difference research or study

Research vs. Study

What's the difference.

Research and study are two essential components of the learning process, but they differ in their approach and purpose. Research involves a systematic investigation of a particular topic or issue, aiming to discover new knowledge or validate existing theories. It often involves collecting and analyzing data, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions. On the other hand, study refers to the process of acquiring knowledge or understanding through reading, memorizing, and reviewing information. It is typically focused on a specific subject or discipline and aims to deepen one's understanding or mastery of that subject. While research is more exploratory and investigative, study is more focused on acquiring and retaining information. Both research and study are crucial for intellectual growth and expanding our knowledge base.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Research and study are two fundamental activities that play a crucial role in acquiring knowledge and understanding. While they share similarities, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of research and study, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Definition and Purpose

Research is a systematic investigation aimed at discovering new knowledge, expanding existing knowledge, or solving specific problems. It involves gathering and analyzing data, formulating hypotheses, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Research is often conducted in a structured and scientific manner, employing various methodologies and techniques.

On the other hand, study refers to the process of acquiring knowledge through reading, memorizing, and understanding information. It involves examining and learning from existing materials, such as textbooks, articles, or lectures. The purpose of study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of a particular subject or topic.

Approach and Methodology

Research typically follows a systematic approach, involving the formulation of research questions or hypotheses, designing experiments or surveys, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. It often requires a rigorous methodology, including literature review, data collection, statistical analysis, and peer review. Research can be qualitative or quantitative, depending on the nature of the investigation.

Study, on the other hand, does not necessarily follow a specific methodology. It can be more flexible and personalized, allowing individuals to choose their own approach to learning. Study often involves reading and analyzing existing materials, taking notes, summarizing information, and engaging in discussions or self-reflection. While study can be structured, it is generally less formalized compared to research.

Scope and Depth

Research tends to have a broader scope and aims to contribute to the overall body of knowledge in a particular field. It often involves exploring new areas, pushing boundaries, and generating original insights. Research can be interdisciplinary, involving multiple disciplines and perspectives. The depth of research is often extensive, requiring in-depth analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize complex information.

Study, on the other hand, is usually more focused and specific. It aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of a particular subject or topic within an existing body of knowledge. Study can be deep and detailed, but it is often limited to the available resources and materials. While study may not contribute directly to the advancement of knowledge, it plays a crucial role in building a solid foundation of understanding.

Application and Output

Research is often driven by the desire to solve real-world problems or contribute to practical applications. The output of research can take various forms, including scientific papers, patents, policy recommendations, or technological advancements. Research findings are typically shared with the academic community and the public, aiming to advance knowledge and improve society.

Study, on the other hand, focuses more on personal development and learning. The application of study is often seen in academic settings, where individuals acquire knowledge to excel in their studies or careers. The output of study is usually reflected in improved understanding, enhanced critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply knowledge in practical situations.

Limitations and Challenges

Research faces several challenges, including limited resources, time constraints, ethical considerations, and the potential for bias. Conducting research requires careful planning, data collection, and analysis, which can be time-consuming and costly. Researchers must also navigate ethical guidelines and ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.

Study, on the other hand, may face challenges such as information overload, lack of motivation, or difficulty in finding reliable sources. It requires self-discipline, time management, and the ability to filter and prioritize information. Without proper guidance or structure, study can sometimes lead to superficial understanding or misconceptions.

In conclusion, research and study are both essential activities in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. While research focuses on generating new knowledge and solving problems through a systematic approach, study aims to acquire and comprehend existing information. Research tends to be more formalized, rigorous, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge, while study is often more flexible, personalized, and focused on individual learning. Both research and study have their unique attributes and challenges, but together they form the foundation for intellectual growth and development.

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What is the difference between study and research?

Research is a synonym of study ., as verbs the difference between study and research, as nouns the difference between study and research, coordinate terms, derived terms, related terms.

Study vs. Research — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Study and Research

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Research vs. study

The confusion about these words is that they can both be either nouns or verbs. If you ask someone, "Does 'studies' mean the same as 'researches'?" you may hear "Yes," but it is only true if they are used as verbs. As nouns, they have subtly different meanings.

