-crypto-rec-1

harlanfrank32917a8efcd5fc4161

Aug 21, 2025

I'm 29 years old, born and living in the U.K. I don't know whether it was my own fault due to forgetting to pay, or if there was an issue with the payment going through, but I have ended up missing the deadline for a British Gas payment of £280. Upon finding out I'd missed this repayment after receiving a letter in the post (no reminders since the initial bill was issued), I paid it immediately, but it was too late. I checked my credit score on Experian, and it had dropped a massive 157 points(l) due to this one single missed payment. To add some context, my credit score has been 999 (the max) since I was 18 years old. It has never once dipped as I am always on top of all my payments. I have no credit cards, no loans, and never have been in any debt my entire life. I have paid my bills on time every single month for the last 10 years and am shocked that this one single miss has caused such a drastic drop! Usually I wouldn't be as bothered, but I was in the process of applying for my first mortgage! I became terrified that this is going to affect my application. I was introduced to PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST by a realtor agent Daniel. I must say my experience working with Pinnacle Credit Specialist is the best. I have gained back my excellent credit score within a few weeks working with them. What impressed me most is how he went the extra mile for me when it came to making sure I got the mortgage I wanted with a low deposit down. Thanks to my realtor Daniel for recommending Pinnacle Credit Specialist, my credit score is back to 999. Email: PINNACLECREDITSPECIALIST@GMAIL.COM or call +1 (409) 331 2269. Thank you so much.

Different Types of Research Methods

What are Research Methods?

Types of Research Methods

Descriptive Research

Analytical Research

Applied Research

The 3 Types of Applied Research are mainly

Fundamental Research

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research methods

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research methods

Conceptual Research

Empirical Research

Other Types of Research

Share Blog :

Trending blogs

Latest Comments

Elizabeth Rush

rubmonica805c3eb60f66b8a407f

morrisjanson827f2836cca9f4022

rubmonica805c3eb60f66b8a407f

Patricia Lovick

Patricia Lovick

morrisjanson827f2836cca9f4022

Marcus Henderson

michaelgabor681bc3da70abb2b47aa

Wendy Taylor

harlanfrank32917a8efcd5fc4161