A researcher conducted a study to have initial idea of scope and magnitude of the problem under study and to test the feasibility of more extensive research. Such a study is called:
Exploratory study
A researcher conducting a study to get an initial idea of the scope and magnitude of a problem, and to test the feasibility of doing more extensive research later, is undertaking a specific type of research study. Let's analyze the options provided in the context of different research study purposes.
Understanding Exploratory Research: Scope and Feasibility
The question describes a study focused on gaining preliminary understanding and checking if a larger study is practical. This points towards a study that explores an area where little is known, or where the researcher needs to define the problem more clearly.
What is an Exploratory Study in Research?
An exploratory study is conducted when a researcher is just starting to investigate a problem or a new area. Its main goals are to:
- Gain a better understanding of the problem.
- Identify key issues and variables.
- Develop hypotheses for future testing.
- Assess the feasibility of conducting more detailed research.
- Determine the scope and magnitude of the topic.
These characteristics align perfectly with the description given in the question: obtaining an initial idea of scope and magnitude, and testing feasibility.
Comparing Different Types of Research Studies
Let's briefly look at the other options:
- Explanatory Study: This type of study aims to explain the relationship between variables, often trying to determine cause and effect. It usually requires a clearer understanding of the problem than described in the question.
- Confirmatory Study: A confirmatory study is designed to test specific hypotheses that have already been developed, usually based on existing theory or previous exploratory/descriptive research. This is the opposite of getting an "initial idea."
- Descriptive Study: This study aims to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. While it describes scope, its primary purpose is not typically to test the feasibility of future research or just get an "initial idea"; it seeks to provide a detailed picture.
Why Exploratory Study Fits the Description
Based on the objectives mentioned in the question – gaining an initial idea of scope and magnitude and testing feasibility for more extensive research – the study clearly serves an exploratory purpose. It's about preliminary investigation rather than testing theories (explanatory, confirmatory) or providing a detailed description (descriptive) when the understanding is already sufficient to frame specific descriptive questions.
Therefore, a study conducted to have an initial idea of the scope and magnitude of a problem and to test the feasibility of more extensive research is called an exploratory study.
Revision Table: Research Study Types Overview
| Study Type | Primary Goal | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory | Gain initial understanding, define problem, test feasibility, identify scope/magnitude | When little is known about a topic |
| Descriptive | Describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon | To answer questions like 'who, what, where, when, how many' |
| Explanatory | Explain relationships, determine cause and effect | To answer 'why' questions, test theories |
| Confirmatory | Test specific hypotheses | Based on existing knowledge or prior research |
Additional Information on Research Design Choices
Choosing the right type of research study is a critical part of the research design process. The type of study depends heavily on the research question and the current state of knowledge about the problem. Exploratory research is often the first step in a larger research process, paving the way for descriptive or explanatory studies. Feasibility testing during the exploratory phase helps researchers avoid wasting resources on studies that are not practical to conduct or are unlikely to yield meaningful results. Understanding the purpose and characteristics of each study type is essential for designing effective research.
Important Questions from Types of Research - Teaching
Match List I with List II :
List I
Methods of research
List II
Features emphasized
(A)
Experimental
(I)
Primary and secondary sources tapped with emphasis on internal criticism
(B)
ExPost Facto
(II)
Status of facts and conditions are ascertained
(C)
Descriptive
(III)
A variable is manipulated to see its effect on other variable
(D)
Historical
(IV)
The differences are noted and facts causal or otherwise are determined
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Match List I with List II
List I
List II
Research Types
Goal of Research
(A) Fundamental Research
(I) Appraising impact of interventions
(B) Applied Research
(II) Amelioration of a given situation
(C) Action of Research
(III) Exploring applicability of already established principles
(D) Evaluative Research
(IV) Advancing the corpus of knowledge in a field
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Match List I with List II
List I
List II
A.
Ex post facto Research
I.
Finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organisation
B.
Applied Research
II.
Related to some abstract idea(s) or theory
C.
Conceptual Research
III.
Development of hypotheses rather than their testing
D.
Exploratory Research
IV.
No control over variables, reports only what has happened or what is happening
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Hypothesis testing which results into either affirmation or disaffirmation is the explicit concern in which methods of research?
(A) Descriptive method
(B) Experimental method
(C) Ex Post Facto method
(D) Historical method
(E) Exegetical method
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
When the independent variable is explored rather than manipulated, to observe the effect on dependent variable, the method of research is called.
