Description on Research and its Types

 

Research and Its Types

1. Meaning of Research

Research is a systematic, scientific, and organized process of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating information to answer a question, solve a problem, discover new facts, or develop new knowledge.

The word research comes from the French word rechercher, which means “to search again” or “to investigate carefully.”

Simple definition

Research is a systematic investigation carried out to discover new knowledge, verify existing knowledge, solve problems, or answer specific questions.

Example

Suppose a researcher wants to find out:

“Is Drug A more effective than Drug B in reducing blood pressure?”

The researcher will:

1. Identify the problem.
2. Review previous studies.
3. Develop objectives and possibly a hypothesis.
4. Select an appropriate research design.
5. Select participants.
6. Collect data.
7. Analyze the data.
8. Interpret the results.
9. Draw a conclusion.
10. Report the findings.

This entire systematic process is called research.

2. Why Is Research Important?

Research is important because it helps us:

• Discover new facts and knowledge.
• Solve scientific and practical problems.
• Develop new medicines and treatments.
• Improve existing products and services.
• Identify causes and risk factors of diseases.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drugs.
• Develop new theories and concepts.
• Test existing theories.
• Make evidence-based decisions.
• Predict future outcomes.
• Improve healthcare and quality of life.

Example in pharmacy

Research can help determine whether a new tablet formulation provides better drug release and bioavailability than an existing formulation.

3. Characteristics of Good Research

1. Systematic

Research follows a planned sequence of steps.

Example:

Problem → Literature review → Objective → Design → Data collection → Analysis → Conclusion

2. Scientific

Research uses scientific methods, logical reasoning, observation, measurement, and appropriate analysis.

3. Objective

The researcher should avoid personal opinions and bias as much as possible.

4. Empirical

Research is based on evidence obtained through observation, measurement, experimentation, or other systematic data collection.

5. Logical

The research should follow logical reasoning, and conclusions should be supported by the findings.

6. Controlled

Where appropriate, researchers control variables that could influence the results.

For example, in a clinical trial, researchers may control factors such as dose, duration, and comparison treatment.

7. Replicable

Another researcher should be able to repeat the study using the described methods.

8. Analytical

Research involves analysis of collected information to identify patterns, relationships, differences, or effects.

9. Ethical

Research must protect participants' rights, safety, privacy, and dignity and follow relevant ethical requirements.

10. Problem-oriented

Research generally begins with a problem, question, or knowledge gap that needs investigation.

4. Objectives of Research

The major objectives are:

1. To discover new knowledge

Research can reveal previously unknown facts.

2. To verify existing knowledge

Previous findings can be tested to determine whether they remain valid.

3. To identify relationships

Research can determine whether two or more variables are associated.

4. To establish cause and effect

Experimental research can investigate whether one factor causes a change in another.

5. To develop theories

Research findings may contribute to new theories or scientific explanations.

6. To solve practical problems

Applied research is particularly useful for solving real-world problems.

7. To predict outcomes

Research can help predict future events or risks.

8. To improve existing practices

Research can identify better methods of treatment, production, education, or management.

5. Research Process

A typical research process can be represented as:

Identification of problem

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Review of literature

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Research question

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Objectives

↓

Hypothesis

↓

Selection of research design

↓

Selection of population and sample

↓

Data collection

↓

Data analysis

↓

Interpretation

↓

Conclusion

↓

Research report/publication

Step 1: Identification of Research Problem

The researcher identifies a problem that requires investigation.

Example:

Many patients with hypertension do not achieve adequate blood pressure control.

Step 2: Literature Review

The researcher studies previously published information to understand:

• What is already known?
• What is unknown?
• What methods have been used?
• What limitations exist?
• What research gap remains?

Sources include journals, books, databases, guidelines, and reports.

Step 3: Research Question

A specific question is developed.

Example:

Does Drug A reduce blood pressure more effectively than Drug B?

Step 4: Objectives

Objectives state exactly what the researcher intends to accomplish.

Example:

To compare the antihypertensive effects of Drug A and Drug B.

Step 5: Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable prediction or statement about the expected relationship between variables.

Example:

Drug A produces a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure than Drug B.

Not every research study requires a formal hypothesis, particularly some exploratory or qualitative studies.

Step 6: Research Design

The researcher selects an appropriate design.

Examples:

• Cross-sectional
• Case-control
• Cohort
• Experimental
• Clinical trial

Step 7: Sampling

A suitable population and sample are selected.