"This team has done a lot of good research. I just read their latest study, which they wrote about calcium in germinating soybeans. It described several interesting experiments."

research 1. to perform a systematic investigation

1. "What kind of scientist is he? He's a botanist. He researches plants."

study 1. to perform a systematic investigation; 2. to actively learn or memorize academic material

1. "What kind of scientist is he? He's a botanist. He studies plants."

2. "Mindy studies every day. That is why she gets such excellent grades. She wants to go to college to study math."

Some authors say "research" when they mean "study." "Research," as a verb, means "to perform a study or studies," but "research" as a noun refers to the sum of many studies. "Chemical research" means the sum of all chemical studies. If you find yourself writing "a research" or "in this research," change it to "a study" or "in this study."

research The act of performing research. Also, the results of research. Note that "research" is a mass noun. It is already plural in meaning but grammatically singular. If you want to indicate more than one type, say "bodies of research" or "pieces of research," not "researches."

"Dr. Lee was a prolific scientist. She performed a great deal of research over her long career."

study A single research project or paper.

"Dr. Lee was a prolific scientist. She performed a great many studies over her long career."

The noun "study" refers to a single paper or project. You can replace "paper" with "study" in almost all cases (but not always the other way around), to the point where you can say "I wrote a study." The noun "research" means more like a whole body of research including many individual studies: The research of a field. The lifetime achievements of a scientist or research team.

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Study designs: Part 1 – An overview and classification

Priya ranganathan.

Department of Anaesthesiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Rakesh Aggarwal

1 Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

There are several types of research study designs, each with its inherent strengths and flaws. The study design used to answer a particular research question depends on the nature of the question and the availability of resources. In this article, which is the first part of a series on “study designs,” we provide an overview of research study designs and their classification. The subsequent articles will focus on individual designs.

INTRODUCTION

Research study design is a framework, or the set of methods and procedures used to collect and analyze data on variables specified in a particular research problem.

Research study designs are of many types, each with its advantages and limitations. The type of study design used to answer a particular research question is determined by the nature of question, the goal of research, and the availability of resources. Since the design of a study can affect the validity of its results, it is important to understand the different types of study designs and their strengths and limitations.

There are some terms that are used frequently while classifying study designs which are described in the following sections.

A variable represents a measurable attribute that varies across study units, for example, individual participants in a study, or at times even when measured in an individual person over time. Some examples of variables include age, sex, weight, height, health status, alive/dead, diseased/healthy, annual income, smoking yes/no, and treated/untreated.

Exposure (or intervention) and outcome variables

A large proportion of research studies assess the relationship between two variables. Here, the question is whether one variable is associated with or responsible for change in the value of the other variable. Exposure (or intervention) refers to the risk factor whose effect is being studied. It is also referred to as the independent or the predictor variable. The outcome (or predicted or dependent) variable develops as a consequence of the exposure (or intervention). Typically, the term “exposure” is used when the “causative” variable is naturally determined (as in observational studies – examples include age, sex, smoking, and educational status), and the term “intervention” is preferred where the researcher assigns some or all participants to receive a particular treatment for the purpose of the study (experimental studies – e.g., administration of a drug). If a drug had been started in some individuals but not in the others, before the study started, this counts as exposure, and not as intervention – since the drug was not started specifically for the study.

Observational versus interventional (or experimental) studies

Observational studies are those where the researcher is documenting a naturally occurring relationship between the exposure and the outcome that he/she is studying. The researcher does not do any active intervention in any individual, and the exposure has already been decided naturally or by some other factor. For example, looking at the incidence of lung cancer in smokers versus nonsmokers, or comparing the antenatal dietary habits of mothers with normal and low-birth babies. In these studies, the investigator did not play any role in determining the smoking or dietary habit in individuals.

For an exposure to determine the outcome, it must precede the latter. Any variable that occurs simultaneously with or following the outcome cannot be causative, and hence is not considered as an “exposure.”

Observational studies can be either descriptive (nonanalytical) or analytical (inferential) – this is discussed later in this article.

Interventional studies are experiments where the researcher actively performs an intervention in some or all members of a group of participants. This intervention could take many forms – for example, administration of a drug or vaccine, performance of a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure, and introduction of an educational tool. For example, a study could randomly assign persons to receive aspirin or placebo for a specific duration and assess the effect on the risk of developing cerebrovascular events.

