The 16 types of research (and their characteristics)

Science is in charge of the investigations that change our lives. And for this it uses various tools depending on the type of science and research that is carried out. In addition, the ways of investigating are diverse.

That is why there are different types of research. Each object, situation or subject investigated requires an analysis from various fields. For this reason, a classification has been made to understand each of the types of research that may exist.

The characteristics of the 16 types of research

Research is a systematic process that aims to discover or verify something. It is the tool on which scientific research is based, allowing the results obtained to be sustained.

As already mentioned, each phenomenon that is studied and from which a hypothesis is derived, needs a suitable method. That is how 16 types of research have been classified and numbered in subcategories contained in 5 categories, which we explain here.

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Research by level of depth in the knowledge to be achieved

For various reasons, research does not always aim to get deep. In many cases, these are the first studies about a phenomenon that will possibly lead to other types of research.

1. Descriptive research

Descriptive research makes a detailed observation about the object or phenomenon. Its objective is to make a detailed description without establishing effects and causes. It simply highlights the object of study.

2. Exploratory investigation

Exploratory research is carried out when the object of study is not highly known. It is a first approach that takes a general and basic overview. Lays the foundation for further research.

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3. Correlational research

Correlational research measures the degree of relationship between two variables. Part of previous investigations about two phenomena or objects of investigation and aims to establish the first bases of relationship between the two.

4. Explanatory research

Explanatory research look for the cause of the object of study. In this case, it is intended to reach a conclusion about the cause, as well as possible variables and relationships with other nearby phenomena.

Investigations according to the time in which they are carried out

Investigations can also be classified according to the time in which they are carried out. The time differences between one and the other influences the results, but is also determined by the type of event under investigation.

5. Synchronous investigations

Synchronous investigations they occur in a short period of time. The nature of the object of study requires to be investigated for a short and limited period. The results obtained correspond only to that established time.

6. Diachronic investigations

Diachronic investigations are conducted for extended periods of time. This is done when time plays an important role in the variables to be obtained.. It can be research that even lasts for years.

7. Sequential investigations

Sequential investigations are a combination of synchronic and diachronic. Studies are carried out for short or medium periods of time but over several months or years. This, as in the rest of the situations, is determined according to the object of study.

Investigations by type of data

The type of data that requires an investigation also determines its type. In addition to the variables and the results, the data obtained for the study are different according to their own nature, and this makes the type of research different.

8. Quantitative investigations

Quantitative research is based on measurable and quantifiable data. Statistics and mathematics are the basis in collecting data for this type of research.

9. Qualitative research

Qualitative research work with data that cannot be measured mathematically. Describes complex situations in their natural environment, based on observation.

Investigations according to the variables

The variables that are chosen are of utmost importance in determining the type of investigation. And of course the results. Variables are a fundamental aspect that can significantly change the outcome of the investigation.

10. Experimental research

Experimental research is the most used in science. It allows an absolute control in the variables, although in branches such as psychology it cannot be carried out in an absolute way. Replicate the phenomenon as many times as necessary to obtain more reliable data.

11. Quasi-experimental research

Quasi-experimental research resembles experimental.You do not have full control on the variables, only on some of them. This does not prevent research from providing useful data on the causality of phenomena.

12. Non-experimental research

Non-experimental research does not have any type of control over any variable. This makes it an investigation limited to the mere observation of the phenomenon. Statistical studies on population are an example.

Investigation according to the logical method

Another great classification in the type of investigation is according to the method. In other words, the way in which it is going to be interfered with in the reality to be investigated is chosen and this modifies the type of variables that are collected and obtained, as well as the results.

13. Inductive research

Inductive research is subjective and imprecise. It is an investigation from observation. Obtaining data from this observation generates an analysis from which true conclusions can be obtained, but which do not allow predictions.

14. Deductive investigation

Deductive research seeks to verify or refute some premise. After having a hypothesis, deductive research based on the observation of reality draws its conclusions.

15. Hypothetical-deductive investigation

Hypothetical-deductive research is that which is fully used in science. First, establish a hypothesis after observing a phenomenon. From this theories are established that later must be proven or refuted.

16. Applied research

Applied research seeks to make useful discoveries. The objective of this type of research is that the results are fully applicable to society and have a common benefit.

Bibliographic references

• Kapoor M. C. (2016). Types of studies and research design. Indian journal of anesthesia, 60 (9), 626–630.
• Types of research designs, extracted 06/28/2019 from https://libguides.usc.edu