For example, if the target population is all adult hypertensive patients in a region, the researcher may select a sample of 500 patients.

Step 8: Data Collection

Data may be collected through:

• Questionnaire
• Interview
• Observation
• Laboratory experiment
• Clinical examination
• Clinical trial
• Existing records

Step 9: Data Analysis

Collected data are analyzed using appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods.

Examples of statistical methods include:

• Mean
• Standard deviation
• t-test
• Chi-square test
• ANOVA
• Correlation
• Regression

Step 10: Interpretation

The researcher explains what the results mean and relates them to the research question and previous literature.

Step 11: Conclusion

A conclusion is made based on the evidence obtained from the research.

Step 12: Reporting

The findings may be presented as:

• Research article
• Thesis/dissertation
• Conference presentation
• Poster
• Research report

6. Types of Research

There is no single classification of research. Research can be classified according to its purpose, approach, design, time, source of data, and level of investigation.

A. Types Based on Purpose

1. Basic Research

Also called fundamental or pure research.

It is conducted mainly to increase knowledge and understand fundamental principles, without necessarily having an immediate practical application.

Example

Studying the molecular mechanism of a particular drug receptor.

Purpose

• Expand scientific knowledge.
• Develop theories.
• Understand mechanisms.
• Generate new scientific concepts.

Example in pharmacy

Studying how a drug molecule binds to a particular receptor.

2. Applied Research

Applied research is conducted to solve a specific practical problem.

Example

Developing a new formulation to improve the solubility of a poorly water-soluble drug.

Other examples

• Developing a new drug.
• Improving a tablet formulation.
• Testing a new treatment.
• Improving drug delivery.
• Developing a diagnostic method.

B. Types Based on Approach

1. Qualitative Research

Qualitative research studies experiences, opinions, perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and meanings.

It mainly produces non-numerical data.

Common methods

• Interviews
• Focus groups
• Observation
• Open-ended questions
• Case studies

Example

A researcher interviews patients to understand:

“Why do some patients stop taking their medicines?”

The researcher may identify themes such as:

• Cost
• Side effects
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of understanding
• Difficulty accessing medicines

Main characteristics

• Focuses on depth and meaning.
• Usually uses open-ended questions.
• Explores why and how.
• Thematic or content analysis is commonly used.

2. Quantitative Research

Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data.

It is used to measure variables, compare groups, estimate effects, and test hypotheses.

Examples of quantitative data

• Blood pressure
• Blood glucose
• Body weight
• Drug concentration
• Heart rate
• Number of adverse events

Example

A researcher measures blood pressure before and after administration of a drug and statistically analyzes the change.

Main characteristics

• Numerical data.
• Structured data collection.
• Statistical analysis.
• Often used for hypothesis testing.
• Commonly uses larger samples.

3. Mixed-Methods Research

Mixed-methods research combines qualitative and quantitative methods in a single research project.

Example

A researcher:

Step 1: Uses a questionnaire to measure medication adherence quantitatively.

Step 2: Interviews patients to understand why they fail to adhere to treatment.

Therefore:

Quantitative = How much?

Qualitative = Why/how?

Advantage

It provides both numerical evidence and deeper understanding.

C. Types Based on Research Design

1. Descriptive Research

Descriptive research describes the characteristics, distribution, frequency, or status of a population or phenomenon.

It generally answers:

• What?
• Who?
• Where?
• When?
• How much?

Example

Determine the prevalence of hypertension among adults in a community.

The researcher describes how common hypertension is but does not necessarily determine its cause.

Common examples

• Surveys
• Descriptive cross-sectional studies
• Population studies

2. Analytical Research

Analytical research goes beyond description and examines relationships, associations, differences, or possible explanations.

Example

Investigating whether smoking is associated with cardiovascular disease.

The researcher compares variables and analyzes their relationship.

3. Experimental Research

Experimental research involves deliberate intervention or manipulation of one or more variables to study its effect on an outcome.

Basic concept

Intervention → Outcome

Example

A researcher gives Drug A to one group and Drug B to another group and compares their effects on blood pressure.

Important features

• Intervention/manipulation
• Comparison group where appropriate
• Measurement of outcome
• Randomization may be used
• Often used to investigate causal effects

Example in pharmacy

New drug → Treatment → Blood pressure reduction

4. Observational Research

In observational research, the researcher does not assign the exposure or intervention but observes what happens naturally.

