systematic investigation that requires data to be collected, analyzed, and interpreted of any social or natural phenomena where results and conclusions are aimed at contributing to generalizable knowledge
research
aims to infer theoretical concepts and patterns from observed data
inductive
aims to test concepts and patterns known from theory using new empirical data
deductive
often referred to as inductive research
qualitative
often referred to as deductive research
quantitative
aims to test existing or generate new theories to advance knowledge or understanding
basic
aims to use the acquired knowledge in order to contribute directly to the understanding or resolution of practical issues
applied
information gathered through experience and direct data collection
empirical
roots from introspection, vicarious experiences, and people’s analysis of events
nonempirical
a generalized body of laws and theories that explains a phenomenon acquired using the scientific method
scientific
often conducted in new areas of inquiry where it intends to scope out the magnitude of a particular phenomenon, problem, or behavior, to generate new ideas, and also to test the feasibility of undertaking an extensive study regarding the phenomenon
exploratory
provides explanations of an observed phenomenon by answering the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions
explanotory
acts as the justification and rationale for choosing the type of data collection
methodology
specific set of tools that a researcher uses throughout the study