Research Methods Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of research methods, covering primary and secondary research, main types of research, research styles, research traditions, validity and reliability, quantitative research, and quantitative methods. It also includes a detailed discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each method, along with relevant examples and references. Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students.

Research Methods

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RESEARCH .............................................................................3
MAIN TYPES OF RESEARCH .....................................................................................................4
RESEARCH STYLES ....................................................................................................................5
RESEARCH TRADITIONS ...........................................................................................................5
VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY .................................................................................................5
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH......................................................................................................5
QUANTITATIVE METHODS.......................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Research can be defined as the systematic investigation on specific topic. It can also be
referred to as study of materials as well as sources in order to establish facts and reach
conclusions. Research include detail study on particular subject. Purpose of research is to help an
individual in developing detailed knowledge about specific issue or subject. A person execute
research with the intention of discovering information or new facts related to specific topic.
Research activity helps an individual in increasing their knowledge. There are basically two
types of research these are basic as well ass applied.
A person need to pose researcher and analytical skills which is generally utilised for
conducting investigation. Applied research is mainly executed for resolving complex issues.
Basic research is executed for gaining scientific knowledge. Research can also be considered to
be as systematic enquiry which is executed for emplaning or describing, predicting observed
phenomenon. It includes various activities such as collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
The report have focus on developing understanding about the research its typos and
methods.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RESEARCH
Primary research is an investigation procedures executed by scholars themselves. In the
primary research data are directly collected by scholar from participants. There are various types
of methods are utilised by researcher for collecting fresh information these are interview,
questionnaire, surveys etc. Primary research involves high cost and require lot of time. By
executing a primary research, scholar can gather basically two types of information these are :
Specific : it is more precise, this type of information are generally utilised by researcher for
solving problems. Formal as well as structured interview are conducted by investigator in order
to gather information related to the topic.
Exploratory : This types of information are gathered through conducting lengthy interview with
participants.
The main advantage of primary research is that an investigator have full control on all the
research activity specially collection of information. It is very much important to retain control
on research activity in order to ensure fair and right decision. In addition to this, another
advantage is that, investigator can change the course of study if required (Taylor, Bogdan and
DeVault, 2015.).

The major disadvantages primary research is that Lack of feasibility in the results.
Secondary research is the investigation which has already been executed by other scholar
on same topic. This types of investigation include utilisation of information or data gathered by
other scholars. Reports of trade commissions, government agencies are utilised by scholar.
Secondary research involves less cost, information can be gathered faster. While conducting the
secondary research, investigator before gathering information might need to take permission
from legal authorities or government agencies. Example of secondary research are :Reports
issued by research institutions, use of academic journals, magazines etc.
Advantages of secondary research is that it is cost effective and less time consuming.
This type of research generally does not require expertise.
The major disadvantage of this research is that Information might be unsuitable for
current research project. Lack of sufficient amount of information may have adverse effect on
results. Secondary data is less reliable.
MAIN TYPES OF RESEARCH
There are basically two types of research these are pure and applied.
Applied research : This type of research is executed for identifying the immediate solution to
specific problem faced by society or companies. Market research executed by an organization for
gathering information about consumer needs is considered to be as applied research.
Main advantage of applied research is that it helps in solving complex problem. Major
disadvantage there is limited scope of gaining knowledge (Fletcher, 2017). In other words, an
individual can gain knowledge only about the solution which can be applied by them for
resolving specific problem.
Pure research : It is mainly concerned with generalization as well as formulation of theory.
Purpose of conducting applied research is to gain scientific knowledge. Investigation conducted
related to occurrence of natural phenomenon or related to pure mathematics is example of pure
research. Objective of pure research that has a broad base of applications (Choy, 2014). These
types of studies are usually self-initiated for expanding the levels of knowledge in certain field.
The biggest advantage of applied research is that it helps an individual in increasing their
knowledge about various fields. Results drawn or conclusion made can be applied to a wide
ranges of cases. The major drawback of pure research is that these types of investigations no
practical implications.

RESEARCH STYLES
Survey methods : Such types of methods are utilized y scholar for gathering the information
related to specific topics. A survey in research can be defined as a brief interview or discussion
with individuals about a specific topic. There are various techniques such as personal interview,
questionnaire, survey can be utilized by investigation for gathering data or information related to
specific topic (Humphries, 2017).
The main advantage of survey method is that it enables researcher to collect information
quickly. It is cost effective way of collecting information. This method enables scholar to gather
data or facts from large number of people. Standardized surveys are relatively free from several
types of errors.
Experimental : It is the type of investigation in which researcher have to follow strict rules
By executing an experimental research investigator can gain scientific knowledge. The
investigator collects data and results will either support or reject the hypothesis. Experimental
research assist investigator in determining the relationship between two different variables which
is very much important in order to reach conclusion (Dang and Pheng, 2015). The data which
can be gathered by utilizing experimental research method may be related force, growth, density,
pressure, mass etc. In other words scientific method can be utilized for gathering quantitative
data or information.
Scholar can have strict control on variables this is the major advantage of experimental
research. Low realism is the biggest drawback of experimental research.
RESEARCH TRADITIONS
VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
QUANTITATIVE METHODS
CONCLUSION

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Fletcher, A.J., 2017. Applying critical realism in qualitative research: methodology meets
method. International Journal of Social Research Methodology. 20(2). pp.181-194.
Humphries, B., 2017. Re-thinking social research: anti-discriminatory approaches in research
methodology. Routledge.
Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M., 2015. Introduction to qualitative research methods: A
guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.
Choy, L. T., 2014. The strengths and weaknesses of research methodology: Comparison and
complimentary between qualitative and quantitative approaches. IOSR Journal of
Humanities and Social Science. 19(4). pp.99-104.
Dang, G. and Pheng, L. S., 2015. Research methodology. InInfrastructure Investments in
Developing Economies (pp. 135-155). Springer, Singapore.