Which kind of research investigates a phenomenon without prior expectations, asking what is going on?

Which kind of research investigates a phenomenon without prior expectations, asking what is going on?

• A. Exploratory research
• B. Descriptive research
• C. Explanatory research
• D. Applied research

Answer: (A)

Exploratory research is used when there isn’t much prior knowledge about a phenomenon and the goal is to ask what is going on. It’s flexible and open-ended, often qualitative, so researchers can observe, interview, and gather broad information to generate ideas, identify variables, and form hypotheses for future study. This approach is ideal when you want to map out a topic, understand context, and uncover new angles without being tied to a specific expectation. Descriptive research, by contrast, aims to detail what exists with predefined questions and measures. Explanatory research tries to explain relationships or causes and tests hypotheses. Applied research focuses on solving a practical problem, often with clearer aims from the start.

Exploratory research is used when there isn’t much prior knowledge about a phenomenon and the goal is to ask what is going on. It’s flexible and open-ended, often qualitative, so researchers can observe, interview, and gather broad information to generate ideas, identify variables, and form hypotheses for future study. This approach is ideal when you want to map out a topic, understand context, and uncover new angles without being tied to a specific expectation.

Descriptive research, by contrast, aims to detail what exists with predefined questions and measures. Explanatory research tries to explain relationships or causes and tests hypotheses. Applied research focuses on solving a practical problem, often with clearer aims from the start.