Exploratory research is defined as initial research into a hypothetical or theoretical idea. This is where a researcher has an idea or has observed something and seeks to understand more about it. An exploratory research project is an attempt to lay the foundation that will lead to future studies or to determine whether what is observed can be explained by a currently existing theory. Most often, exploratory research lays the initial foundation for future research. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Exploratory research can come in two broad forms: a new topic or a new perspective. New points of view can arise from new ways of looking at things, either from a theoretical perspective or from a new way of measuring something. For example, computers have made it possible to observe large populations. Old experiments can now involve thousands of people from all over the world rather than a few people from the local train station. Descriptive Research Once the basics are established, the field you just explored needs more information. The next step is descriptive research, defined as attempts to explore and explain while providing additional information about a topic. This is where research seeks to describe what is happening in more detail, filling in the missing parts and broadening our understanding. This is also where as much information as possible is gathered instead of making hypotheses or developing models to predict the future – the “what” and “how” rather than the “why”. Explanatory research is conducted to help us find the problem that was not studied in depth before. Explanatory research is not used to provide us with conclusive evidence but helps us understand the problem more efficiently. When conducting research, the researcher should be able to adapt to new data and new insights that he or she discovers as he or she studies the topic. It does not aim to provide definitive and conclusive answers to research questions but allows the researcher to explore the research with a variable level of depth. A deductive approach is about "developing a hypothesis (or hypotheses) based on existing theory, and then designing a research strategy to test the hypothesis." It has been stated that "deductive hypothesis" means reasoning from the particular to the general. If a relationship or causal link seems to be implied in a particular theory or case example, it may be true in many cases. A deductive design could test whether this relationship or link occurs in more general circumstances." The deductive approach can be explained by hypotheses, which can be derived from the propositions of the theory. In other words, the deductive approach deals with deducing conclusions from premises or propositions. The inductive approach, also known in inductive reasoning, begins with observations and theories are proposed towards the end of the research process as a result of the observations. Inductive research “involves finding patterns from observation and developing explanations – theories – for those patterns through a series of hypotheses.” No theory or hypothesis would apply to inductive studies at the beginning of the research, and the researcher is free to change the direction of the study after the research process begins. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay It is important to emphasize that the inductive approach does not imply ignoring theories when formulating research questions and objectives. This approach aims to generate meanings from the set of.