SlideShare ist ein Scribd-Unternehmen logo
1 von 15
Downloaden Sie, um offline zu lesen
The aims of research
The process
Problem
Question/s/s
Purpose
Aims
Objectives
Pure
research
• Observation, whether it is
direct or indirect, is our
primary method of collecting
information and the validity
or credibility of our findings
depends entirely on our
methods of observation.
• Kumar (2011:10) states “The
knowledge produced
through pure research is
sought in order to add to the
existing body of knowledge
or research methods”.
Pure
research
Applied
research
• The purpose of applied research is
to investigate practical issues to
finding solutions for problems that
can be implemented in practice.
• It is undertaken to investigate
whether solutions to social
problems can be found; to describe
and assess social needs; assess and
evaluate existing policies and
practices; recommend and
implement change; and identify
new areas of research.
• Applied research is therefore
purpose-driven or pragmatic.
Exploratory
research
• Research that has the overall
purpose of exploration usually
refers to the study of an
unknown area.
• As our social, economic and
technological systems evolve,
new areas of research emerge
continuously.
• To obtain new insights as part of
a pre-test or pilot test;
• To identify key concepts;
• To identify key stakeholders;
• To prioritise social needs;
Exploratory
research
• To identify
consequences of
research problems;
• To develop hypotheses;
• To confirm assumptions;
or
• To become familiar with
unknown situations,
conditions policies and
behaviours
Descriptive
research
• The purpose of descriptive research
is to describe the characteristics of
phenomena, or relations between
variables as accurately as possible.
• There are many different ways of
describing phenomena and objects
and therefore it can be the purpose
of both qualitative and quantitative
studies.
• With descriptive research, the
overall purpose is typically to
establish what the relationship
between phenomena is, but more
specifically, to describe what is
common with respect to a certain
situation, or the degree to which
phenomena relate to each other.
Descriptive
research
• a descriptive study aims to
achieve the following:
– to describe a situation,
problem or phenomenon
systematically, or
– to provide information
about certain phenomena
such as the living conditions
of a community.
Correlational
research
• The primary aim of correlational
research is to establish whether a
relationship, association, or
interdependence between two or
more aspects of a situation exists
• If you look at the word
‘interdependence’, you will see that it
is a compound word that consist out
of the words inter, which means
‘between’, and ‘dependent’.
• Thus, correlational studies look at the
relationship between certain
variables or how one variable (usually
referred to as the dependent
variable) is affected by another
variable (usually referred to as the
independent variable).
• These correlations are usually
referred to as positive or negative
correlations
Explanatory
research
While correlational studies
usually aim to identify
relationships between variables,
explanatory studies typically
investigate the varying degrees to
which these relations exist.
In other words, if a correlational
study established that a
relationship between phenomena
exists, explanatory research may
attempt to clarify how and why
this relationship exists.
For example, you may aim to
establish why peer pressure
among adolescents in a particular
school has a higher than average
impact on their pass rates.
Explanatory
research
• Du Plooy (2006:50) explains that
the overall purpose for
explanatory research is:
– to clarify how and why there
is a relationship between
different phenomena, in
other words whether you
can find reasons why certain
things happen; and.
– to “indicate the direction of
a cause-and-effect
relationship between an
independent variable (X)
and a dependent variable
(Y)” (Du Plooy 2006:50).
Predictive research
Pragmatic
research
• If we look at the description of the above mentioned kinds of research, we
can identify the action words ‘explore’, ‘describe’, ‘compare’, ‘explain’, and
‘predict’.
• These kinds of research ultimately all aim to contribute to solutions of
some kind as they lead to further research or become integrated within
other research.
• Pragmatic research can be described as research which aims to find
solutions to specific problems by utilising both qualitative and quantitative
research methods.
• Feilzer (2010:7) states, “The approach commonly associated with mixed
methods research offers an alternative worldview to those of positivism
and constructivism [interpretivism] and focuses on the problem to be
researched and the consequences of the research”
Type of research Aims
Exploratory research
 to obtain new insights
 to identify key concepts
 to identify key stakeholders
 to prioritise social needs
 to identify consequences of research problems
 to develop hypotheses
 to confirm assumptions
 to become familiar with unknown situations, conditions,
policies and behaviours
Descriptive research
 to describe a situation, problem, or phenomenon
systematically
 to provide information about things, such as living
conditions of a community
 to draw comparisons
Correlative research
 to establish whether a relationship, association, or
interdependence between two or more aspects of a
situation exists.
Explanatory research
 to clarify how and why there is a relationship between
different phenomena
 to indicate the direction of cause-and-effect relationships
between variables
Predictive research
 to prevent undesired outcomes
 to promote desired outcomes
 to anticipate probable outcomes
Pragmatic research
 to employ mixed methods and different modes of
observation to obtain solutions for specific problems
identified

