Page 53 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Methodology of Research and Statistical Techniques

Notes • Exploratory research, which structures and identifies new problems
• Constructive research, which develops solutions to a problem

• Empirical research, which tests the feasibility of a solution using empirical evidence
Research can also fall into two distinct types:
• Primary research
• Secondary research
Research is often conducted using the hourglass model Structure of Research. The hourglass
model starts with a broad spectrum for research, focusing in on the required information
through the methodology of the project (like the neck of the hourglass), then expands the
research in the form of discussion and results.

3.1.1 Exploratory Research

Exploratory research is a type of research conducted because a problem has not been clearly
defined. Exploratory research helps determine the best research design, data collection method
and selection of subjects. Given its fundamental nature, exploratory research often concludes
that a perceived problem does not actually exist.

Exploratory research often relies on secondary research such as reviewing available literature
and/or data, or qualitative approaches such as informal discussions with consumers, employees,
management or competitors, and more formal approaches through in-depth interviews, focus
groups, projective methods, case studies or pilot studies.
The results of exploratory research are not usually useful for decision-making by themselves,
but they can provide significant insight into a given situation. Although the results of qualitative
research can give some indication as to the “why”, “how” and “when” something occurs, it
cannot tell us “how often” or “how many.”

Exploratory research is not typically generalizable to the population at large.
A defining characteristic of causal research is the random assignment of participants to the
conditions of the experiment; e.g., an Experimental and a Control Condition. Such assignment
results in the groups being comparable at the beginning of the experiment.
Any difference between the groups at the end of the experiment is attributable to the manipulated
variable. Observational research typically looks for difference among “in-tact” defined groups.
A common example compares smokers and non-smokers with regard to health problems.

Causal conclusions can’t be drawn from such a study because of other possible differences
between the groups; e.g., smokers may drink more alcohol than non-smokers. Other unknown
differences could exist as well. Hence, we may see a relation between smoking and health but
a conclusion that smoking is a cause would not be warranted in this situation.

Did u know? When the basic content and problems of research is not known then exploratory
research method is used.

Social Science
In many social science circles, exploratory research “seeks to find out how people get along in the
setting under question, what meanings they give to their actions, and what issues concern them.
The goal is to learn ‘what is going on here?’ and to investigate social phenomena without
explicit expectations.” This methodology can is also at times referred to as a ‘grounded theory’

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