Descriptive versus analytical studies

Descriptive (or nonanalytical) studies, as the name suggests, merely try to describe the data on one or more characteristics of a group of individuals. These do not try to answer questions or establish relationships between variables. Examples of descriptive studies include case reports, case series, and cross-sectional surveys (please note that cross-sectional surveys may be analytical studies as well – this will be discussed in the next article in this series). Examples of descriptive studies include a survey of dietary habits among pregnant women or a case series of patients with an unusual reaction to a drug.

Analytical studies attempt to test a hypothesis and establish causal relationships between variables. In these studies, the researcher assesses the effect of an exposure (or intervention) on an outcome. As described earlier, analytical studies can be observational (if the exposure is naturally determined) or interventional (if the researcher actively administers the intervention).

Directionality of study designs

Based on the direction of inquiry, study designs may be classified as forward-direction or backward-direction. In forward-direction studies, the researcher starts with determining the exposure to a risk factor and then assesses whether the outcome occurs at a future time point. This design is known as a cohort study. For example, a researcher can follow a group of smokers and a group of nonsmokers to determine the incidence of lung cancer in each. In backward-direction studies, the researcher begins by determining whether the outcome is present (cases vs. noncases [also called controls]) and then traces the presence of prior exposure to a risk factor. These are known as case–control studies. For example, a researcher identifies a group of normal-weight babies and a group of low-birth weight babies and then asks the mothers about their dietary habits during the index pregnancy.

Prospective versus retrospective study designs

The terms “prospective” and “retrospective” refer to the timing of the research in relation to the development of the outcome. In retrospective studies, the outcome of interest has already occurred (or not occurred – e.g., in controls) in each individual by the time s/he is enrolled, and the data are collected either from records or by asking participants to recall exposures. There is no follow-up of participants. By contrast, in prospective studies, the outcome (and sometimes even the exposure or intervention) has not occurred when the study starts and participants are followed up over a period of time to determine the occurrence of outcomes. Typically, most cohort studies are prospective studies (though there may be retrospective cohorts), whereas case–control studies are retrospective studies. An interventional study has to be, by definition, a prospective study since the investigator determines the exposure for each study participant and then follows them to observe outcomes.

The terms “prospective” versus “retrospective” studies can be confusing. Let us think of an investigator who starts a case–control study. To him/her, the process of enrolling cases and controls over a period of several months appears prospective. Hence, the use of these terms is best avoided. Or, at the very least, one must be clear that the terms relate to work flow for each individual study participant, and not to the study as a whole.

Classification of study designs

Figure 1 depicts a simple classification of research study designs. The Centre for Evidence-based Medicine has put forward a useful three-point algorithm which can help determine the design of a research study from its methods section:[ 1 ]

Classification of research study designs

• Does the study describe the characteristics of a sample or does it attempt to analyze (or draw inferences about) the relationship between two variables? – If no, then it is a descriptive study, and if yes, it is an analytical (inferential) study
• If analytical, did the investigator determine the exposure? – If no, it is an observational study, and if yes, it is an experimental study
• If observational, when was the outcome determined? – at the start of the study (case–control study), at the end of a period of follow-up (cohort study), or simultaneously (cross sectional).

In the next few pieces in the series, we will discuss various study designs in greater detail.

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Difference Between Research and Study

Research and study are terms often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. Understanding the difference between research and study is important, as it can help you approach your academic work more effectively.

The study refers to learning and acquiring knowledge through reading, lectures, and other forms of instruction. It involves a systematic approach to learning and often requires a significant amount of time and effort. Students engage in study to gain a better understanding of a particular subject or topic and to prepare for exams or other assessments.

On the other hand, research involves systematically investigating a particular topic or problem. It involves collecting and analyzing data and drawing conclusions based on the results. Research is often conducted to answer specific questions or to test hypotheses, and it can be used to inform policy decisions or to advance scientific knowledge.

Definition of Research

Research is a systematic and scientific investigation of a particular subject matter or problem. It collects, analyzes, and interprets data to answer a research question or hypothesis. Research can be conducted in various fields, such as science, social science, business, and technology.

Research differs from studying because it involves a more rigorous and structured approach. While studying involves learning and understanding a particular topic, research requires a more in-depth and critical analysis. Research also involves various methods and techniques, such as surveys, experiments, case studies, and observations.

One of the primary objectives of the research is to contribute to the existing knowledge in a particular field. Research findings can be used to inform policy decisions, improve products and services, and advance scientific knowledge. Research can also identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.

