5 Complete Types of Research Along with Definitions and Examples

Kapanlagi.com - Have you ever conducted a research? Actually, research has been applied and practiced since we were in school, usually in high school. Research is the process of gathering information with the aim of improving, modifying, or developing an investigation that produces scientific knowledge. The purpose of research is to formulate questions and find answers to the research problem.

Research is a fun thing to do, especially for those of you who have a high curiosity about a problem. There are many ways to conduct research, ranging from various methods and types of research. There are several types of research based on their objectives, such as:

1. Experimental Research

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The first type of research is experimental research. This research is included in quantitative research methods, which are used to determine the influence of independent variables on dependent variables. There are four main factors in experimental research, namely hypothesis, independent variables, dependent variables, and subjects. The hypothesis in this research is the first decision made by the researcher that will be tested.

Based on the hypothesis, independent variables, dependent variables, and subjects that will be used for the research can be determined. This research can be used according to its function, for example, if a researcher will investigate the "Influence of Cooperative Learning Model on the Concept of Students in Economics Subjects".

2. Descriptive Research

The next type of research is descriptive research, which uses research methods with data processes that allow researchers to produce descriptions of the social phenomena being studied. Through descriptive data, researchers are able to identify why, what, and how a social phenomenon occurs. As explained earlier, the main objectives of this research method are to describe, explain, and validate research findings.

Although descriptive research methods allow for the involvement of various variables, only one variable can be used to explain. For example, research on the motivation of selfie behavior on social media like Instagram. This research can design many variables, but only use one variable, which is the motivation of selfie behavior.

3. Correlational Research

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Correlational research is one type of research with a quantitative approach that aims to detect the presence or absence of correlations between variables. This type of research uses statistical analysis to determine the correlation between variables. Correlational research shows that an increase or decrease in one variable is consistent with an increase or decrease in another variable.

Correlational research can demonstrate the presence or absence of correlations, for example, when addressing corruption issues in law enforcement agencies or when someone advocates wearing a mask while riding a motorcycle to reduce exposure to dust.

4. Case Study Research

A case study is a research method or strategy used to explore specific cases. While the concept of experimentation refers more to research strategies, case study research focuses more on research findings. Like qualitative research methods in general, case study data can be obtained from all relevant parties through interviews, observations, participation, or documentation.

Data obtained from interviews may sometimes be incomplete, so other methods such as observation and participation need to be used. To obtain in-depth knowledge, case study data can be obtained not only from the case being studied but also from all parties who are knowledgeable about and familiar with the case. Data and information can be obtained from various sources, but it is necessary to limit them to the case being studied.

To obtain in-depth information about a case, a competent informant is needed. Case study research is commonly used in social science research and educational settings. For example, a case study can be used to study psychological issues such as the development of children raised by single parents, deafness, or the effects on children who have been isolated.

5. Ethnographic Research

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Ethnography is a type of research that is conducted last. Ethnography is a science that studies the culture of a group of people. Ethnographic research originated from anthropological research that seeks to observe culture in a certain place. Anthropology itself is a field of science that understands the perspective of people in a specific scope. Ethnography has sensitivity to the context and background of the research. This strategy is suitable for research that is closely related to the research background (Hammersley and Atkonson 2007).

Thus, this research tends to involve fieldwork for a certain period of time and conduct detailed observations. One limitation of ethnographic research is the often questioned issue of generalization. Research in one location or case is not intended for generalizing findings. Ethnographic research focuses on intrinsic aspects, so generalization is not the main concern. To better understand the type of ethnographic research, several examples can be used. An example that can be used in this ethnographic research is to explore the life within a tribe. The life of tribes in Indonesia varies from Sabang to Merauke.

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