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Within science, scientific research is the set of actions taken when the objective is to find the solution to a problem. These actions are based on operational and systematic procedures. That's why it's so common for you to hear your professors saying that all research starts with a problem . Precisely because you need to find a solution for it. But this solution cannot be based on guesswork. It has to be, according to what we talk about scientific knowledge and science… tested and proven! Therefore, ways of analyzing scientific research have emerged. You can analyze it in three ways: regarding the nature (or focus) of the research, the approach to the problem (or methodology) and the objectives. How to theoretically classify your scientific research? We can make both a theoretical and practical classification of scientific research. With regard to the theoretical part, scientific research can be classified into: 1) Regarding nature The nature of the research concerns the purpose, the contribution it will bring to science. Regarding nature, research can be classified as basic or applied.
Basic search Basic research – also known as fundamental – is that which aims to generate knowledge for science without this having a foreseen practical application. In other words, the purpose of basic research is not immediate. Generally, basic research involves universal truths and values. Applied research Applied research aims to generate knowledge of practical application for specific problems. It involves local truths and interests. 2) Regarding objectives Here you will classify, for example, the degree of familiarity you already have with the topic and how much you will delve into it. It can be DM Databases exploratory, descriptive or explanatory. Exploratory research In scientific study, exploratory research is that which is in its preliminary phase and aims to gain greater familiarity with the problem. It is developed when there is not yet much data and information available on a topic, but it is clear that it could be the target of future research. Exploratory research is usually associated with bibliographical research and case studies, which is where the researcher collects data on specific individuals or communities.
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Because it is at such an early stage and there is not much information available on the subject, exploratory research tends to require greater effort from the researcher. Descriptive search Descriptive research, according to Gil (2008), is one that describes a phenomenon or object of study (population, company, government, problem situation) and establishes relationships between its variables. In other words, it surveys and records the characteristics of a given phenomenon, such as: the distribution by sex and age of a certain group or even electoral surveys and the political-partisan preferences of the population. In explanatory research, standardized data collection instruments are often used, such as questionnaires and systematic observation. Explanatory research Explanatory research, in turn, requires a greater degree of complexity. Therefore, it is common to see it in master's dissertations and doctoral theses. Still according to Gil (2008), their central concern is to identify the factors that determine or contribute to the occurrence of phenomena. It is the type of research that deepens the knowledge of reality, because it explains the reason, the why behind things.
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