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Ähnlich wie Aims of research.pptx

Research Methodology Module-01
Research Methodology Module-01Research Methodology Module-01
Research Methodology Module-01Kishor Ade
 
Introduction to business research
Introduction to business researchIntroduction to business research
Introduction to business researchsoumibhattacharya3
 
Research Designs and Research methods
Research Designs and Research methods Research Designs and Research methods
Research Designs and Research methods jagannath Dange
 
Research design and methods, Dr. William Kritsonis
Research design and methods, Dr. William KritsonisResearch design and methods, Dr. William Kritsonis
Research design and methods, Dr. William KritsonisWilliam Kritsonis
 
Research Design and Methodology, Dr. W.A. Kritsonis
Research Design and Methodology, Dr. W.A. KritsonisResearch Design and Methodology, Dr. W.A. Kritsonis
Research Design and Methodology, Dr. W.A. Kritsonisguestcc1ebaf
 
Quantitative and research methods in business
Quantitative and research methods in businessQuantitative and research methods in business
Quantitative and research methods in businessSidharthanSD
 
Research Methodology and Research Types discussion
Research Methodology and Research Types discussionResearch Methodology and Research Types discussion
Research Methodology and Research Types discussionssrkai2020
 
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH.pptx
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH.pptxDESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH.pptx
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH.pptxvideo22
 
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH.pptx
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH.pptxOVERVIEW OF RESEARCH.pptx
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH.pptxAyoadeMoses1
 
Advanced research methods (mal 655)
Advanced research methods (mal 655)Advanced research methods (mal 655)
Advanced research methods (mal 655)Mangasini Katundu
 
Research lecture 1
Research lecture 1Research lecture 1
Research lecture 1Fraz Ali
 
Research Methodology Course - Unit 1.ppt
Research Methodology Course - Unit  1.pptResearch Methodology Course - Unit  1.ppt
Research Methodology Course - Unit 1.pptsvarsastry
 
Research methodology types
Research methodology typesResearch methodology types
Research methodology typesAkhilaAnikumar
 

Ähnlich wie Aims of research.pptx (20)

Research Methodology Module-01
Research Methodology Module-01Research Methodology Module-01
Research Methodology Module-01
 
Introduction to business research
Introduction to business researchIntroduction to business research
Introduction to business research
 
Research Methodology
Research MethodologyResearch Methodology
Research Methodology
 
Research design and methods
Research design and methodsResearch design and methods
Research design and methods
 
Research methods
Research methodsResearch methods
Research methods
 
Research Designs and Research methods
Research Designs and Research methods Research Designs and Research methods
Research Designs and Research methods
 
Research design and methods, Dr. William Kritsonis
Research design and methods, Dr. William KritsonisResearch design and methods, Dr. William Kritsonis
Research design and methods, Dr. William Kritsonis
 
Research Design and Methodology, Dr. W.A. Kritsonis
Research Design and Methodology, Dr. W.A. KritsonisResearch Design and Methodology, Dr. W.A. Kritsonis
Research Design and Methodology, Dr. W.A. Kritsonis
 
Quantitative and research methods in business
Quantitative and research methods in businessQuantitative and research methods in business
Quantitative and research methods in business
 
