Every research project starts with a question, but the way that question is answered can look very different from one study to another. That’s why understanding research types in research methodology matters. The type of research one chooses influences everything from the data collected to the conclusions drawn.
Among the fundamental research types, one of the most common distinctions is between basic and applied research types. Basic research aims to expand existing knowledge, often without an immediate practical goal. Applied research, in contrast, is designed to solve real-world problems, making it especially valuable in areas such as healthcare, education, and public policy. Another category is conceptual research methodology, which focuses on developing theories, ideas, or models rather than gathering primary data.
Research can also be classified according to its purpose. Exploratory, descriptive, and causal research represent three different ways of approaching a problem. Exploratory studies help researchers make sense of unfamiliar topics, descriptive studies explain what is happening, and causal studies investigate whether one factor influences another.
The choice of method often depends on the kind of evidence needed. A quantitative research types list typically includes surveys, correlational studies, and experimental research types. While these methods rely on numerical data, qualitative research draws on interviews, observations, and discussions to understand experiences and perspectives that numbers alone cannot capture.
The types of business research methodology frequently combine several of these approaches. Whether the goal is to evaluate a program, understand customer behavior, or support decision-making, selecting the right research type helps produce findings that are both reliable and relevant.
List of recommended resources #
For a broad overview #
Research Methods: The Ultimate Guide for Academic and Professional Success
This article by Mina Zarei examines the three main research methodologies—qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. It outlines the various types within each approach and discusses the factors researchers should consider when choosing the most suitable method for their research objectives.
Types of Research Designs Compared | Guide & Examples
This article by Shona McCombes provides a brief on how research can be classified using different criteria. It explains research types based on factors such as research aims, data, sampling methods, timescale, and setting, while clearly distinguishing the characteristics and purpose of each category.
For in-depth understanding #
Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches
This book by David Creswell and John W. Creswell gives a foundational understanding of the different types of research designs: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. The book discusses each of the research methods in detail.
Understanding Research Methodologies
This article by the Boston Research Journals provides an understanding of the different types of research methodologies, broadly classified into qualitative research, quantitative research, and mixed methods research design. The article also gives some tips on choosing the right methodology for a study.
Case study #
This paper analyses the evolution of agricultural water productivity by reviewing both conceptual and applied research on irrigation practices. Although not a study in causal research, it highlights how the concept has developed over time, examines its practical applications, and identifies its strengths, limitations, and areas for further methodological improvement.
The Rigor of Case-Based Causal Analysis: Busting Myths through a Demonstration
This paper analyses the role of causal research in case-based evaluation designs, challenging the belief that case studies cannot establish causality or support broader conclusions. Using the World Bank’s carbon finance evaluation as a case, this study demonstrates how case-based approaches can effectively explain causal relationships and yield findings with broader relevance.