Examples

• Cross-sectional study
• Case-control study
• Cohort study

Example

Researchers observe smokers and non-smokers and compare the occurrence of lung disease.

D. Types Based on Time

1. Cross-Sectional Research

A cross-sectional study collects information at one point or a defined short period of time.

Example

Studying the prevalence of diabetes among 2,000 adults in 2026.

Advantages

• Quick
• Relatively inexpensive
• Useful for measuring prevalence
• Useful for generating hypotheses

Limitation

Because exposure and outcome are generally measured at the same time, establishing temporal sequence and causality can be difficult.

2. Longitudinal Research

Longitudinal research follows participants over an extended period and collects information at multiple time points.

Example

Following 1,000 hypertensive patients for five years to observe cardiovascular outcomes.

Advantages

• Shows changes over time.
• Can establish temporal sequence.
• Useful for studying disease progression.

Limitations

• Time-consuming.
• More expensive.
• Participants may be lost to follow-up.

E. Types of Observational Epidemiological Studies

These are particularly important in pharmacy, clinical research, and public health.

1. Cross-Sectional Study

Starts with a population and measures exposure and outcome at approximately the same time.

Example:

Determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among adults.

Common measure: Prevalence.

2. Case-Control Study

A case-control study starts with the outcome or disease.

Groups

Cases: People who have the disease.

Controls: People who do not have the disease.

The researcher then investigates previous exposure.

Example

Lung cancer patients → previous smoking exposure?

People without lung cancer → previous smoking exposure?

Common measure

Odds Ratio (OR)

Useful for

• Rare diseases.
• Diseases with long latency periods.

3. Cohort Study

A cohort study starts with exposure status and follows participants to determine whether an outcome develops.

Groups

Exposed → Follow-up → Outcome

Unexposed → Follow-up → Outcome

Example

Smokers and non-smokers are followed for several years to determine the incidence of lung cancer.

Common measure

Relative Risk (RR)

Useful for

• Studying incidence.
• Studying multiple outcomes.
• Establishing temporal sequence.

 

F. Types Based on Source of Data

1. Primary Research

Primary research involves collecting new/original data directly by the researcher.

Examples

• Interviews
• Questionnaires
• Clinical trials
• Laboratory experiments
• Direct observations
• Physical measurements

Example

A researcher personally measures blood pressure in 500 patients.

2. Secondary Research

Secondary research uses data that have already been collected by another researcher, institution, or organization.

Sources

• Research journals
• Books
• Government reports
• Hospital records
• Databases
• Previous studies
• Systematic reviews

Example

Analyzing previously published clinical trials to summarize evidence about a drug.

G. Types Based on Level/Purpose of Investigation

1. Exploratory Research

Exploratory research is conducted when a problem is not clearly understood or has limited previous research.

Objectives

• Explore a new problem.
• Identify important variables.
• Generate hypotheses.
• Develop research questions.

Example

Exploring patients' experiences with a newly introduced digital medication reminder.

2. Explanatory Research

Explanatory research attempts to explain why or how a phenomenon occurs.

Example

Why do some patients fail to adhere to long-term antihypertensive therapy?

The researcher examines possible factors such as:

• Adverse effects
• Cost
• Forgetfulness
• Knowledge
• Complexity of treatment

3. Predictive Research

Predictive research attempts to predict future outcomes based on known variables or patterns.

Example

Using patient characteristics to predict the risk of developing diabetes.

 

H. Action Research

Action research is conducted to solve an immediate practical problem and improve existing practice.

It commonly follows a cycle:

Plan → Act → Observe → Reflect → Re-plan

Example

A pharmacist notices poor medication adherence.

1. Plan: Develop a counseling program.
2. Act: Provide counseling.
3. Observe: Measure adherence.
4. Reflect: Evaluate the result.
5. Re-plan: Modify the counseling approach.

Common uses

• Healthcare
• Education
• Community programs
• Organizational improvement

I. Case Study Research

A case study is an in-depth investigation of a particular individual, group, organization, event, or situation.

Example

Detailed investigation of a patient who developed an unusual adverse drug reaction.

Advantage

Provides detailed and comprehensive information.

Limitation

Findings from a single case may not be generalizable to a larger population.

J. Historical Research

Historical research investigates past events, developments, documents, and records.

Example

Studying the historical development of pharmaceutical regulations.

It helps researchers understand how a field, practice, or institution has changed over time.