What are the kinds and classifications of research?

Answer 1

There are many kinds of research depending on what is being sought. The classifications are scientific where data is collected and analyzed, and interpretive which has less to do with numbers and more to do with feelings and ideas.

Answer 2

Qualitative research - Qualitative research allows you to explore perceptions, attitudes and motivations and to understand how they are formed. It provides depth of information which can be used in its own right or to determine what attributes will subsequently be measured in quantitative studies. Verbatim quotes are used in reports to illustrate points and this brings the subject to life for the reader. However, it relies heavily on the skills of the moderator, is inevitably subjective and samples are small. Techniques include group discussions/workshop sessions, paired interviews, individual in-depth interviews and mystery shopping (where the researcher plays the role of a potential student, etc in order to replicate the overall experience).

Quantitative research - Quantitative research is descriptive and provides hard data on the numbers of people exhibiting certain behaviours, attitudes, etc. It provides information in breadth and allows you to sample large numbers of the population.