Types and methodologies of empirical research 1 Quantitative

Types and methodologies of empirical research 1). Quantitative research: Quantitative research methods are used to gather information through numerical data. It is used to quantify opinions, behaviors or other defined variables. These are predetermined and are in a more structured format. • Survey research: Survey research generally involves a large audience to collect a large amount of data. This is a quantitative method having a predetermined set of closed questions which are pretty easy to answer. It is one of the most commonly used method • Experimental research: In experimental research, an experiment is set up and a hypothesis is tested by creating a situation in which one of the variable is manipulated. This is also used to check cause and effect. It is tested to see what happens to the independent variable if the other one is removed or altered. • Correlational research: Correlational research is used to find relation between two set of variables. Regression is generally used to predict outcomes of such a method. It can be positive, negative or neutral correlation.

• Longitudinal study: Longitudinal study is used to understand the traits or behavior of a subject under observation after repeatedly testing the subject over a period of time. Data collected from such a method can be qualitative or quantitative in nature. • Cross sectional: Cross sectional study is an observational type of method, in which a set of audience is observed at a given point in time. This type does not enable the researcher to establish a cause and effect relationship as it is not observed for a continuous time period. It is majorly used by healthcare sector or the retail industry. • Causal-Comparative research: This method is based on comparison. It is mainly used to find out cause-effect relationship between two variables or even multiple variables.

2). Qualitative research: Qualitative research methods are used to gather non numerical data. It is used to find meanings, opinions, or the underlying reasons from its subjects. These methods are unstructured or semi structured. The sample size for such a research is usually small. • Case study: Case study method is used to find more information through carefully analyzing existing cases. It is very often used for business research or to gather empirical evidence for investigation purpose. It is a method to investigate a problem within its real life context through existing cases. • Observational method: Observational methods is a process to observe and gather data from its target. Since it is a qualitative method it is time consuming and very personal. It can be said that observational method is a part of ethnographic research which is also used to gather empirical evidence.

• One-on-one interview: one of the most widely used. The reason being it enables a researcher get precise meaningful data if the right questions are asked. It is a conversational method where indepth data can be gathered depending on where the conversation leads. • Focus groups: Focus groups are used when a researcher wants to find answers to why, what and how questions. A small group is generally chosen for such a method and it is not necessary to interact with the group in person. This is widely used by product companies to collect data about their brands and the product.

Advantages of Empirical research • It is used to authenticate traditional research through various experiments and observations. • This research methodology makes the research being conducted more competent and authentic. • It enables a researcher understand the dynamic changes that can happen and change his strategy accordingly. • The level of control in such a research is high so the researcher can control multiple variables. • It plays a vital role in increasing internal validity

Disadvantages of Empirical research • Such a research needs patience as it can be very time consuming. • The researcher has to collect data from multiple sources and the parameters involved are quite a few, which will lead to a time consuming research. • A researcher will need to conduct research at different locations or in different environments, this can lead to an expensive affair. • There a few rules in which experiments can be performed and hence permissions are needed. Many a times, it is very difficult to get certain permissions to carry out different methods of this research. • Collection of data can be a problem sometimes, as it has to be collected from a variety of sources through different methods