Definition of Study

Regarding academia, “study” is often used interchangeably with “research.” However, there is a subtle difference between the two. A study systematically examines and analyzes a particular subject or topic. It involves gathering and interpreting data in order to draw conclusions or make recommendations.

Studies can take many forms, depending on the discipline and the research question being addressed. Some common studies include case studies, observational studies, and experimental studies. In a case study, a single subject or group is examined in detail, often over an extended period. Researchers observe and record behavior or phenomena without intervening in an observational study. In an experimental study, researchers manipulate one or more variables to observe the effect on an outcome.

Regardless of the type of study, the goal is always to gain a deeper understanding of the subject being examined. This may involve developing new theories, refining existing ones, or identifying practical solutions to real-world problems. A study is a rigorous and systematic process that requires careful planning, execution, and analysis.

Purpose of Research

Research is a systematic investigation of a particular topic or issue to discover new knowledge or verify existing knowledge. The research aims to answer questions, solve problems, or improve understanding of a particular phenomenon. Research can be conducted in various fields, including science, social sciences, humanities, and business.

The main purpose of research is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in a particular field. Research can help to identify new phenomena, explain existing phenomena, or develop new theories. It can also help identify knowledge gaps and suggest areas for further investigation.

Another important purpose of research is to provide evidence-based information for decision-making. Research can inform policy decisions, guide the development of new products or services, or support clinical practice. By providing reliable, valid, and objective data, research can reduce uncertainty and improve the quality of decision-making.

Research can also help to identify and solve practical problems. By identifying the causes of a problem and testing potential solutions, research can help to improve processes, products, or services. For example, research can be used to develop new drugs, improve educational programs, or design more efficient transportation systems.

Purpose of Study

One of the main differences between research and study is the purpose for which they are conducted. While both involve acquiring knowledge, they differ in terms of their objectives and goals.

Studies are typically conducted to understand a specific topic or phenomenon better. They are often exploratory and seek to answer questions such as “what is happening?” or “what are the characteristics of this phenomenon?” Studies may also be conducted to test hypotheses or theories, but their primary goal is to understand a particular subject better.

Studies can be qualitative or quantitative in nature. Qualitative studies are typically used to explore complex phenomena and gain a deeper understanding of human behavior, attitudes, and experiences. Quantitative studies, on the other hand, are used to measure and quantify data and test hypotheses.

Overall, the purpose of a study is to gain a deeper understanding of a specific phenomenon or topic. This can be achieved through various methods, including surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments. Studies can be conducted in various fields, including psychology, sociology, education, and business.

Research Methodology

Research methodology is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. It involves a series of steps researchers follow to ensure their study is valid and reliable. The following are some of the common research methodologies used in academic research:

• Experimental research involves manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable. It is often used to test cause-and-effect relationships.
• Survey research involves collecting data from a sample of individuals using questionnaires or interviews. It is often used to gather information about attitudes, opinions, and behaviors.
• Case study research involves an in-depth analysis of a single case or a small group of cases. It is often used to gain a detailed understanding of a complex phenomenon.
• Observational research: This involves observing and recording the behavior of individuals or groups in their natural environment. It is often used to gather data on behaviors that cannot be manipulated in an experimental setting.

Each research methodology has its own strengths and weaknesses, and researchers must carefully choose the most appropriate methodology for their research question. They must also ensure that their study design is rigorous and that their data collection and analysis procedures are reliable and valid.

Study Methodology

When conducting a study, the methodology used can vary depending on the study’s type. Here are a few common study methodologies:

• Observational studies: In this study, researchers observe and record participants’ behavior without intervening or manipulating any variables.
• Experimental studies: In an experimental study, researchers manipulate one or more variables to see how they affect the outcome. Participants are randomly assigned to different groups, each receiving a different treatment or intervention.
• Survey studies: This study involves gathering data from a large group through questionnaires or interviews. Researchers analyze the responses to conclude the population being studied.

When designing a study, researchers must also consider the sample size or the number of participants included. A larger sample size generally yields more reliable results but can be more costly and time-consuming to recruit and analyze.

Additionally, researchers must consider potential biases that could affect the study results. For example, selection bias can occur if participants are not randomly selected, while response bias can occur if participants provide inaccurate or incomplete information.

