Types of Research

*Quantitative Vs. Qualitative Research: 

      Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.

       Qualitative research on the other hand is concerned with qualitative phenomena i.e. phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. Research design to find out, how people feel or what they think about a particular subject or institution is a qualitative research. To apply qualitative research in practice is relatively a difficult job and therefore one should seek guidance for experimental psychologists.

*Descriptive Vs. Analytical Research: 

            Descriptive research includes surveys and fact findings enquiries of different kind. It provides description of the conditions / existing relationship / opinions held / process going on / effects evident / trend developing on the present cases / event with relation to the past. In other words, descriptive studies are the one whose purpose is to describe accurately the characteristic of a group. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affair 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 happened or what is happening.

            In analytical research, the researcher has to use facts or information already available and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.

*Conceptual Vs. Empirical Research:

            Conceptual research is that related to some abstract ideas or theory. It is generally used by philosopher and thinker to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.

            Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due respect for system and theory. It is data based research coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment.

*Diagnostic Studies: 

            The diagnostic study is concerned with the discovering and testing certain variables with respect to their association or disassociation. It enquires into the basic nature and cause of an existing problem. In its broadest sense, the diagnosis corresponds to the fact finding aspect of the clinical practice.

            Diagnostic Studies is applicable to the instances like solution of a specific problem by the discovery of the relevant variables, discovering or analyzing a specific problem.

*Historical Research: 

            Historical research is that which utilizes historical sources like documents remains, etc. to study event or ideas of the past including the philosophy of the person and groups at any remote point of time.

*Action Research: 

            Action research is a reflective process of progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams or as part of a "community of practice" to improve the way they address issues and solve problems. Action research can also be undertaken by larger organizations or institutions, assisted or guided by professional researchers, with the aim of improving their strategies, practices, and knowledge of the environments within which they practice.