TYPES OF

RESEARCH
MRS KEMI OLOWOKERE
DEPARTMEN OF NURSING
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY,
ILE-IFE
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Basic Research
Applied Research
BASIC RESEARCH (PURE
RESEARCH)
It is done to obtain empirical data that can be
used to develop, revise or test theory.
It is directed toward the acquisition of new
knowledge for its own sake
Motivated by intellectual curiosity without
reference to the potential practical use of results
Typically done in a laboratory
It is often called “bench research”
Basic studies may lead to numerous practical
applications but these are not the direct goals of
basic scientists.
 APPLIED RESEARCH
It is directed towards solving immediate
practical problems with functional applications
& testing the theories that direct practice.
It is usually carried out under actual practice
conditions on subjects who represent the
group to which the results will be applied.
Most clinical research falls into this category
For example – study on the effect of bed birth
on client satisfaction is a form of applied
research
BASIC & APPLIED RESEARCH
In reality a continuum exists between
the two extremities
For example most clinical research is
often an hybrid, combining elements of
both basic & applied science
 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BASIC &
APPLIED RESEARCH
BASIC APPLIED RESEARCH
RESEARCH
Aims to illuminate aims to solve a problem
the theory by by enriching the field
enriching the basis application of a discipline
of discipline
Studies a problem Often several disciplines
usually from the collaborate or solving the
focus of one problem
discipline
 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BASIC &
APPLIED RESEARCH
BASIC RESEARCH APPLIED
RESEARCH
Works on the Recognize that other
hypothesis that variables are constantly
variables not measured changing
remain constant
Tries to say why things Tries to say how things
happen can be changed
Reports in technical Reports in common
language of discipline language
 Quantitative Research
Involves measurement of outcomes using
numerical data under standardized conditions
The advantage of quantitative approach is the
ability to summarize scales and to subject data
to statistical analysis
Quantitative information may be obtained
using formal instruments which assess
physical or physiological parameters, or by
putting subjective information into an
objective numerical scale
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
This is more concerned with a deep
understanding of a phenomenon through
narrative description which typically is
obtained under less structured conditions
Measurement is based on open ended
questions, interview and observations
Researcher attempts to capture the context of
the data to better understand how phenomena
are experienced by individuals
Purpose of research may be to simply
describe the state of conditions, or it may be
to explore associations, formulate theory or
generate hypotheses.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
Refers to investigations where the
researcher manipulate and controls one
or more variables and observes the
resultant variation in other variables.
laboratory experiments, field
experiments & studies are example of
experimental research
 NON-EXPERIMENTAL
RESEARCH
Refers to investigations that are generally more
descriptive or exploratory in nature and that do not
exhibit direct control over the studied variables.
The is often referred to as observational research –
which means that phenomena are observed rather
than manipulated.
Philosophical, historical, case studies,
methodological , & surveys ( exploratory,
descriptive, explanatory, comprehensive &
evaluative) are all examples of non- experimental
research.
QUASI EXPERIMENTAL
RESEARCH
Quasi experimental research
involves manipulation of one or
more variable but lacks a
comparison group or
randomization.
 References and Other Reading Materials
 Portney, L.G. & Watkins, M. P. (2009). Foundation of Clinical
Research: Applications to Practice (3rd Edition). New Jersey:
Pearson Prentice Hall.
 Polit, D.F. & Beck, C.T. (2008). Nursing Research: Generating
and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice (8th Edition).
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &Wilkins.
 K. Maree (2010). First Steps in Research (6th Edition). Pretoria:
Van Schaik Publishers.
 Blanche, M.T. & Durrheim, K. (2006). Research in Practice:
Applied Methods for the Social Sciences. Cape Town: University
of Cape Town Press.