Question

List and explain fully the 5 methods of conducting exploratory research. (Min. 150 words)

Answer 1

Methods used to conduct exploratory research are as follows :

a. Interviews : This is an primary research method used to conduct the research, used to get an in-depth information by interviewing a person who is subject matter expert. As other methods such as surveys or observation can be sometimes misleading hence this method is used. Interviews can be conducted over a telephone or in person by asking open ended questions.

b. Focus groups : A group of people who has the similar interest, experience and background are chosen to express their insight thoughts about the particular topic, through which researcher can be able to get more knowledge and opinions of others on the topic that is being studied.

c. Observation : This method can be qualitative or quantitative observation in nature as research is carried out by observing the subject with no direct contact. It is used to study the reaction, behavior of the people for a certain topic. The data is bee collected through observation and accordingly findings are drawn.

d. Literature research : In this method researcher collects the data from books, databases, online sources, newspaper, articles etc and known as the most inexpensive method as wide range of previous data is available on that topic. The previous results or statistics are mainly considered to conduct the research.

e. Online research : The information or data is gather through internet and is known as the fastest way used to gather information and conduct the research. Even though before shortlisting the data it is important for researcher to check the authenticity of the source from where the data is been collected.