Research is the foundation of innovation, academic achievement, and decision making on evidence. If you are a university student writing a dissertation, a researcher carrying out a scientific study or a scientist tackling a problem in the real world, it is crucial to be familiar with the 6 classifications of research.
Research may be categorized in various ways, depending on the purpose, method, and objectives of the research. Every classification has a different purpose to enable researchers to gather accurate information, interpret results, and arrive at meaningful conclusions.The knowledge of these classifications not only enhances the quality of the research but also enables you to select the best research design for your research. These classifications are an integral part of academic research and are taught in universities and research institutes all over the world, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Europe as part of research methodology.
In this extensive research classification guide, we will cover the six categories of research, their nature, give examples, and give you an idea of when to use each.
What is Research Classification?
Research classification is arranging research into a group based on its purpose, approach or design. Research projects vary and have different goals, and researchers identify the best way to collect and analyze data for their project through classifications.
For instance, a student satisfaction researcher would have a different research classification compared to a scientist testing a new medicine. Knowing these classifications helps to make the research process systematic, reliable and relevant with the research question.
The right classification will also enhance the credibility of your study, which will boost the chances of your research being published in a respectable academic journal.
Why are Research classifications Important?
Research classifications help to structure studies efficiently. They help researchers:
- Choose the most appropriate research design.
- Collect accurate and relevant data.
- Enhance findings' validity and reliability.
- Save time and research time.
- Support evidence-based conclusions.
- Write in an academic or professional style.
If researchers don't know what types of research there are, they may select a method that is inappropriate and give them a weak or unreliable result.
1. Basic Research
Basic research (pure or fundamental research) is research that is done for the sake of increasing knowledge and does not attempt to solve any current practical problems. It is mainly directed at the enhancement of theories, principles and scientific concepts.
Researchers conducting basic research are motivated by curiosity and the desire to discover new information. This kind of studies might not have an instant use but it can serve as the basis of future innovations and technology developments.
Example
A physicist conducts research on subatomic particles to gain insight into the basic laws of nature, but does not aim to make a commercial product.
Advantages
- Expands scientific knowledge.
- Supports future discoveries.
- Encourages theoretical development.
- Forms the basis for applied research.
Limitations
- Results might not be immediately applied.
- May take a long time and a large investment.
2. Applied Research
Applied research is the application of existing knowledge to solve real-world problems. It has numerous applications in education, healthcare, engineering, agriculture, business, and technology.
Applied research differs from basic research in that it seeks to come up with workable, functional solutions that will enhance products, services, policies, or professional practices.
Example
The researcher in education is studying to determine if the academic performance of students is affected when using AI for learning rather than conventional instruction.
Advantages
- Solves practical problems.
- Encourages inventive and innovative thinking.
- Provides benefits to society.
- Supports organisations in the making of better decisions.
Limitations
- The focus is not as much on new theories.
- Results can be subject to change with technological advances.
3. Qualitative Research
The qualitative research aims to explore the human experiences, opinions, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Instead of quantitative data, qualitative data (descriptive information) is gathered via interviews, focus groups, observation and document analysis.
This classification can be very helpful when researchers are interested in studying why people think or act in particular ways.
Example
There is an interview conducted with university students to find out their experience on online learning since the online classrooms were introduced.
Advantages
- Clarifies and provides thorough information.
- Discusses complicated social issues.
- Proposes new ideas and theories.
- Provides flexibility when collecting data.
Limitations
- Smaller sample sizes.
- Time-consuming data analysis.
- Results might not be easily transferable.
4. Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is a type of research that involves collecting numerical data and using statistics to analyze those data. It is one of the most popular classifications of research due to its objective, measurable and reliable results.
Surveys, experiments, questionnaires and standardized tests are methods by which researchers collect data.
Example
There is a survey of 5,000 students in the university, which examines the relationship between the number of hours studied each day and academic performance.
Advantages
- Produces measurable results.
- Suitable for large populations.
- Supports statistical analysis.
- Generalizations are possible, often, in the findings.
Limitations
- Limited knowledge of personal experiences.
- Lacks Flexibility in Data Collection.
