a.) What are the different research methods?

📌There are various methods in conducting research. These methods are descriptive research,
correlational research, explanatory research and exploratory research that are based on purpose of the
research while qualitative research and quantitative research are based on types of data needed.

b.) Differentiate the research methods.

📌BASED ON THE PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

📝Descriptive Research

A research method that describes the characteristics of the population or phenomenon studied. This
methodology focuses more on the "what" of the research subject than the "why" of the research
subject. In other words, it "describes" the subject of the research, without covering "why" it happens. It
attempts to collect quantifiable information for statistical analysis of the population sample, and allows
researchers to collect and describe the demographic segment's nature; this making it as an example also
of a quantitative research. This method is generally a cross-sectional study where different sections
belonging to the same group are studied. Researchers further research the data collected and analyzed
from descriptive research using different research techniques. The data can also help point towards the
types of research methods used fro the subsequent research.

📝Correlational Research

Correlational research is conducted to understand the relationship between two entities and what
impact each one of them has on the other. Using mathematical analysis methods, correlational research
enables the researcher to correlate two or more variables. Such research can help understand patterns,
relationships, trends, etc. Manipulation of one variable is possible to get the desired results as well.
Generally, a conclusion cannot be drawn only on the basis of correlational research.

📝Explanatory Research

It elaborates or explains not just the review behind the relationships of two factors but it shows ways by
which such relationship exists.

📝Exploratory Research

Its purpose is to find out how reasonable a certain topic. It is process of investigating a problem that has
not been study or thoroughly investigated in the past. It is conducted to have a better understanding of
the existing problem. This research is an expensive, highly interactive and open-ended in nature. Also
referred to as interpretive research or grounded theory approach, the outcomes of this research pro
tovide answers to questions like what, how and why. Exploratory research mostly deals with qualitative
data.
📝Action Research

Studies and ongoing practice of a school, organization, community or institution for the purpose of
obtaining results that will bring impairments on the system.

📌BASED ON THE TYPE OF DATA NEEDED

📝Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is a method that has a high importance in business research. Qualitative research
involves obtaining data through open-ended conversational means of communication. Such research
enables the researcher to not only understand what the audience thinks but also why he thinks it. In
such research, in-depth information can be gathered from the subjects depending on their responses.
There are various types of qualitative research methods such as interviews, focus groups, ethnographic
research, content analysis, case study research that are widely used. Such methods are of very high
importance in business research as it enables the researcher to understand the consumer. It requires
non-numerical data, which means that the research uses words rather than numbers to express the
results inquiry or investigation about people's thoughts, beliefs feelings, views and lifestyles regarding
the object of the study.

📝Quantitative Research

Quantitative research methods are research methods that deal with numbers. It is a systematic
empirical investigation using statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. Such methods
usually start with data collection and then proceed to statistical analysis using various methods.

(Reference: Practical Research, Grade 11)