Research Methodology and Research Types discussion
Research Methodology and Research Types discussionResearch Methodology and Research Types discussion
Research Methodology and Research Types discussion
 
Research
ResearchResearch
Research
 
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH.pptx
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH.pptxDESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH.pptx
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH.pptx
 
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH.pptx
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH.pptxOVERVIEW OF RESEARCH.pptx
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH.pptx
 
Advanced research methods (mal 655)
Advanced research methods (mal 655)Advanced research methods (mal 655)
Advanced research methods (mal 655)
 
Research
ResearchResearch
Research
 
Research lecture 1
Research lecture 1Research lecture 1
Research lecture 1
 
Research Methodology Course - Unit 1.ppt
Research Methodology Course - Unit  1.pptResearch Methodology Course - Unit  1.ppt
Research Methodology Course - Unit 1.ppt
 
Research methodology types
Research methodology typesResearch methodology types
Research methodology types
 
2476442.ppt
2476442.ppt2476442.ppt
2476442.ppt
 
2476442.ppt
2476442.ppt2476442.ppt
2476442.ppt
 

Mehr von NathanMoyo1

ExamsDecember2022_version_1_venue_schedule (1).pptx
ExamsDecember2022_version_1_venue_schedule (1).pptxExamsDecember2022_version_1_venue_schedule (1).pptx
ExamsDecember2022_version_1_venue_schedule (1).pptxNathanMoyo1
 
Science, Technology and Nature.pptx
Science, Technology and Nature.pptxScience, Technology and Nature.pptx
Science, Technology and Nature.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
KANE 2023 PRESENTATION.pptx
KANE 2023 PRESENTATION.pptxKANE 2023 PRESENTATION.pptx
KANE 2023 PRESENTATION.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
Science, Technology and Nature.pptx
Science, Technology and Nature.pptxScience, Technology and Nature.pptx
Science, Technology and Nature.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
Contemporary theories of Modernity_.pptx
Contemporary theories of Modernity_.pptxContemporary theories of Modernity_.pptx
Contemporary theories of Modernity_.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
The Enlightenment Age and Thinkers.pptx
The Enlightenment Age and Thinkers.pptxThe Enlightenment Age and Thinkers.pptx
The Enlightenment Age and Thinkers.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
Reliability and validity.pptx
Reliability and validity.pptxReliability and validity.pptx
Reliability and validity.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
Literature review.pptx
Literature review.pptxLiterature review.pptx
Literature review.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
Moral Obligations To Future Generations.pptx
Moral Obligations To Future Generations.pptxMoral Obligations To Future Generations.pptx
Moral Obligations To Future Generations.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
Secularization theories.pptx
Secularization theories.pptxSecularization theories.pptx
Secularization theories.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
10. (three topics in one slide) Global Developments In Religion (Christianity...
10. (three topics in one slide) Global Developments In Religion (Christianity...10. (three topics in one slide) Global Developments In Religion (Christianity...
10. (three topics in one slide) Global Developments In Religion (Christianity...NathanMoyo1
 
Presentation1.pptx
Presentation1.pptxPresentation1.pptx
Presentation1.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
Religion and gender.pptx
Religion and gender.pptxReligion and gender.pptx
Religion and gender.pptxNathanMoyo1
 
Young people and religion.ppt
Young people and religion.pptYoung people and religion.ppt
Young people and religion.pptNathanMoyo1
 
EXAMS - During the exam sitting.pptx
EXAMS - During the exam sitting.pptxEXAMS - During the exam sitting.pptx
EXAMS - During the exam sitting.pptxNathanMoyo1
 

Mehr von NathanMoyo1 (20)

Takbop.pptx
Takbop.pptxTakbop.pptx
Takbop.pptx
 
Taso.pptx
Taso.pptxTaso.pptx
Taso.pptx
 
ExamsDecember2022_version_1_venue_schedule (1).pptx
ExamsDecember2022_version_1_venue_schedule (1).pptxExamsDecember2022_version_1_venue_schedule (1).pptx
ExamsDecember2022_version_1_venue_schedule (1).pptx
 
