Consider a scenario where a juice bar owner feels that increasing the variety of juices will enable an increase in customers. However, he is not sure and needs more information. The owner intends to conduct exploratory research to find out; hence, he decides to do exploratory research to find out if expanding their juices selection will enable him to get more customers or if there is a better idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another example of exploratory research is a podcast survey template<\/a> that can be used to collect feedback about the podcast consumption metrics both from existing listeners as well as other podcast listeners that are currently not subscribed to this channel. This helps the author of the podcast create curated content that will gain a larger audience. Let’s explore this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LEARN ABOUT:<\/em><\/strong> Research Process Steps<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Content Index<\/p>\n Exploratory research is defined as a research used to investigate a problem which is not clearly defined. It is conducted to have a better understanding of the existing research problem<\/a>, but will not provide conclusive results. For such a research, a researcher starts with a general idea and uses this research as a medium to identify issues, that can be the focus for future research. An important aspect here is that the researcher should be willing to change his\/her direction subject to the revelation of new data or insight. Such a research is usually carried out when the problem is at a preliminary stage. It is often referred to as grounded theory approach or interpretive research as it used to answer questions like what, why and how.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n While it may sound difficult to research something that has very little information about it, there are several methods which can help a researcher figure out the best research design,<\/span> <\/a>data collection methods<\/a> and choice of subjects. There are two ways in which research can be conducted namely primary and secondary.. Under these two types, there are multiple methods which can used by a researcher. The data gathered from these research can be<\/span> qualitative<\/span><\/a> or<\/span> quantitative<\/span><\/a>. Some of the most widely used<\/span> research designs<\/span><\/a> include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n LEARN ABOUT:<\/strong> Best Data Collection Tools<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Primary research<\/span><\/a> is information gathered directly from the subject. It can be through a group of people or even an individual. Such a research can be carried out directly by the researcher himself or can employ a third party to conduct it on their behalf. Primary research is specifically carried out to explore a certain problem which requires an in-depth study.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n LEARN ABOUT:<\/strong> Live polls for Classroom Experience<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: A survey is sent to a given set of audience to understand their opinions about the size of mobile phones when they purchase one. Based on such information organization can dig deeper into the topic and make business related decision.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: An interview with an employee can give you more insights to find out the degree of job satisfaction, or an interview with a subject matter expert of quantum theory can give you in-depth information on that topic.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: A focus group helps a research identify the opinions of consumers if they were to buy a phone. Such a research can help the researcher understand what the consumer value while buying a phone. It may be screen size, brand value or even the dimensions. Based on which the organization can understand what are consumer buying attitudes, consumer opinions, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: An FMCG company wants to know how it’s consumer react to the new shape of their product. The researcher observes the customers first reaction and collects the data, which is then used to draw inferences from the collective information.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n LEARN ABOUT:<\/strong> Causal Research<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Secondary research<\/span><\/a> is gathering information from previously published primary research. In such a research you gather information from sources likes case studies, magazines, newspapers, books, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: A researcher needs to find out what is the percentage of people that prefer a specific brand phone. The researcher just enters the information he needs in a search engine and gets multiple links with related information and statistics.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, a few things have to be kept in mind while researching from these sources. Government agencies have authentic information but sometimes may come with a nominal cost. Also, research from educational institutions is generally overlooked, but in fact educational institutions carry out more number of research than any other entities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, commercial sources provide information on major topics like political agendas, demographics, financial information, market trends and information, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: A company has low sales. It can be easily explored from available statistics and market literature if the problem is market related or organization related or if the topic being studied is regarding financial situation of the country, then research data can be accessed through government documents or commercial sources.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n LEARN ABOUT:<\/strong> Level of Analysis<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: A particular orthopedic surgeon has the highest success rate for performing knee surgeries. A lot of other hospitals or doctors have taken up this case to understand and benchmark the method in which this surgeon does the procedure to increase their success rate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n LEARN ABOUT:<\/em><\/strong> Descriptive Analysis<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n LEARN ABOUT:<\/strong> Action Research<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n LEARN ABOUT: Projective Techniques<\/a> & Conformity Bias<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Exploratory research is carried out when a topic needs to be understood in depth, especially if it hasn’t been done before. The goal of such a research is to explore the problem and around it and not actually derive a conclusion from it. Such kind of research will enable a researcher to set a strong foundation for exploring his ideas, choosing the right<\/span> research design<\/span><\/a> and finding<\/span> variables<\/span><\/a> that actually are important for the in-depth analysis<\/a>. Most importantly, such a research can help organizations or researchers save up a lot of time and resources, as it will enable the researcher to know if it worth pursuing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Exploratory research: Definition<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Types and methodologies of Exploratory research<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Primary research methods<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Secondary research methods<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Exploratory research: Steps to conduct a research<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Characteristics of Exploratory research<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Advantages of Exploratory research<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Disadvantages of Exploratory research<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Importance of Exploratory research<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n