Types of Research Design and Exploratory Research Chapter

Types of Research Design and Exploratory Research Chapter 5

Research Design • The framework or plan for a study that guides the collection and analysis of the data Purposes --to ensure the study • • Will be relevant to the problem Will use economical procedures SLIDE 5 -1

Relationships Among the Research Designs Descriptive Research Exploratory Research Causal Research SLIDE 5 -2

Exploratory Research • Research design in which the major emphasis is on gaining ideas and insights Uses • • • Formulate a problem for more precise investigation Develop hypotheses Establish priorities for further research Increase the analysts’s familiarity with the problem Clarify concepts SLIDE 5 -3

Types and Some Key Characteristics of Exploratory Studies Literature Search Conceptual literature Trade literature Published statistics Experience Survey Knowledgeable people with varying points of view Unstructured and informal interviews Respondent freedom to choose factors to be discussed Focus Groups Analysis of Selected Cases 8 to 12 people at one time Relatively homogeneous groups Multiple groups to get heterogeneity in perspective Moderator is key Relies on general topical guide, but with plenty of time for interaction Attitude of investigator is key, must be alert to new ideas Integrative powers of investigator are important Cases reflecting abrupt changes, extremes of behavior, and order in which events occur over time are productive Searching for sharp contrasts or striking features SLIDE 5 -4