5. Exploratory Research
Exploratory research is research that is done when there is little known about a topic. It is used to explore novel concepts, to determine gaps in the research literature, and to develop questions for future research.
Exploratory research is not intended to give a definitive answer to the questions.
Example
The study examines the potential for AI to impact assessment practices in the university in the coming decade.
Advantages
- Encourages innovation.
- Recognizes potential areas of future study.
- Identifies research issues.
- Supports theory development.
Limitations
- Results are provisional results.
- Results are subject to further research for confirmation.
6. Experimental Research
Experimental research involves manipulating one variable and controlling others, to determine the cause and effect relationship. This classification is thought to be one of the most scientifically reliable since it enables scientists to test hypotheses in a controlled setting.
In the medical, psychological, education, engineering, and natural sciences fields, experimental research is often used.
Example
A teacher has students in two sets to compare the effectiveness of the traditional classroom instruction and using AI for learning.
Advantages
- Demonstrates cause-and-effect relationships.
- High level of scientific control.
- Produces reliable evidence.
- Supports evidence-based decision-making.
Limitations
- Can be expensive.
- May require ethical restrictions.
- The settings created may not be representative of real-life situations.
Comparison of the Six Classifications of Research
| Classification | Main Purpose | Common Application |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Research | Expand knowledge | Scientific discoveries |
| Applied Research | Solve practical problems | Business, education, healthcare |
| Qualitative Research | Explore experiences | Social sciences, education |
| Quantitative Research | Measure variables | Surveys, experiments |
| Exploratory Research | Investigate new topics | Emerging technologies |
| Experimental Research | Test cause and effect | Medicine, psychology, education |
Each classification has its own strengths and is selected based on the research objectives. In many modern studies, researchers combine multiple classifications to achieve more comprehensive findings.
How to choose the Right research classification?
There are a number of important considerations when determining the classification.
The first thing to do is to make your objective of research very clear. Basic research might be the right approach, if theory is your objective. When tackling an applied problem, applied research is generally the preferred approach.
Second, think about what type of data you need. Qualitative research is appropriate for opinion and experience and quantitative for the collection of measurable evidence.
Third, consider the resources you have, such as time, budget, and the availability of participants. Some classifications involve a lot of data gathering, complex statistical analysis etc., and some rely on interviews or observation.
Lastly, make sure that your classification is related to your research question. The quality and credibility of the study is enhanced when the research objective is well related to the selected classification.
Common mistakes when choosing a Research classification.
A lot of students fail to plan their research properly. A frequent error is to pick a classification without forming a well-defined research question. Others get research classifications mixed up with research methods, or do not explain why a certain classification would be applicable.
Researchers need to also not select their research design without being aware of their skill set and resources to complete the design successfully. By planning carefully and consulting with supervisors, these problems can be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name the six types of research.
There are six types of research: Basic Research, Applied Research, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Exploratory Research and Experimental Research. Both are used for different purposes according to the purpose of the study.
Why has research been categorized?
There are different types of research, and these are used by researchers to choose the most suitable design for the research, to gather the necessary data, and to come up with reliable research findings, which answer specific research questions.
What is the most frequently used type of research?
The most frequently used classifications are quantitative and qualitative research, which can be applied to a large number of studies in academic and professional circles.
Is it possible to use more than one classification in 1 research study?
Yes. Some researchers use a combination of the classifications, such as the qualitative and quantitative research, and include them in a mixed method approach to have a wider understanding of the research problem.
What is the best research classification?
Select the appropriate classification based on the following: the purpose of the research, the type of data required, the available resources and the research question.
Conclusion
Research can be classified into 6 types and it is important to understand all of these to carry out effective and credible academic research. Basic Research, Applied Research, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Exploratory Research, and Experimental Research are each different with their own purpose and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in various ways. Choosing the correct classification will help the researcher(s) in the quality of the methodology they choose, in the data they collect, and in the research that they create that is reliable and meaningful. Whether you are preparing a research paper for a university assignment or a professional research, understanding these classifications of research can help you to design better research and to make informed and evidence-based decisions. Knowing these basic classifications will be important skills for all students and researchers, as new research is continually emerging with the development of technology and collaboration between different fields.