Types of Research

1. Descriptive vs. Analytical: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding inquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists at present. The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; he can only report what has happened or what is happening. for example, Prevalence study of night blindness among older population in Pokhara, Kaski.

In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or information already available and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material. It involves the in-depth study and evaluation of available information in an attempt to explain complex phenomenon. E.g. Study on effect of sunlight exposure and Ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

Descriptive research attempts to determine, describe, or identify what is, while analytical research attempts to establish why it is that way or how it came to be.

2.   Applied vs. Fundamental: Research can either be applied (or action) research or fundamental (to basic or pure) research. Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an organization, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. E.g. Study on management of Polio epidemic in Nepal.

    “Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is termed ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research.” Research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental research. For e.g. Formulation of gravitational theory

Similarly, research studies, concerning human behavior carried on with a view to make generalisations about human behaviour, are also examples of fundamental research, but research aimed at certain conclusions (say, a solution) facing a concrete problem is an example of applied research.

3.   Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. E.g. Prevalence of trachoma in Bharatpur, Nepal. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. For instance, when we are interested in investigating the reasons for human behaviour (i.e., why people think or do certain things), we quite often talk of ‘Motivation Research’, an important type of qualitative research. Attitude or opinion research i.e., research designed to find out how people feel or what they think about a particular subject or institution is also qualitative research.

4.   Conceptual vs. Empirical: Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.
On the other hand, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment.

5.   Experimental Research: Experimental research is a study that strictly adheres to a scientific research design. It includes a hypothesis, a variable that can be manipulated by the researcher, and variables that can be measured, calculated and compared. Most importantly,  experimental research is completed in a controlled environment. The researcher collects data and results will either support or reject the hypothesis. This method of research is referred to a hypothesis testing or a deductive research method. E.g. Study on short-term use of topical corticosteroid eye drops for management of pterygium

6. Operational Research: This research type aims to discuss and study a recurring problem in an organization which may involve a study of concretization of the organization’s mission, vision, philosophy, and goals. E.g. Success with antiretroviral treatment for children in Accham: experience with health center / nurse-based care

7.   Action Research: Action research is undertaken to address a recurring problem in an organization immediately, usually a part of a major problem is addressed in this type of research. For e.g. Ways to improve the health workers performance in Geriatric Hospitals.

8.      Some Other Types of Research:

• Form the point of view of time, we can think of research either as one-time research or longitudinal research.
• Research can be field-setting research or laboratory research or simulation research, depending upon the environment in which it is to be carried out.
• Historical research is that which utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc. to study events or ideas of the past, including the philosophy of persons and groups at any remote point of time. E.g. Development of Ophthalmic Science in Nepal.