Classifying Research Methods in Human Behavior Studies

Types of Studies in Human Behavior Research

To avoid confusion, this text adopts the classification by Dankhe (1986), who divided research into four categories: exploratory, descriptive, correlational, and explanatory. This classification is essential because the research strategy varies depending on the study type. The design, data collection methods, sampling, and other components of the research process differ across these categories. In practice, any study may include elements of more than one of these four types.

• Exploratory studies are used to "prepare the ground" and usually precede the other three types (Dankhe, 1986).
• Descriptive studies often form the basis for correlational research.
• Correlational research provides information to carry out explanatory studies.
• Explanatory studies generate a sense of understanding and are highly structured.

Investigations in a specific field of knowledge may include these types of studies at various stages of development. An investigation can be initiated as exploratory, evolve into descriptive and correlational, and conclude as explanatory.

What are exploratory studies?

Exploratory studies are normally conducted when the objective is to examine an issue or research problem that has been rarely studied or has not been addressed before.

What are descriptive studies?

Descriptive studies seek to specify the important properties of individuals, groups, communities, or other phenomena that are being tested.

What are correlational studies?

These studies are intended to measure the degree of relationship that exists between two or more concepts or variables in a particular context.

What are explanatory studies?

Explanatory studies are designed to address the causes of physical or social events. As the name suggests, the focus is on explaining why a phenomenon occurs, under what conditions it occurs, or why two or more variables are related.

Factors determining research classification

Two factors influence whether an investigation is initiated as exploratory, descriptive, correlational, or explanatory: the state of knowledge in the field of research (revealed by the literature review) and the approach the researcher intends to give the study.

Which of the four study types is best?

All four types of research are equally valid and important.