Science, Technology and Nature.pptx
Science, Technology and Nature.pptxScience, Technology and Nature.pptx
Science, Technology and Nature.pptx
 
KANE 2023 PRESENTATION.pptx
KANE 2023 PRESENTATION.pptxKANE 2023 PRESENTATION.pptx
KANE 2023 PRESENTATION.pptx
 
Tentride.pptx
Tentride.pptxTentride.pptx
Tentride.pptx
 
Kantu.pptx
Kantu.pptxKantu.pptx
Kantu.pptx
 
Kaalu.pptx
Kaalu.pptxKaalu.pptx
Kaalu.pptx
 
Science, Technology and Nature.pptx
Science, Technology and Nature.pptxScience, Technology and Nature.pptx
Science, Technology and Nature.pptx
 
Contemporary theories of Modernity_.pptx
Contemporary theories of Modernity_.pptxContemporary theories of Modernity_.pptx
Contemporary theories of Modernity_.pptx
 
The Enlightenment Age and Thinkers.pptx
The Enlightenment Age and Thinkers.pptxThe Enlightenment Age and Thinkers.pptx
The Enlightenment Age and Thinkers.pptx
 
Reliability and validity.pptx
Reliability and validity.pptxReliability and validity.pptx
Reliability and validity.pptx
 
Literature review.pptx
Literature review.pptxLiterature review.pptx
Literature review.pptx
 
Moral Obligations To Future Generations.pptx
Moral Obligations To Future Generations.pptxMoral Obligations To Future Generations.pptx
Moral Obligations To Future Generations.pptx
 
Secularization theories.pptx
Secularization theories.pptxSecularization theories.pptx
Secularization theories.pptx
 
10. (three topics in one slide) Global Developments In Religion (Christianity...
10. (three topics in one slide) Global Developments In Religion (Christianity...10. (three topics in one slide) Global Developments In Religion (Christianity...
10. (three topics in one slide) Global Developments In Religion (Christianity...
 
Presentation1.pptx
Presentation1.pptxPresentation1.pptx
Presentation1.pptx
 
Religion and gender.pptx
Religion and gender.pptxReligion and gender.pptx
Religion and gender.pptx
 
Young people and religion.ppt
Young people and religion.pptYoung people and religion.ppt
Young people and religion.ppt
 
EXAMS - During the exam sitting.pptx
EXAMS - During the exam sitting.pptxEXAMS - During the exam sitting.pptx
EXAMS - During the exam sitting.pptx
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen

Models of Disability - an overview by Marno Retief & Rantoa Letšosa
Models of Disability - an overview by Marno Retief & Rantoa LetšosaModels of Disability - an overview by Marno Retief & Rantoa Letšosa
Models of Disability - an overview by Marno Retief & Rantoa Letšosaannemarleenolthof1
 
Unlocking Conversion_ The Art of Turning Visitors into Loyal Customers.pdf
Unlocking Conversion_ The Art of Turning Visitors into Loyal Customers.pdfUnlocking Conversion_ The Art of Turning Visitors into Loyal Customers.pdf
Unlocking Conversion_ The Art of Turning Visitors into Loyal Customers.pdfIBM
 
UX Conference on UX Research Trends in 2024
UX Conference on UX Research Trends in 2024UX Conference on UX Research Trends in 2024
UX Conference on UX Research Trends in 2024mikailaoh
 
Create Funeral Invites Online @ feedvu.com
Create Funeral Invites Online @ feedvu.comCreate Funeral Invites Online @ feedvu.com
Create Funeral Invites Online @ feedvu.comjakyjhon00
 
Construction Documents Checklist before Construction
Construction Documents Checklist before ConstructionConstruction Documents Checklist before Construction
Construction Documents Checklist before ConstructionResDraft
 
UI UX Process for SaaS Product Design Success
UI UX Process for SaaS Product Design SuccessUI UX Process for SaaS Product Design Success
UI UX Process for SaaS Product Design SuccessThink 360 Studio
 
