How can you distinguish between research types?

2 Qualitative and quantitative research

Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, such as words, images, sounds, or behaviors. It focuses on exploring the meanings, experiences, perspectives, and contexts of the participants or phenomena under study. It uses methods such as interviews, observations, focus groups, or document analysis. Qualitative research is often used to answer questions that start with how or why, and to generate rich and detailed descriptions and insights. Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data, such as numbers, percentages, scores, or statistics. It focuses on measuring the variables, relationships, patterns, and trends of the participants or phenomena under study. It uses methods such as surveys, experiments, tests, or scales. Quantitative research is often used to answer questions that start with what, where, when, or how many, and to generate objective and generalizable results.

3 Descriptive and inferential research

Descriptive research describes the characteristics, features, or patterns of a population or a phenomenon based on the data collected from a sample or a source. It does not test hypotheses or make causal claims. It uses methods such as frequency distributions, graphs, charts, or measures of central tendency and variability. Descriptive research is often used to provide an overview or a summary of a topic, such as the demographics of a group, the trends of a market, or the behaviors of a species. Inferential research makes inferences or conclusions about a population or a phenomenon based on the data collected from a sample or a source. It tests hypotheses or makes causal claims. It uses methods such as hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, correlation, or regression. Inferential research is often used to provide evidence or support for a theory, a model, or a policy, such as the effect of an intervention, the relationship between two variables, or the difference between two groups.

4 Experimental and non-experimental research

Experimental research involves manipulating one or more independent variables and measuring their effect on one or more dependent variables, while controlling for other confounding variables. It uses methods such as randomized controlled trials, pretest-posttest designs, or factorial designs. Experimental research is often used to establish causality or to test the efficacy or effectiveness of a treatment, a program, or a product. Non-experimental research involves observing or measuring the variables of interest without manipulating or controlling them. It uses methods such as cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, case studies, or comparative studies. Non-experimental research is often used to explore associations or differences between variables, or to describe phenomena in their natural settings.

5 Inductive and deductive research

Inductive research involves moving from specific observations or data to general conclusions or theories. It uses methods such as grounded theory, thematic analysis, or content analysis. Inductive research is often used to generate new ideas or hypotheses from the data, or to discover patterns or themes that emerge from the data. Deductive research involves moving from general theories or hypotheses to specific observations or data. It uses methods such as hypothesis testing, deductive reasoning, or logical analysis. Deductive research is often used to test existing ideas or hypotheses with the data, or to confirm or reject predictions or implications that follow from the theories or hypotheses.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?