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1.3.3 Types of Research Design
Figure 1.3.1 Types of research design
1.3.3.1 Exploratory Research Design
When the researcher has no previous data or only a few studies
for reference, an exploratory research design is used. This research
is sometimes informal and unstructured. It is a research tool that
provides a hypothetical or theoretical idea of the research problem.
◆ Hypothetical or It will not provide specific solutions to the research problem.
theoretical idea This research is carried out to ascertain the nature of the problem
and to assist the researcher in developing a better understanding
of the problem. Exploratory research is adaptable and lays the
groundwork for future research. Exploratory research requires
the researcher to investigate different sources such as published
secondary data, data from other surveys, observation of research
items, and opinion about a company, product, or service.
The objectives of exploratory research design are as follows:
◆ Evaluate the feasibility of a study.
◆ Formulate statement of the problem.
◆ Provide theoretical basis to a hypothesis.
◆ Provide alternative option/approaches to a problem.
◆ Establish priorities or possibilities for further research.
34 SGOU - SLM -MCom Research Methodology