Overall, the methodology used in a study is crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of the results. By carefully designing and conducting a study, researchers can draw meaningful conclusions and contribute to the body of knowledge in their field.

Types of Research

Research is a systematic and scientific approach to collecting and analyzing data to answer a specific research question. There are several types of research, each with its purpose and methodology. Here are some of the most common types of research:

Descriptive research

This type of research describes the characteristics of a particular phenomenon or group of people. It is often used to generate hypotheses or to identify patterns and trends.

Exploratory research

 This type of research is conducted when the researcher needs to gain more knowledge about the subject of study. It is used to gain a better understanding of the research problem and to identify potential research questions.

Experimental research

 This type of research involves manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable. It is used to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

Correlational research

 This type of research examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. It is used to identify the strength and direction of the relationship between variables.

Qualitative research

 This type of research is used to explore and understand the meaning and experiences of individuals or groups. It is often conducted using interviews, observations, and focus groups.

Quantitative research

 This type of research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data. It is often conducted using surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis.

Each type of research has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of research methodology depends on the research question, the nature of the research problem, and the available resources. Researchers must carefully consider the type of research that best suits their research question and design their study accordingly.

Types of Study

Studies can be classified into different types based on their objectives, design, and methodology. Here are some of the most common types of study:

Observational study

 This type of study involves observing and recording the behavior of subjects in their natural environment without any intervention or manipulation. Observational studies can be classified into cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies.

Experimental study

 This study involves manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on the outcome of interest. Experimental studies can be classified into randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies, and single-subject designs.

Descriptive study

 This type of study aims to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. Descriptive studies can be further classified into case reports, case series, and surveys.

Exploratory study

This study aims to explore a new or under-researched topic or phenomenon. Exploratory studies can be further classified into qualitative, pilot, and feasibility studies.

Diagnostic study

 This type of study aims to evaluate the accuracy of a diagnostic test or procedure. Diagnostic studies can be further classified into sensitivity and specificity studies, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and likelihood ratio studies.

Each study type has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of study type depends on the research question, available resources, and ethical considerations. Researchers must carefully consider the study design and methodology to ensure the study is valid, reliable, and ethical.

Data Collection in Research

Data collection is a crucial aspect of research involving gathering information to answer research questions or test hypotheses. Data collection methods may vary depending on the research design, questions, and required data type. The most commonly used data collection methods in research include:

• Surveys/questionnaires
• Observations
• Experiments

Surveys or questionnaires are commonly used in research to collect data from many participants. Survey questions are usually closed-ended, and the responses are quantifiable. Surveys can be conducted online, by phone, or in person.

Conversely, interviews are more in-depth and can be conducted face-to-face or over the phone. Interviews are useful in collecting qualitative data, which is non-numerical data that provides insights into participants’ experiences, opinions, and attitudes.

Observations involve watching and recording the behavior of individuals or groups in their natural settings. Observations can be structured or unstructured and conducted in person or through video recordings.

Experiments are designed to test hypotheses and involve manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on the outcome variable. Experiments can be conducted in a laboratory or the field.

Regardless of the data collection method used, it is essential to ensure that the data collected is valid and reliable. Validity refers to the extent to which the data collected measures what it is supposed to measure, while reliability refers to the consistency of the data collected.

Data Collection in Study

One of the most important aspects of a study is data collection. In a study, data is collected through various methods such as surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The collected data is then analyzed to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

Surveys and questionnaires are popular methods of data collection in studies. Surveys are used to gather information from a large group, while questionnaires are used to collect data from a smaller group. Both methods involve asking participants questions to gather information on a particular topic.

Interviews, on the other hand, are conducted on an individual basis. They are useful when in-depth information is required on a specific topic. The interviewer asks open-ended questions to gather information from the interviewee.

Observations are another method of data collection in studies. Observations involve watching and recording the behavior of individuals or groups. This method is useful when studying behavior or interactions between individuals or groups.

It is important to note that the quality of the data collected in a study depends on the accuracy of the data collection methods. Therefore, ensuring that the data collection methods used in a study are appropriate and reliable is crucial.

Data Analysis in Research

After collecting data through various methods, researchers analyze the data to derive meaningful conclusions. Data analysis is a crucial step in the research process, as it helps to identify patterns, relationships, and trends in the data.

