- Basic vs. applied research: Basic research is conducted with the goal of advancing knowledge, without any specific application in mind. Applied research, on the other hand, is conducted with the goal of solving a specific problem or developing a new product or service.
- Deductive vs. inductive research: Deductive research starts with a theory or hypothesis and then tests it through observation and experimentation. Inductive research, on the other hand, starts with observations and then develops a theory or hypothesis based on those observations.
- Longitudinal vs. cross-sectional research: Longitudinal research collects data over a period of time, while cross-sectional research collects data at a single point in time.
- Experimental vs. non-experimental research: Experimental research involves manipulating one or more independent variables to see how they affect a dependent variable. Non-experimental research, on the other hand, does not involve manipulating variables, but instead relies on observation or archival data.
- Population-based vs. sample-based research: Population-based research collects data from the entire population of interest, while sample-based research collects data from a sample of the population.
- Reliability vs. validity: Reliability refers to the consistency of a research study, while validity refers to the accuracy of the study's findings.
These dichotomies are not mutually exclusive, and some research studies may fall into multiple categories. For example, a study could be both basic and applied, or both qualitative and quantitative. The choice of research method depends on the specific research question being investigated.