Exploratory Research: Types, Methodology and Examples

The Exploratory research Is to provide a general reference of the subject, often unknown, present in the research to be carried out.

Among its purposes we can mention the possibility of formulating the research problem, to extract data and terms that allow us to generate the necessary questions. It also provides the formulation of hypotheses on the subject to be explored, serving as support for descriptive research.

Exploratory research.

This type of investigation Is included in the second classification group of scientific research, which is oriented according to the level of knowledge to be obtained, bearing in mind that all types of research complement each other. It can be quantitative, qualitative or historical.

It is distinguished from other research by the flexibility in applied methodology. Within its possibilities it tries to discover all the affirmations or existing tests of the phenomenon that is studied. As a consequence, it involves some risk, patience and predisposition on the part of the investigator.

However, it should be noted that this type of research is not intended to determine the conclusions of the topic studied, but rather to serve as a foundation for other researches so that they are able to draw the results that lead to the relevant conclusions.

Types of exploratory research

1- Research based on literature

It is the most used at the time of conducting an exploratory research, taking as reference statistics, analysis, data, to get a better idea of the subject.

2- Research through experts

It is a more direct way of obtaining information because these people specialize in certain areas. Knowing your opinions and points of view is of great help to every researcher.

Through it we have knowledge of what actions have been carried out?, what changes have been generated?, what obstacles can we find during the research? And what are the priorities? among other.

To explore is to have the freedom to investigate and try to discover the truth of a topic studied, asking the right questions through a thorough analysis that allows us at the end of the research to obtain the conclusions taking into account the most predominant details.

When exploring we must be open to obtaining the greatest number of variables to be discarded as we go into the investigation, those that could be less important.

These variables are discovered through the collection of data through bibliographies, records, tables, annotations, interviews, questionnaires, clinical cases, among others.

Exploratory research is also called formative research because, although it poses and solves new or existing problems, its purpose is to develop the researcher's aptitude. In some cases, this research clarifies concepts.

Methodology used in exploratory research

During the exploratory investigation a series of procedures are carried out to obtain in detail their results, among these we find:

1- Identify problem

Firstly, with experimental research, the subject of research is defined and the problem is addressed through generative questions that carry the answers that best fit reality and context.

2 - Establish the hypotheses

When there is no antecedent about the phenomenon studied or the existing ones are imprecise, every researcher formulates the necessary hypotheses derived from the questions obtained when identifying the problem.

3. Fundamental further research

Established the previous procedures, with the data obtained in the exploratory research the researcher continues his study through other types of investigation, generally the descriptive one.

Within the methodology of exploratory research, the qualitative research . This plays a fundamental role at the time of data collection because its sources are primary, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in which we can perceive that information provided is true or false.

In it different techniques are applied. One of them are focus groups, through which direct-type procedures are performed, in which the intentions of the researcher are made evident through the questions posed.

The indirect procedure is also carried out, which hides the purpose of the investigation so that people do not feel intimidated.

Exploratory research is developed through a fairly large amount of data provided, for this reason the researcher must resort to the implementation of classifications by categories so as to make it easier to study and interpret and obtain more accurate results.

Characteristics of exploratory research

It takes as reference bibliographical information, the opinion of experts in the subject, observation participant and sometimes investigates in individual anecdotes.
They are not structured studies.
Look for valid information that allows you to advance hypotheses about a given situation.
Through its study new research can be initiated.
It allows you to answer the following questions: What is the problem? What is the purpose of your study? And what topics could be studied?
Generally there are no antecedents that can serve to guide the investigation.
It involves risk, patience and predisposition.
He scans all the evidence that exists on the subject studied.
Their methods are flexible, broad and scattered.
The researcher sets aside his beliefs and points of view on the problematic object of study.
The data and information provided are approximate.
These are subjective, superficial investigations.
They are considered free investigations, because the raised subject can be taken from different points of view.
It is often associated with rapid assessment methods.
In it the observation is present.
Determine priorities.
The researcher sees the environment and people globally, not individually.
In exploratory research, all approaches and opinions are valuable.
The cost and time allocated for its application is very minimal.
It is used when the population to study is large.
It is applied by different sciences such as medicine, chemistry , Psychology and biology To test theories.
It is frequently used when investigating behavior
It studies which variables would be related to the research topic .
Develop the level of experience of the observer.
It requires the researcher an important creative and innovation capacity.
It must be reliable enough.
It serves as support for decision-making.
It culminates when the investigator has clear the idea of the observed phenomenon.

Examples of exploratory research

1- Investigate the existing prejudice about homosexuality

To do this we must take into account factors such as education, sex, age, religion and values, among others, that give us an idea of the impact that this phenomenon has on society.

2- Prevention of disease Diabetes Mellitus in the population

In this case the elements to be taken into consideration are: food, clinical studies, level of knowledge and attitude of people to the disease, medicines administered, which make people aware of the health consequences that this disease represents.

3- Implementation of new banking services policies

Here come into play aspects to consider such as customer opinion, time savings, productivity or satisfaction. Through this type of research, it is intended to allow the capture of new clients and therefore greater profitability for the financial institution.

4- Social benefit in the field of female contraceptives

Variables such as age, social class, preferences, purchasing power and contraindications come into play, among others. Through exploratory research conducted on a number of women with an active sex life, we want to verify which female contraceptive should be produced in greater quantity and assigned to the national outpatient network.

5- Launching a new wrinkle cream

The variables gender, age, skin type, purchasing power of the people involved are shown, which provide the manufacturing company with the characteristics to be taken into account in the elaboration of the product after the previous market study.

6- Recruitment of university students for work scholarship

For this type of research, the following factors should be taken into account: socioeconomic study, semester, grades, skills, abilities and skills, class schedule; With the purpose of making a meticulous selection of the university students who are priority and are able to be benefited.

7- Determine the current school dropout at the initial and primary levels of a specific state.

In this opportunity, the elements to keep in mind to reach reliable results are: age, sex, grade, record of attendance and causes.

8- Study on neonatal mortality in a specific hospital setting

It is a topic that requires the capture of the largest number of possible variables. These include: maternal age, prenatal control, feeding, pharmacological administration according to the state of pregnancy, occupational status, hygienic measures of the neonatal service, existence of specialized staff in obstetrics, supply of medical surgical equipment, among others.

9- Public opinion on the management of the President of the Republic

In this sense, age, sex, political inclination, level of education, labor situation, region, problems addressed, problems to be solved, etc., are taken into account, which give an idea of the level of popularity in the population and Can guide you in your decision for re-election.

References

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Ulin, P. (2006). Applied Research in Public Health. Family Health International. Washington.
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