Types of Research

The basic types of research are as follows

1. Descriptive vs Analytical Research 
2. Fundamental vs Applied Research
3. Quantitative vs Qualitative Research
4. Conceptual vs Empirical Research

Types of Research(Fundamental vs Applied Research)

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH	APPLIED RESEARCH
It is always theoretical and exploratory in nature.	It is practical and descriptive in nature.
Aims in generalization and formulation of theory.	Aims in finding solution for the practical problem.
It is less associated with technology	It is associated with advancement of technology.
It does not have direct commercial objectives	It have direct commercial objectives
Often several disciplines work together for solving the problem.	Problems are analyzed from the point of one discipline.
Less connected with economy	More connected with economy
It has wider scope	It has more specific scope
This research is always curiosity driven.	It is always client driven.
Less often appears in academic publications.	More often appears in academic publications.
Reports are compiled in a common language.	Reports are compiled in a language of technical language of discipline.

 

Types of Research(Qualitative vs Quantitative Research)

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH	QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
It is based quality or nature of the proposed work.	Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount.
Nature of this research is holistic.	Nature of this research is particularistic.
Approach is subjective.	Approach is objective.
Type of research is Exploratory.	Type of research is conclusive.
Sampling is purposive.	Sampling is Random.
Data here is verbal.	Data here is measurable.
Inquiry is process oriented.	Result oriented.
Hypothesis here is generated.	Hypothesis here is tested.
Elements of analysis are images and objects.	Elements of analysis are numerical data.
Methods of research are always non structured such as interviews, group discussions etc….	Methods of research are always structured such as questioners, observations etc….
Results develop initial understanding.	Results recommends final course of action.

Types of Research (Conceptual vs Empirical Research)

CONCEPTUAL RESEARCH	EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
Conceptual research focuses on the concept (abstract/ideas) or theory that explains the phenomenon being studied.	In empirical research, data collection is done through observation and experimentation.
This research is always conducted in an analytical way.	This research is always done through various observation and experiments.
It is theoretical approach of research.	It is practical approach of research.
Degree of accuracy is less.	Degree of accuracy is more.
Here the researcher may not be skilled and experienced.	Here the researcher should be skilled and experienced.
Uses the existing data to develop new ideas or concepts.	This type of research develops new concepts by observation and experimentation.
The ideas/concepts developed are not tested.	The developed ideas /hypothesis are tested and concluded.
It is not proof based.	It is always proof based.