WCM Branding Agency | 210519 - Portfolio Review (F&B) -s.pptx
WCM Branding Agency | 210519 - Portfolio Review (F&B) -s.pptxWCM Branding Agency | 210519 - Portfolio Review (F&B) -s.pptx
WCM Branding Agency | 210519 - Portfolio Review (F&B) -s.pptxHasan S
 
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications-AASHTO (2014).pdf
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications-AASHTO (2014).pdfLRFD Bridge Design Specifications-AASHTO (2014).pdf
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications-AASHTO (2014).pdfHctorFranciscoSnchez1
 
High-Quality Faux Embroidery Services | Cre8iveSkill
High-Quality Faux Embroidery Services | Cre8iveSkillHigh-Quality Faux Embroidery Services | Cre8iveSkill
High-Quality Faux Embroidery Services | Cre8iveSkillCre8iveskill
 
Designing for privacy: 3 essential UX habits for product teams
Designing for privacy: 3 essential UX habits for product teamsDesigning for privacy: 3 essential UX habits for product teams
Designing for privacy: 3 essential UX habits for product teamsBlock Party
 
How to use Ai for UX UI Design | ChatGPT
How to use Ai for UX UI Design | ChatGPTHow to use Ai for UX UI Design | ChatGPT
How to use Ai for UX UI Design | ChatGPTThink 360 Studio
 
Math Group 3 Presentation OLOLOLOLILOOLLOLOL
Math Group 3 Presentation OLOLOLOLILOOLLOLOLMath Group 3 Presentation OLOLOLOLILOOLLOLOL
Math Group 3 Presentation OLOLOLOLILOOLLOLOLkenzukiri
 
Khushi sharma undergraduate portfolio...
Khushi sharma undergraduate portfolio...Khushi sharma undergraduate portfolio...
Khushi sharma undergraduate portfolio...khushisharma298853
 
Design mental models for managing large-scale dbt projects. March 21, 2024 in...
Design mental models for managing large-scale dbt projects. March 21, 2024 in...Design mental models for managing large-scale dbt projects. March 21, 2024 in...
Design mental models for managing large-scale dbt projects. March 21, 2024 in...Ed Orozco
 
Embroidery design from embroidery magazine
Embroidery design from embroidery magazineEmbroidery design from embroidery magazine
Embroidery design from embroidery magazineRivanEleraki
 
Introduce Trauma-Informed Design to Your Organization - CSUN ATC 2024
Introduce Trauma-Informed Design to Your Organization - CSUN ATC 2024Introduce Trauma-Informed Design to Your Organization - CSUN ATC 2024
Introduce Trauma-Informed Design to Your Organization - CSUN ATC 2024Ted Drake
 
The future of UX design support tools - talk Paris March 2024
The future of UX design support tools - talk Paris March 2024The future of UX design support tools - talk Paris March 2024
The future of UX design support tools - talk Paris March 2024Alan Dix
 
AMBER GRAIN EMBROIDERY | Growing folklore elements | Barbara Rakovska
AMBER GRAIN EMBROIDERY | Growing folklore elements | Barbara RakovskaAMBER GRAIN EMBROIDERY | Growing folklore elements | Barbara Rakovska
AMBER GRAIN EMBROIDERY | Growing folklore elements | Barbara RakovskaBarusRa
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen (18)

Models of Disability - an overview by Marno Retief & Rantoa Letšosa
Models of Disability - an overview by Marno Retief & Rantoa LetšosaModels of Disability - an overview by Marno Retief & Rantoa Letšosa
Models of Disability - an overview by Marno Retief & Rantoa Letšosa
 
Unlocking Conversion_ The Art of Turning Visitors into Loyal Customers.pdf
Unlocking Conversion_ The Art of Turning Visitors into Loyal Customers.pdfUnlocking Conversion_ The Art of Turning Visitors into Loyal Customers.pdf
Unlocking Conversion_ The Art of Turning Visitors into Loyal Customers.pdf
 
