There are three main types based on the purpose of research: exploratory, descriptive , or explanatory (causal). Other types may however apply, e.g., evaluative research. Determining the purpose of your research is very important as it helps you clearly define your research goals.

Exploratory Research

The term is quite self-explanatory, where this type of research aims to investigate or explore poorly, or new, understood phenomena. This type is used when there is little prior information or theory available on the topic being explored. It is thus very flexible and open-ended, which is necessary as it allows researchers to identify patterns, and relationships, for further study.

Characteristics:

• Purpose: It aims to explore, and/or generate, ideas/hypotheses.
• Approach: It is mainly unstructured. It is also often qualitative.
• Methods: Literature reviews, interviews, focus groups, pilot studies. (More on this later)
• Outcome: Provides insights for future research, yet it is not necessary that exploratory research would provide conclusive answers.

Examples:

• Understanding what causes high crime rates in big cities.
• Factors that influence students’ academic performance.

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research, as the term suggests, aims to “systematically describe” a phenomenon, population, or situation. Its main focus is to answer the "what," "when," "where," and "how" questions but does not investigate the "why."

Characteristics:

• Purpose: It describes characteristics, or functions, of a subject.
• Approach: It’s mainly structured; it can use qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. (More on this later)
• Methods: This type may include any of the following: surveys, case studies, observational research, and longitudinal studies.