PPT: Methods of Research | Research Aptitude for UGC NET PDF Download

 Page 1


Methods of 
Research
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Methods of 
Research
Classification of Research Methods
S. No. Basis of classification Types
1. Objectives Descriptive, Correlational, 
Exploratory, Experimental
2. Outcome Fundamental, Applied
3. Logic Deductive, Inductive
4. Process Quantitative, Qualitative
5. Inquiry mode Structured, Unstructured
6. Idea or concept Conceptual, Empirical
These classifications are not mutually exclusive4research is typically interdisciplinary in nature. 
Researchers often specialize in particular methods based on their field, as each approach offers 
specific advantages and limitations.
Many studies incorporate multiple approaches to effectively address complex research 
questions.
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Methods of 
Research
Classification of Research Methods
S. No. Basis of classification Types
1. Objectives Descriptive, Correlational, 
Exploratory, Experimental
2. Outcome Fundamental, Applied
3. Logic Deductive, Inductive
4. Process Quantitative, Qualitative
5. Inquiry mode Structured, Unstructured
6. Idea or concept Conceptual, Empirical
These classifications are not mutually exclusive4research is typically interdisciplinary in nature. 
Researchers often specialize in particular methods based on their field, as each approach offers 
specific advantages and limitations.
Many studies incorporate multiple approaches to effectively address complex research 
questions.
Classification on the Basis of Objectives
Descriptive Research
Describes situations, events, 
or institutions as they exist 
at the time of study. 
Answers who, what, where, 
when and how questions.
Exploratory Research
Investigates an area where 
little is known, often serving 
as a preliminary study to 
determine if more extensive 
research is warranted.
Ex-post facto Research
Studies a phenomenon after 
it has occurred, examining 
variables that cannot be 
manipulated by the 
researcher.
Historical Research
Focuses on past events, examining records 
and accounts to understand historical 
developments and their implications.
Analytical Research
Uses existing information to make critical 
evaluations and draw conclusions through 
careful analysis of available data.
Research objectives determine the fundamental approach taken in a study. Each type serves different 
purposes and employs distinct methodologies to achieve its aims.
Page 4


Methods of 
Research
Classification of Research Methods
S. No. Basis of classification Types
1. Objectives Descriptive, Correlational, 
Exploratory, Experimental
2. Outcome Fundamental, Applied
3. Logic Deductive, Inductive
4. Process Quantitative, Qualitative
5. Inquiry mode Structured, Unstructured
6. Idea or concept Conceptual, Empirical
These classifications are not mutually exclusive4research is typically interdisciplinary in nature. 
Researchers often specialize in particular methods based on their field, as each approach offers 
specific advantages and limitations.
Many studies incorporate multiple approaches to effectively address complex research 
questions.
Classification on the Basis of Objectives
Descriptive Research
Describes situations, events, 
or institutions as they exist 
at the time of study. 
Answers who, what, where, 
when and how questions.
Exploratory Research
Investigates an area where 
little is known, often serving 
as a preliminary study to 
determine if more extensive 
research is warranted.
Ex-post facto Research
Studies a phenomenon after 
it has occurred, examining 
variables that cannot be 
manipulated by the 
researcher.
Historical Research
Focuses on past events, examining records 
and accounts to understand historical 
developments and their implications.
Analytical Research
Uses existing information to make critical 
evaluations and draw conclusions through 
careful analysis of available data.
Research objectives determine the fundamental approach taken in a study. Each type serves different 
purposes and employs distinct methodologies to achieve its aims.
Descriptive Research
Descriptive research describes 
situations as they naturally exist 
without manipulation. It answers the 
questions who, what, where, when and 
how, providing a clear picture of 
phenomena through observation and 
data collection.
This quantitative research method 
involves collecting information 
without changing the environment. 
National Sample Surveys and Census 
are excellent examples, revealing 
population statistics, literacy rates, 
and regional differences.
The aim is to describe "what exists" 
regarding variables or conditions in a 
situation. It can also study 
relationships between variables, such 
as examining connections between 
students' residential status and 
academic performance.
Descriptive research can be classified 
into two types based on data 
collection frequency: cross-sectional 
studies (one-time data collection) 
and longitudinal studies (multiple data 
collections from the same individuals 
over time).
Page 5


Methods of 
Research
Classification of Research Methods
S. No. Basis of classification Types
1. Objectives Descriptive, Correlational, 
Exploratory, Experimental
2. Outcome Fundamental, Applied
3. Logic Deductive, Inductive
4. Process Quantitative, Qualitative
5. Inquiry mode Structured, Unstructured
6. Idea or concept Conceptual, Empirical
These classifications are not mutually exclusive4research is typically interdisciplinary in nature. 
Researchers often specialize in particular methods based on their field, as each approach offers 
specific advantages and limitations.
Many studies incorporate multiple approaches to effectively address complex research 
questions.
Classification on the Basis of Objectives
Descriptive Research
Describes situations, events, 
or institutions as they exist 
at the time of study. 
Answers who, what, where, 
when and how questions.
Exploratory Research
Investigates an area where 
little is known, often serving 
as a preliminary study to 
determine if more extensive 
research is warranted.
Ex-post facto Research
Studies a phenomenon after 
it has occurred, examining 
variables that cannot be 
manipulated by the 
researcher.
Historical Research
Focuses on past events, examining records 
and accounts to understand historical 
developments and their implications.
Analytical Research
Uses existing information to make critical 
evaluations and draw conclusions through 
careful analysis of available data.
Research objectives determine the fundamental approach taken in a study. Each type serves different 
purposes and employs distinct methodologies to achieve its aims.
Descriptive Research
Descriptive research describes 
situations as they naturally exist 
without manipulation. It answers the 
questions who, what, where, when and 
how, providing a clear picture of 
phenomena through observation and 
data collection.
This quantitative research method 
involves collecting information 
without changing the environment. 
National Sample Surveys and Census 
are excellent examples, revealing 
population statistics, literacy rates, 
and regional differences.
The aim is to describe "what exists" 
regarding variables or conditions in a 
situation. It can also study 
relationships between variables, such 
as examining connections between 
students' residential status and 
academic performance.
Descriptive research can be classified 
into two types based on data 
collection frequency: cross-sectional 
studies (one-time data collection) 
and longitudinal studies (multiple data 
collections from the same individuals 
over time).
Types of Descriptive 
Research
Survey Studies
Creates 
descriptions of 
existing situations 
to aid analysis, 
diagnose 
problems, and 
facilitate decision-
making. Often 
measures current 
status against 
established 
standards.
Correlational 
Studies
Examines 
relationships 
between variables, 
measuring their 
connection 
strength. Helps 
predict and 
potentially control 
phenomena, 
particularly 
valuable in social 
sciences.
Other Variants
Includes ex post 
facto, historical, 
exploratory, and 
analytical 
approaches, often 
used 
interchangeably 
based on specific 
research context 
and goals.
This framework helps researchers select the most appropriate 
approach for their specific research questions.