Explanatory research which is a category of research that puts to light the causes of a phenomenon, relationship or behaviour. We look at the “why” and “how” of an issue in great detail which goes past simple description. This research is put to use in academic, social, and business settings. By looking at causes and effects explanatory research develops better theories and informed decisions out of cause and effect analysis which is supported by empirical evidence.
What Is Explanatory Research?
Explanatory research is a study which looks at the roots of particular events and phenomena. It is different from descriptive research which reports what is happening, explanatory research goes into why it is happening. The goal of this type of research is to determine cause and effect relationships which in turn provide for a greater depth of understanding. It is also to a great purpose of explanatory research extent shaped by the research method which is chosen for its ability to present sound logic and reason. Explanatory research reports in which we put out PDFs of our material include case studies and frameworks which we use to present how researchers put this approach into play in the real world. This is a base element of evidence based research. We also tend to use tools like cause and effect analysis which we employ to break down complex interactions.
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Why Is Explanatory Research Important in Academia and Beyond?
In academic research settings explanatory study which in turn develops theory and promotes new knowledge. In industries and policy making what we see is that explanatory research is used to identify the root causes which in turn inform behaviour or outcomes. For example a company may run a series of studies which use quant and qual data to see how a new product’s purpose of explanatory research plays out in terms of consumer behaviour. Through use of robust research methods and collection of empirical data explanatory studies which in turn drive innovation. We see these insights published in journals and also put together in an explanatory research PDF which in turns makes them available for continuous learning.
How to Conduct Explanatory Research Step-by-Step?
Start out by putting forth a definite question which is of a why or how nature. Look to present literature which includes in depth explanatory research papers to build your base of knowledge. Form out hypotheses and choose the best research approach which may be of a qualitative, quantitative, or sequential explanatory design. Gather data which is appropriate for the task at hand, then analyze that data to perform a cause and effect analysis. In explanatory research we aim to draw out and prove relationships between variables through the use of empirical data.
Methods Used in Explanatory Research
Common in research are case studies, experiments, surveys and interviews. In which of which is to pick the right methodology for your research issue is very key to producing credible results. Also we see that a sequential explanatory design which uses quant based data explanatory research definition first then in turn does in depth qualitative research is very effective in studying complex issues. These researchers present which methods they use to obtain empirical evidence and also to support the explanatory research they do. Also they look at many different types of explanatory research based on what they are studying and the scope of their research. We see that consistent use of cause and effect analysis improves results and puts forth better recommendations.
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Explanatory Research Examples in Real Life
In health care we see that which is done by empirical evidence and explanatory research to determine why patients react differently to treatments. Also we have in education which uses it to see why some students do better in certain conditions. Also companies may put to use a sequential purpose of explanatory research explanatory research design to study into what makes up a customer’s decision. Thus these are all examples of explanatory research which we use to find out cause and effect in the real world. Each example is of a sound research approach which we use to test ideas. Many researchers put out their studies via explanatory research pdf reports which they make available to large audiences.
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Explanatory Research vs. Other Research Types
Descriptive research reports what we see, as it is, while explanatory research looks at the why. Exploratory research types of explanatory research brings out what the issue is, but explanatory research goes into greater depth. In explanatory research we see the use of methods which get at the root cause. Correlation study reports relationships research methodology which are not the same as that of causal relations which explanatory research puts out. Through use of a structured research approach and tools like cause and effect analysis it produces more robust and supported results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What Is the Purpose of Explanatory Research?
The primary aim is to see which factors bring about a certain issue or what makes it happen. We look at trends and root causes. This research in turn increases our knowledge base and also serves as a base for more research.
Q2. What Is the Difference between Descriptive and Explanatory Research?
Descriptive research reports what we see, but explanatory research gets to the bottom of things which is to say it identifies the reasons behind what is seen. Also explanatory research delves into cause and effect which is what makes it more analytical and interpretive.
Q3. Can Research That Is Explanatory Also be of a Qualitative and Quantitative Nature?
Yes I see that it is up to the research question at hand which we use. Qualitatively we go in deep, quantitatively we test hypotheses out. Also we see value in a mix of both.
Q4. What Fields Commonly Use Explanatory Research?
Fields in which we see research of explanation are psychology, sociology, education, business, and health care. In these fields we see a great deal of study which looks at the roots of trends and behaviours. It is a tool for decision making and theory development.
Q5. Is Explanatory Research Always Theory-Based?
Yes we see that theory in this research either develops from what is there or we use it to put forth something new. We use logical structures to study cause and effect. In this research theory is a fundamental element.