Research Methods:

  Applied research:

Aims to solve a problem by adding to the field of application of a discipline

§   Often several disciplines work together for solving the problem

§   Often researches individual cases without the aim to generalise

§   Aims to say how things can be changed

§   Acknowledges that other variables are constant by changing

§ Reports are compiled in a common language

Types of Research Methods according to

methods of data collection
Types of research methods according to methods of data collection can be broadly divided into
two – quantitative and qualitative categories.

Types of Research Methods according to the type of data

According to type of data, types of research methods can be divided into two groups – primary
research and secondary research. Primary research involves the collection of primary data, i.e.
the data which is new, through primary data collection methods such as surveys, interviews,
observation etc.

Secondary research, also called desk-based research, is based solely on the secondary data i.e.
previously conducted studies. Data sources in secondary researches are books, magazines,
industry journals etc. In this type of studies the researcher does not engage in primary data
collection.

It is important to note that primary research also involves secondary research, but opposite is not
true. Specifically, all primary studies involve collection and analysis of secondary data during
literature review stage of the research process. Secondary research, on the other hand, is limited
with the collection and analysis of secondary data.