Research and types of research

1. UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH
AND TYPES OF RESEARCH
DMX9106 - Information Search and Report
Writing
UM Samararathne
Student ID: 723544873
S23002675

2. WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Research is a systematic and organized process of inquiry conducted to expand
knowledge or solve specific problems.
It involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to gain a better
understanding of a subject.
Research can take various forms and is conducted in diverse fields, including
science, academia, business, social sciences, and more.

3. WHAT IS NOT RESEARCH
• Research is not mere information gathering
• Research is not merely about looking at records that exist.
• Research is not merely about getting information and writing it neatly on
paper (transcription of facts from one location to another)
• Research is not a catchword used to get attention
• Research is much more serious than that
• It is systematic

4. “IF WE KNEW WHAT
WE WERE DOING, IT
WOULDN’T BE
CALLED RESEARCH,
WOULD IT?”
Albert Einstein

5. THE KEY POINTS TO DEFINE RESEARCH
• Research is a
1. Systematic process of investigation
2. Study carried out to advance knowledge
3. Contribution to existing knowledge
4. Use new knowledge to solve problems

6. DEFINITION
• Research is a systematic process of investigation and study carried
out with the goal of advancing knowledge and solving problems.
• It is
1. the systematic collection of data,
2. analysis and interpretation of data to generate new knowledge and
3. answer a certain question or solve a problem.

7. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
• Generate Knowledge: Research seeks to contribute to the body of
knowledge by discovering new information, facts, relationships, or theories.
It aims to expand our understanding of the world.
• Solve Problems: Research can be used to address specific problems or
challenges by systematically exploring potential solutions and their
effectiveness.

8. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH (CONT.)
• Explore and Innovate: Research often involves exploring new ideas and
innovating in various fields, leading to advancements in technology, medicine,
social sciences, and more.
• Improve Understanding: It aims to improve our understanding of complex
phenomena, helping us comprehend how and why things work the way they
do.

9. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH (CONT.)
• Contribute to Disciplines: In academic and scientific contexts, research
contributes to the growth and development of specific disciplines and fields
of study.
• Make Informed Decisions: It provides a foundation for making informed
decisions, whether in scientific experiments, policy formulation, business
strategies, or other areas.
• Support Claims: Research provides evidence and data to support claims,
arguments, or assertions, adding credibility to statements.

10. RESEARCH PLAYS A CRUCIAL
ROLE IN ADVANCING
KNOWLEDGE, SOLVING
PRACTICAL PROBLEMS, AND
INFORMING DECISION-
MAKING IN VARIOUS FIELDS.
IT HAS A PROFOUND IMPACT
ON SOCIETY AND
CONTRIBUTES TO PROGRESS
AND INNOVATION.

11. RESEARCH IS GENERALLY CLASSIFIED BASED ON
DIFFERENT CRITERIA
According to the uses
• Basic Research
• Applied Research
• Action Research
According to the
strategy or methods
used
• Quantitative
Research
• Qualitative Research
According to the
purpose
• Exploratory research
• Descriptive research
• Explanatory
research

12. RESEARCH ACCORDING TO THE USES
1. Basic Research (Pure Research)
Purpose: To expand knowledge and understanding.
Characteristics: Investigates fundamental principles and concepts without
immediate practical application.
Example: Discovering the properties of a newly synthesized chemical compound.

13. RESEARCH ACCORDING TO THE USES (CONT.)
2. Applied Research:
Purpose: To solve specific problems or apply existing knowledge.
Characteristics: Focuses on practical solutions and immediate real-world
applications.
Example: Developing a new medical treatment based on existing scientific
knowledge.

14. RESEARCH ACCORDING TO THE USES (CONT.)
3. Action Research: characterized by the active involvement of both a researcher
and a client or participants from a specific context, typically an organization or
community. It is conducted with the goal of addressing a specific problem or
challenge and bringing about practical improvements.
Example: A local community organization is concerned about the high dropout
rates among high school students in their area. They collaborate with an
educational researcher to conduct action research to address this issue.

15. RESEARCH ACCORDING TO THE STRATEGY OR
METHODS USED
1. Qualitative Research
Method: Qualitative research involves exploring and understanding
phenomena through in-depth interviews, observations, and the analysis of
textual or visual data.
Purpose: To gain insights, understand experiences, and explore complex
social or human behaviors.
Example: Assessing Employee Job Satisfaction: To understand factors
influencing job satisfaction among employees in a specific organization.

16. RESEARCH ACCORDING TO THE STRATEGY OR
METHODS USED (CONT.)
2. Quantitative Research
Method: Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical
data to test hypotheses and identify patterns.
Purpose: To quantify relationships, make generalizations, and assess trends.
Example: Analyzing survey responses to determine the correlation between
income levels and educational attainment.

17. RESEARCH ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE
1. Exploratory Research
Purpose: To explore and generate initial insights or ideas about a topic
when little is known or understood.
Example: Conducting interviews with potential customers to understand
their needs before launching a new product.

18. RESEARCH ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE
2. Descriptive Research
Purpose: To provide a detailed and accurate description of a subject,
answering "what," "who," "where," and "when" questions.
Example: Conducting surveys and field observations to describe the
attractions, accommodations, transportation options, and visitor
profiles of a popular tourist city.

19. RESEARCH ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE
3. Explanatory Research
Purpose: To uncover the underlying causes, reasons, or relationships
behind a phenomenon, answering "why" questions.
Example: Studying the impact of marketing strategies on customer
behavior and attempting to explain why certain strategies are more
effective.

20. In conclusion, research is a multifaceted
process that serves both intellectual
and practical purposes. Understanding
its types and applications is vital for
anyone engaged in academic or
practical inquiry.

21. THANK YOU