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Methodology

6 years ago in Research Methodology By Mansi Singhal

Research Methodology

Hey all, I have just now begun with my PhD, and now, I need to decide the research methodology for my study. I understand that this stage is highly important for my paper.
So nowadays, I am continuously reading about different methodologies which I can use, and I noted down some of them which are appropriate for my study such as descriptive, explanatory and exploratory and I am finding it difficult to differentiate between them. It seems as if they are overlapping each other. I want to know the difference between them.

All Answers (3 Answers In All)

By Aanchal S Answered 6 years ago

As the name suggests, a descriptive design is a research where you describe a phenomenon. The other two are, however, a little confusing. In explanatory, you start with quantitative research and then explain your results with qualitative research. Exploratory is opposite, where you begin with qualitative research and end with a quantitative explanation.

By Ritu Gupta Answered 6 years ago

Yes, I agree, explanatory is qualitative and exploratory is quantitative. Descriptive, on the other hand, is qualitative but with a structured and pre-planned design. If you have selected your research method, then I think it would be easy for you to determine your research strategy.

By Raiman S Answered 6 years ago

In an exploratory approach, usually, no patterned methods are used. The focus of this method is on investigating distinct information. In a descriptive approach, standardized method is used. It is mostly used following an exploratory procedure. Explanatory research is conducted to recognize the scope and nature of a cause-and-effect relationship. Explanatory research can be done to assess the impacts of specific changes in existing norms, various processes, etc.