15 kinds of Research Methodologies for PhD Pupils - Phdassistance.com
                     15 kinds of research methodologies 
for Ph.D. pupils
Dissertation Methodology Help  | Phd Thesis Methodology | Phd Thesis Methods
1.Basic Research
Pure research or fundamental research or 
basic research zooms on enhancing 
scientific knowledge for the exhaustive 
understanding of a topic or certain natural 
phenomena, essentially in natural sciences; 
knowledge that is obtained for the purpose 
of knowledge it is called fundamental 
research.
1.Applied research
Research that covers real life applications 
of the natural sciences; aimed at offering 
an answer to particular practical issues 
and develops novel technologies.

2. Fixed research versus flexible research
In fixed research, the design of the study 
is fixed prior to the main phase of data 
gathering; moreover, fixed designs are 
essentially theoretical. Variables that 
need to be controlled and measured need 
to be known in advance and they are 
measured quantitatively.
2. Fixed research versus flexible research
Flexible research as the name denotes 
involves freedom during the data 
gathering phases; variables are not 
quantitatively measurable, such as 
culture.
3. Quantitative research and qualitative 
research
Quantitative research denotes gauging 
phenomena in various grades; on the 
other hand, qualitative research 
sometimes deems Boolean 
measurements alone; solution can be 
studied qualitatively for its 
appropriateness. However, comparison 
between candidate solutions requires 
quantitative observation.
4. Experimental research and non-
experimental research
In an experimental design, operationalize 
the variables to be measured; moreover, 
operationalize in the best manner. 
Consider the study expectations, outcome 
measurement, variable measurement, and 
the methods to answer research 
questions.  
4. Experimental research and non-
experimental research
Think of the practical limitations such as 
the availability of data-sets and 
experimental set-ups that represent 
actual scenarios.
5. Exploratory research and 
confirmatory research
Confirmatory research tests a priori 
hypotheses—outcome predictions done 
prior to the measurement stage. Such a 
priori hypotheses are usually derived 
from a theory or the results of previous 
studies.
5. Exploratory research and 
confirmatory research
Exploratory research generates a 
posteriori hypotheses by investigating a 
data-set and ascertaining potential 
connection between variables.
6. Explanatory research or casual 
research
Causal research is also called
 explanatory      research; conducted to 
ascertain the extent and type of cause-
effect relationships. Causal research are 
conducted to evaluate effects of specific 
changes on existing norms, various 
processes etc.
7. Descriptive research
Descriptive research is the available 
statement of affairs; researcher has no 
control over variable. Descriptive 
studies are characterised as simply an 
effort to ascertain, define or recognize.  
Not “why it is that way” nor “how it 
came to be,” which is the objective of 
analytical research.
8. Historical research
Historical research explores and 
explains the meanings, phases and 
traits of a phenomena or process at a 
certain phase of time in the past; 
historical research is a research 
strategy from the research of history. 
9. Casual comparative 
research
Also called as “ex-post facto” 
research (In Latin, implies 
“after the fact”); researchers 
determine the causes or 
consequences of differences 
that already exist between or 
among groups of individuals. 
9. Casual comparative research
An effort to ascertain a causative 
relationship between an independent 
variable and a dependent variable; 
relationship between the independent 
variable and dependent variable are 
usually a suggested relationship (not 
proved yet) because you do not have 
complete control over the independent 
variable.
10. Correlational research
Correlational research is a form of non-
experimental research technique wherein 
a researcher measures 2 variables and 
assesses the statistical connection 
between them with no influence from any 
external variable. 
10. Correlational research
The correlation between two variables is 
given through correlation coefficient, 
which is a statistical measure that 
calculates the strength of the relationship 
between two variables that is a value 
measured between -1 and +1. 
11. Evaluation research method
Evaluation research technique is known 
as program evaluation and refers to a 
research purpose instead of a particular 
technique; objective is to assess the 
effect of social involvements such as new 
treatment techniques, innovations in 
services, etc.  
11. Evaluation research method
A form of applied research to have some 
real-world effect. Methods such as 
surveys and experiments are used in 
evaluation research.
12. Formative and summative evaluation
While learning is in progress, 
formative assessment offers feedback 
and information; measures participant’s 
progress and also assess researcher’s 
own progress as well. 
12. Formative and summative evaluation
For example, when implementing a new 
program, you can determine whether or 
not the activity should be used again (or 
modified) with the help of observation 
and/or surveying.
12. Formative and summative evaluation
Summative assessment happens after the 
learning has ended and offers info and 
feedback to sum up the process; 
essentially, no formal learning is 
happening at this phase other than 
incidental learning which might take place 
through the completion of program.
13. Diagnostic research
Descriptive research studies define the 
characteristics of a particular individual, 
or of a group. 
Studies showing whether certain 
variables are linked are examples of 
diagnostic research. 
13. Diagnostic research
Researcher defines what he or she wants 
to measure and finds adequate methods 
for measuring it along with a clear 
description of ‘population’. 
Aim is to obtain complete and accurate 
information. And the researcher plans the 
procedure carefully.
14. Prognostic research
Prognostic research (specifically in clinical 
research) examines chosen predictive 
variables and risk factors; prognostic 
research assesses influence on the 
outcome of a disease. Clinicians have a 
better understanding of the history of the 
ailment. 
14. Prognostic research
This understanding facilitates clinical 
decision-making via providing apt 
treatment alternatives and helps to 
predict accurate disease outcomes. 
Assessing prognostic studies involves 
ascertaining the internal validity of the 
study design and assessing the effects of 
bias or systemic errors.
15. Action research
A systematic inquiry for improving and/or 
honing researchers’ actions. Researchers 
find it an empowering experience.
Action research has positive result for 
various reasons; most important is that 
action research is pertinent to the 
research participants. 
15. Action research
Relevance is assured because the aim of 
each research project is ascertained by 
the researchers, who are also the main 
beneficiaries of the research 
observations.
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