Discuss the Exploratory, Descriptive and Explanatory Purposes for Doing Research

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Exploratory research is conducted to explore a new area or topic where little information is available. It aims to gain a better understanding of the topic and identify potential research questions. Descriptive research, on the other hand, is used to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. It provides a detailed picture of the subject under study. Explanatory research seeks to explain the relationships between different variables and understand the reasons behind certain phenomena.

An example of exploratory research could be a study on the effects of social media on mental health among teenagers. Researchers may conduct interviews and surveys to explore the different ways in which social media usage impacts the mental well-being of adolescents.

For descriptive research, a study on the demographics of smartphone users in a specific region could be conducted. This study would aim to describe the age, gender, income level, and usage patterns of smartphone users in the area.

An example of explanatory research could be a study on the relationship between exercise and stress levels. Researchers may conduct a longitudinal study to understand how different levels of physical activity impact stress levels over time.

In each of these examples, the research serves a specific purpose - to explore a new topic, to describe a particular phenomenon, or to explain the relationships between variables. These purposes help guide the research process and determine the methods and analyses used.

Discuss the Exploratory, Descriptive and Explanatory Purposes for Doing Research

Definitions: