Here is an overview of each type of business research, its characteristics, and an example:

Quantitative

1. Descriptive Research: This type of research is used to describe a phenomenon or a

situation. It is used to collect data that helps to describe the current state of a
particular topic or issue. Descriptive research is used to identify trends, patterns, and
relationships. Characteristics of descriptive research include the use of surveys,
questionnaires, and interviews to collect data. It involves statistical analysis of data and
the use of charts, tables, and graphs to present findings.

Example: A restaurant wants to know the preferences of its customers, so it

conducts a survey to find out what they like to eat and what they don't like.

2. Correlational Research: This type of research is used to determine if there is a

relationship between two or more variables. It is used to investigate the relationship
between variables without manipulating them. Correlational research is used to
determine the strength and direction of the relationship between variables.
Characteristics of correlational research include the use of surveys, questionnaires, and
interviews to collect data. It involves statistical analysis of data and the use of charts,
tables, and graphs to present findings.

Example: A company wants to know if there is a relationship between

employee satisfaction and employee turnover, so it conducts a survey to gather data
on both variables.

3. Quasi-experimental Research: This type of research is used to compare groups that

have not been randomly assigned. It is used to investigate the cause-and-effect
relationship between variables. Quasi-experimental research is used when it is not
possible to conduct a true experiment. Characteristics of quasi-experimental research
include the use of pre-test and post-test measures to collect data. It involves statistical
analysis of data and the use of charts, tables, and graphs to present findings.

Example: A company wants to know if a new training program improves

employee performance, so it assigns employees to a training program and measures
their performance before and after the training.

4. Experimental Research: This type of research is used to investigate cause-and-effect

relationships between variables. It involves manipulating one or more variables to
observe the effect on the dependent variable. Experimental research is used to
 determine the effectiveness of a treatment or intervention. Characteristics of
experimental research include the use of random assignment of participants to groups,
manipulation of independent variables, and measurement of dependent variables. It
involves statistical analysis of data and the use of charts, tables, and graphs to present
findings.

Example: A pharmaceutical company wants to test the effectiveness of a new

drug, so it conducts a randomized controlled trial, where one group is given the new
drug and the other is given a placebo.

Qualitative

1. Phenomenological Research: This type of research is used to explore the subjective

experiences of individuals related to a particular phenomenon. It is used to understand
how people perceive, interpret, and make meaning of their experiences.
Characteristics of phenomenological research include the use of open-ended
interviews to collect data. It involves analyzing data to identify themes and patterns.

Example: A company wants to understand the experience of its employees

working remotely during the pandemic, so it conducts interviews with employees to
explore their perceptions and experiences.

2. Ethnographic Research: This type of research is used to understand the culture and
behavior of a particular group or community. It is used to explore the beliefs, values,
and social practices of a group of people. Characteristics of ethnographic research
include the use of observation, interviews, and document analysis to collect data. It
involves analyzing data to identify patterns and themes that are unique to the culture
being studied.

Example: A company wants to understand the consumer behavior of a

particular demographic, so it conducts an ethnographic study that involves observing
and interviewing members of that demographic.

3. Case Study Research: This type of research is used to examine a particular case or
instance in-depth. It is used to explore a phenomenon in its real-life context.
Characteristics of case study research include the use of multiple sources of data, such
as interviews, observation, and documents, to collect data. It involves analyzing data
to identify patterns and themes that are unique to the case being studied.
 Example: A company wants to understand the factors that contribute to the
success of a particular business, so it conducts a case study of a successful business in
the same industry.

4. Historical Research: This type of research is used to examine past events and their
relationship to the present. It is used to understand the evolution of a particular
phenomenon over time. Characteristics of historical research include the use of
primary and secondary sources of data, such as documents and archives, to collect
data. It involves analyzing data to identify patterns and themes that are relevant to the
present.

Example: A company wants to understand the evolution of its industry, so it

conducts a historical study of the industry, looking at how it has changed over time.

5. Narrative Research: This type of research is used to explore the stories and
experiences of individuals related to a particular phenomenon. It is used to understand
how people make sense of their experiences and construct meaning. Characteristics of
narrative research include the use of storytelling and interviews to collect data. It
involves analyzing data to identify patterns and themes that emerge from the stories
told.

Example: A company wants to understand the experiences of its customers,

so it conducts a narrative study that involves collecting stories from customers about
their interactions with the company.

6. Grounded Theory Research: This type of research is used to develop a theory based on
the data collected. It is used to explore a particular phenomenon in-depth and to
develop a theoretical framework that explains the phenomenon. Characteristics of
grounded theory research include the use of multiple sources of data, such as
interviews and observation, to collect data. It involves analyzing data to develop a
theory that is grounded in the data collected.

Example: A company wants to understand the factors that contribute to the

success of its products, so it conducts a grounded theory study that involves collecting
data from customers, employees, and industry experts to develop a theory about what
makes a product successful.