UX Conference on UX Research Trends in 2024
UX Conference on UX Research Trends in 2024UX Conference on UX Research Trends in 2024
UX Conference on UX Research Trends in 2024
 
Create Funeral Invites Online @ feedvu.com
Create Funeral Invites Online @ feedvu.comCreate Funeral Invites Online @ feedvu.com
Create Funeral Invites Online @ feedvu.com
 
Construction Documents Checklist before Construction
Construction Documents Checklist before ConstructionConstruction Documents Checklist before Construction
Construction Documents Checklist before Construction
 
UI UX Process for SaaS Product Design Success
UI UX Process for SaaS Product Design SuccessUI UX Process for SaaS Product Design Success
UI UX Process for SaaS Product Design Success
 
WCM Branding Agency | 210519 - Portfolio Review (F&B) -s.pptx
WCM Branding Agency | 210519 - Portfolio Review (F&B) -s.pptxWCM Branding Agency | 210519 - Portfolio Review (F&B) -s.pptx
WCM Branding Agency | 210519 - Portfolio Review (F&B) -s.pptx
 
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications-AASHTO (2014).pdf
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications-AASHTO (2014).pdfLRFD Bridge Design Specifications-AASHTO (2014).pdf
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications-AASHTO (2014).pdf
 
High-Quality Faux Embroidery Services | Cre8iveSkill
High-Quality Faux Embroidery Services | Cre8iveSkillHigh-Quality Faux Embroidery Services | Cre8iveSkill
High-Quality Faux Embroidery Services | Cre8iveSkill
 
Designing for privacy: 3 essential UX habits for product teams
Designing for privacy: 3 essential UX habits for product teamsDesigning for privacy: 3 essential UX habits for product teams
Designing for privacy: 3 essential UX habits for product teams
 
How to use Ai for UX UI Design | ChatGPT
How to use Ai for UX UI Design | ChatGPTHow to use Ai for UX UI Design | ChatGPT
How to use Ai for UX UI Design | ChatGPT
 
Math Group 3 Presentation OLOLOLOLILOOLLOLOL
Math Group 3 Presentation OLOLOLOLILOOLLOLOLMath Group 3 Presentation OLOLOLOLILOOLLOLOL
Math Group 3 Presentation OLOLOLOLILOOLLOLOL
 
Khushi sharma undergraduate portfolio...
Khushi sharma undergraduate portfolio...Khushi sharma undergraduate portfolio...
Khushi sharma undergraduate portfolio...
 
Design mental models for managing large-scale dbt projects. March 21, 2024 in...
Design mental models for managing large-scale dbt projects. March 21, 2024 in...Design mental models for managing large-scale dbt projects. March 21, 2024 in...
Design mental models for managing large-scale dbt projects. March 21, 2024 in...
 
Embroidery design from embroidery magazine
Embroidery design from embroidery magazineEmbroidery design from embroidery magazine
Embroidery design from embroidery magazine
 
Introduce Trauma-Informed Design to Your Organization - CSUN ATC 2024
Introduce Trauma-Informed Design to Your Organization - CSUN ATC 2024Introduce Trauma-Informed Design to Your Organization - CSUN ATC 2024
Introduce Trauma-Informed Design to Your Organization - CSUN ATC 2024
 
The future of UX design support tools - talk Paris March 2024
The future of UX design support tools - talk Paris March 2024The future of UX design support tools - talk Paris March 2024
The future of UX design support tools - talk Paris March 2024
 
AMBER GRAIN EMBROIDERY | Growing folklore elements | Barbara Rakovska
AMBER GRAIN EMBROIDERY | Growing folklore elements | Barbara RakovskaAMBER GRAIN EMBROIDERY | Growing folklore elements | Barbara Rakovska
AMBER GRAIN EMBROIDERY | Growing folklore elements | Barbara Rakovska
 