Researchers can use different methods of data analysis, depending on the type of data collected and the research questions. Some common methods of data analysis in research include:

Descriptive statistics

 This method involves summarizing the data using measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation. Descriptive statistics help to provide a general overview of the data and identify any outliers or anomalies.

Inferential statistics

This method involves using statistical tests to make inferences about the population based on the sample data. Inferential statistics help determine the findings’ significance and draw conclusions about the research questions.

Content analysis

 This method involves analyzing the content of written or verbal communication to identify themes, patterns, and meanings. Content analysis is commonly used in qualitative research to analyze data from interviews, focus groups, and open-ended survey questions.

Thematic analysis

 This method involves identifying and analyzing patterns and themes in qualitative data. Thematic analysis is commonly used in research to explore participants’ experiences, perspectives, and attitudes.

Regardless of the method used, data analysis in research is a systematic process that involves organizing, coding, and interpreting the data. Researchers must use appropriate data analysis methods to ensure the findings are valid, reliable, and meaningful.

Data Analysis in Study

Data analysis is a crucial part of any study, as it helps to draw conclusions and make sense of the data collected. The process of data analysis involves cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to extract useful information and insights. The following are some common methods of data analysis used in studies:

 This method involves summarizing and describing the main features of the data collected, such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.

 This method involves making inferences or predictions about a population based on a sample of the data collected. It uses techniques such as hypothesis testing and confidence intervals.

Qualitative analysis

 This method involves analyzing data that is not numerical, such as text or images. It is often used in social science research to understand the experiences and perspectives of participants.

Once the data has been analyzed, the researcher can conclude and make recommendations based on the findings. It is important to note that data analysis is not a one-size-fits-all process and may vary depending on the type of study being conducted.

Data analysis is critical to any study, as it helps ensure the findings are accurate and reliable. Using appropriate data analysis methods, researchers can draw meaningful conclusions and make informed decisions based on the results.

Research and study are two terms often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. While both involve acquiring knowledge, research is a more systematic and structured approach to gathering information. At the same time, study is a more general term that can refer to any learning or investigation.

Research involves using specific methods and techniques to collect and analyze data to answer a specific research question or hypothesis. The study, conversely, can refer to any type of learning or investigation, whether formal or informal, structured or unstructured.

Both research and study are important for advancing knowledge and understanding in a particular field, but they serve different purposes and require different approaches. Researchers must be skilled in designing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing valid conclusions. On the other hand, students must be able to absorb and retain information and apply it to their studies and future careers.

While research and study are different, they are both important for advancing knowledge and understanding in a particular field. By understanding the differences between these two terms, researchers and students can better appreciate the unique contributions that each makes to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

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• Types of Research Designs Compared | Guide & Examples

Types of Research Designs Compared | Guide & Examples

Published on June 20, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 22, 2023.

When you start planning a research project, developing research questions and creating a  research design , you will have to make various decisions about the type of research you want to do.

There are many ways to categorize different types of research. The words you use to describe your research depend on your discipline and field. In general, though, the form your research design takes will be shaped by:

• The type of knowledge you aim to produce
• The type of data you will collect and analyze
• The sampling methods , timescale and location of the research

This article takes a look at some common distinctions made between different types of research and outlines the key differences between them.

Table of contents

Types of research aims, types of research data, types of sampling, timescale, and location, other interesting articles.

The first thing to consider is what kind of knowledge your research aims to contribute.

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The next thing to consider is what type of data you will collect. Each kind of data is associated with a range of specific research methods and procedures.

Finally, you have to consider three closely related questions: how will you select the subjects or participants of the research? When and how often will you collect data from your subjects? And where will the research take place?

Keep in mind that the methods that you choose bring with them different risk factors and types of research bias . Biases aren’t completely avoidable, but can heavily impact the validity and reliability of your findings if left unchecked.

Choosing between all these different research types is part of the process of creating your research design , which determines exactly how your research will be conducted. But the type of research is only the first step: next, you have to make more concrete decisions about your research methods and the details of the study.

Read more about creating a research design

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Normal distribution
• Degrees of freedom
• Null hypothesis
• Discourse analysis
• Control groups
• Mixed methods research
• Non-probability sampling
• Quantitative research
• Ecological validity

Research bias

• Rosenthal effect
• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Selection bias
• Negativity bias
• Status quo bias

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McCombes, S. (2023, June 22). Types of Research Designs Compared | Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/types-of-research/

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