Aims of research.pptx

  • 1. The aims of research
  • 3. Pure research • Observation, whether it is direct or indirect, is our primary method of collecting information and the validity or credibility of our findings depends entirely on our methods of observation. • Kumar (2011:10) states “The knowledge produced through pure research is sought in order to add to the existing body of knowledge or research methods”.
  • 5. Applied research • The purpose of applied research is to investigate practical issues to finding solutions for problems that can be implemented in practice. • It is undertaken to investigate whether solutions to social problems can be found; to describe and assess social needs; assess and evaluate existing policies and practices; recommend and implement change; and identify new areas of research. • Applied research is therefore purpose-driven or pragmatic.
  • 6. Exploratory research • Research that has the overall purpose of exploration usually refers to the study of an unknown area. • As our social, economic and technological systems evolve, new areas of research emerge continuously. • To obtain new insights as part of a pre-test or pilot test; • To identify key concepts; • To identify key stakeholders; • To prioritise social needs;
  • 7. Exploratory research • To identify consequences of research problems; • To develop hypotheses; • To confirm assumptions; or • To become familiar with unknown situations, conditions policies and behaviours
  • 8. Descriptive research • The purpose of descriptive research is to describe the characteristics of phenomena, or relations between variables as accurately as possible. • There are many different ways of describing phenomena and objects and therefore it can be the purpose of both qualitative and quantitative studies. • With descriptive research, the overall purpose is typically to establish what the relationship between phenomena is, but more specifically, to describe what is common with respect to a certain situation, or the degree to which phenomena relate to each other.
  • 9. Descriptive research • a descriptive study aims to achieve the following: – to describe a situation, problem or phenomenon systematically, or – to provide information about certain phenomena such as the living conditions of a community.
  • 10. Correlational research • The primary aim of correlational research is to establish whether a relationship, association, or interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation exists • If you look at the word ‘interdependence’, you will see that it is a compound word that consist out of the words inter, which means ‘between’, and ‘dependent’. • Thus, correlational studies look at the relationship between certain variables or how one variable (usually referred to as the dependent variable) is affected by another variable (usually referred to as the independent variable). • These correlations are usually referred to as positive or negative correlations
  • 11. Explanatory research While correlational studies usually aim to identify relationships between variables, explanatory studies typically investigate the varying degrees to which these relations exist. In other words, if a correlational study established that a relationship between phenomena exists, explanatory research may attempt to clarify how and why this relationship exists. For example, you may aim to establish why peer pressure among adolescents in a particular school has a higher than average impact on their pass rates.
  • 12. Explanatory research • Du Plooy (2006:50) explains that the overall purpose for explanatory research is: – to clarify how and why there is a relationship between different phenomena, in other words whether you can find reasons why certain things happen; and. – to “indicate the direction of a cause-and-effect relationship between an independent variable (X) and a dependent variable (Y)” (Du Plooy 2006:50).
  • 14. Pragmatic research • If we look at the description of the above mentioned kinds of research, we can identify the action words ‘explore’, ‘describe’, ‘compare’, ‘explain’, and ‘predict’. • These kinds of research ultimately all aim to contribute to solutions of some kind as they lead to further research or become integrated within other research. • Pragmatic research can be described as research which aims to find solutions to specific problems by utilising both qualitative and quantitative research methods. • Feilzer (2010:7) states, “The approach commonly associated with mixed methods research offers an alternative worldview to those of positivism and constructivism [interpretivism] and focuses on the problem to be researched and the consequences of the research”
  • 15. Type of research Aims Exploratory research  to obtain new insights  to identify key concepts  to identify key stakeholders  to prioritise social needs  to identify consequences of research problems  to develop hypotheses  to confirm assumptions  to become familiar with unknown situations, conditions, policies and behaviours Descriptive research  to describe a situation, problem, or phenomenon systematically  to provide information about things, such as living conditions of a community  to draw comparisons Correlative research  to establish whether a relationship, association, or interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation exists. Explanatory research  to clarify how and why there is a relationship between different phenomena  to indicate the direction of cause-and-effect relationships between variables Predictive research  to prevent undesired outcomes  to promote desired outcomes  to anticipate probable outcomes Pragmatic research  to employ mixed methods and different modes of observation to obtain solutions for specific problems identified